Martin's Coffee Shop — Restaurant in Brookline

I got pork chops at a little diner in New york recently and I was so pleased that a small nondescript place could make such a tasty grilled chop ,that i remembered going to Martins 25-30 years ago. I went today to rekindle a relationship, but I was met with thin VERY overcooked rubbery hard jaw chewing inedible "chops" .My " Country breakfast "came with pancakes too ,which for some reason they decided to cook and bring out first,so I waited to eat them ordered a " fresh squeezed" orange juice that didn't taste fresh squeezed but did have a slight rancid taste like it had been sitting out. When I got to the pancakes ,repurposed maple syrup jars were filled with " Pancake syrup" when I inquired of contents, a staff member said "syrup"when I asked what type of syrup another said "pancake".Since they didnt offer ,I took a chance and asked if they had real Maple syrup,and they said for an additional price. I got it no problem, but the problem lied within the first bite. DISGUSTING!!!!!!. STALE HORRIBLE FLAVOR INEDIBLE. So I had an undrinkable orange juice the " kiddie" size for over 5 dollars ,inedible pork chops ,and almost vomit inducing pancakes with wasted the upcharge maple syrup. The waitress took off the orange juice supposedly but said for the other issues I'd have to take it up with the manager. I didnt bother. Martins used to be an inexpensive no frills inexpensive place to get regular good food ,now times have changed . They are not inexpensive ( these day I understand) andthe food wasn't good by ANY stretch.Now lm sure training staff is hard,but common sense dictates you dont need to cook a wafer thin pork chop until its rubberized. And as for the "high quality"pancake mix I read you use, maybe check storage ,expiration dates and prep methods cuz I literally had to spit it into a napkin. And truthfully, the OJ tasted like a sip of that carton in your fridge thats way past the expiration date and you wanted to check anyway. This is not what I remembered from Martins. I really want institutions like this to thrive, and i love to be able to support them and other institutions like them,but ,with this all around lack of quality on their part,maybe they shouldn't survive. In response to the owners response, the only reason I would come back would be for a refund. I DID buy the real maple syrup as I stated but it was wasted on those disgustingly tasting things you called pancakes. I would not be trying your food again because I like GOOD food with quality ingredients. You dont offer that at your establishment. Your practices and protocols are not to a decent standard and when a customer is still charged for food that they couldn't eat because it was disgusting, and doesn't get refunded without having to hash it out with a Manager, I want no part of patronizing a business like this. Dear friends of mine used to swear by you. Simple good folks who like simple good food. You're not that...

UPDATE: Adela from Martin's called me personally to apologize for my experience and assured me that if I choose to go back, they'll redo my lunch free of charge. 5 stars for Adela.

Sad to share that I cannot patronize this establishment again. I went there on Friday towards the end of their day (2:30ish) to pick up an online order. When I got back to my office to eat, I realized that there was a hair in my wrap (at a little after 3:00.. their closing time). I just thought "Oh well.. I'll take a picture and show them when I get back to the office on Monday and they'll make it right". When I went back on Monday, the hostess gave me a number to call. I called and spoke to the manager who told me it's against the policy to issue refunds on food, and that I should have gone right back after I noticed the hair. I explained that I noticed after their restaurant was closed and I was going home for the weekend. It didn't dawn on me to call them first thing in the morning on Saturday to let them know about the hair because I JUST KNEW they'd be reasonable enough to issue me the refund or remake my food when I showed them proof of the hair on Monday when I was back in town. But he didn't budge and insisted that I'd waited too long to complain. He said he gets 20+ complaints like this a week and he "cannot make an exception to the policy for me". I'm shocked that there is such a policy that prevents someone who received unacceptable food from getting their money back. Regardless of whether it was 1, 2 or 10 days later. And I'll never understand why he'd lose a loyal customer over the price of a chicken club wrap but...

First time in this place. It is really the first time I have ever posted a review. But feel the need to do so. It’s a small place and I had walked by a few times. And thought today I would give it a try. But sadly don’t think I’m coming back.

I wasn’t sure if I should come in because I have a walker. But was somehow accommodated. I had a bag and was going to put in underneath near my foot on the floor near the end of the bar. But was told to go to sit at a single table and place my bags there. As they needed the space at/near the end of the bar. Ok, but felt it was rather rude how I was instructed. . When I was about finished eating, the waitress came over and asked if I wanted anything else. When I stated no, the check was provided and then the waitress proceeded to take my plate without asking me if I was done. For which, I quickly replied, I wanted to finish the few pieces of toast on my plate. Never got a sorry…simply walked away. But, I will note it was interesting to hear it being asked at the next table if their plate could be taken when she brought them their check. Why was I an exception?

Oh…I will add…, since it was breakfast..I assumed home fries or something besides Chips- sadly home fries is what I thought she meant until she came with a bag of chips. Oh well I’ll take that as my fault not asking for clarity.

The mayo on the BLT tasted a bit odd, but I thought it was just me- I’m sure I’ll find out soon.

I only came in because I really wanted a BLT. But I will say, I won’t be coming back. Which is rather sad, as I’m in the area daily and eating someplace in...