Thelma's Family Restaurant & Bakery — Restaurant in California

Saturday evening, we thought we’d try this place, when we got there it said “cash only”which made us raise an eyebrow. I wanted to leave because the place just looks so rundown. But the other three in my party wanted to give it a try.

We each ordered a different entrée. The salads looked OK and one person ordered a soup which she thought was OK. I ordered a glass of red wine and was surprised that it was cold the first thing that we were not happy about. Obviously they don’t know anything about wine.

When our entrées arrived I was a little surprised with my spaghetti marinara. It tasted like it was just a can of warmed up crushed tomatoes. The spaghetti was mushy and broken and the bottom of the plate was filled with water. The garlic toast was soggy from it. Also, I believe my pasta was listed to have cost $13.99 but on the bill they charged us $14.59 which may have been the cost of the meat sauce.

The chicken pot pie once broken open was no good either. There was no sauce or gravy as mentioned in the description and what you’d expect to eat. She said the chicken tasted like precooked packaged meat. The inside of it looked like it was lumpy. And the person eating it said that the vegetables were not cooked, they were hard.

One of the guys ordered a steak that was over $25. When it arrived it was about an eighth of an inch thick terrible! The baked potato was so doused with butter it was greasy and he had to scrape it all off.

The final entrée, was a chicken fried steak. I asked, if it had a mustard sauce on it because there was yellow glop on top of it. He said he thought it was some sort of gravy like from an envelope. His mashed potatoes looked gray and disgusting. None of us finished our dinners and only tolerated a couple bites. You’d think the waitress, removing nearly full plates of food, would have asked if anything was wrong but of course did not. My companions did not want to complain though I did. Since I was not paying I decided not to say anything to the waitress or ask for management. However when we all got in the car and even the very next day no one had anything good to say about it.

Going to the ATM To get cash when we arrived, I noticed that the double swinging doors not only were worn out but were black with filth. The vinyl on some of the seats was broken and the fireplace hearth was even cracked and broken.

None of us will ever eat at that place again! I just wish that I would’ve been allowed to say something because with tip it was over $100 for this disgusting food that we could...

DO NOT GO HERE!! Poor service and disgusting, cold food. First, they sat us at a dirty table and came to clean it 2 mins later. Took about 15 mins for anyone to come back to take our order. Ordered jalapeño bottle caps, but received mushrooms instead. They took the mushrooms back, but then came out 10 minites later with the mushrooms and jalapeños. I didn't try the mushrooms but they looked greasy. The jalapeños tasted old and were doused in grease/oil. I had to ask for ranch (that was supposed to be with the jalapeños as the menu stated). Our salads came out, but none of us had silverware or napkins (still). You could see the oil emanating from the croutons....so greasy that they were soft. By the time our actual meals came out our drinks had already been empty for 10 minutes and we had to ask for refills, which were done one at a time. My chicken pot pie wasn't even lukewarm...it was cold. Sent it back. It came with a bowl of gravy (I think thats what it was but atill not sure). It was just a gelatenous, yellow gel of something. The pot pie was mostly a paste...only found two carrot and celery pieces. The Western Burger came with very little BBQ sauce...just a little squirt in the middle of the bun. The meat tasted boiled and flavorless. The ribs were nothing but fat. I couldn't even stand to look at the stringy, chewy fat. When drinks were refilled, ice wasn't added so soda was lukewarm. $130 of terrible service and disgusting food....

Small mom pop restaurant style. I've been here a few times now, once with my wife indoor. And occasionally with a motorcycle group patio.

Atmosphere: Cozy and chill. Inside is small with the home like feeling. Restrooms are individual size and could use an update. If visiting for the spring summer then outside patio is the way to go. Especially if your group is large and loud (like a motorcycle group).

Food: If anything I come here primarily for the food. I'm a fan of their prime rib breakfast. Although they can improve on over easy eggs turning into a fried eggs (I'm a vivid home cook, I can't help it). You won't be disappointed no matter what I say. Medium price range so prepare to spend about $20 per adult. Typical drafts on tap and bottle.

Parking: Is plentiful on both sides of the building with possible street parking. For the size of the restaurant, if the parking is packed then it is really busy.

Cons: As mentioned restrooms need a major update. It's manageable, but some may find it slightly tacky. This factor is what held me back from giving a five star. Side room to the right side when you enter has a very low ceiling. Tall people be aware. This is an old building and it shows. CASH ONLY!!! $1.50 ATM Fee.

Overall: Don't let the cons stop you from enjoying a meal here. This place has a loyalty following from observing guests and conversations. A place I enjoy stoping by when I'm with a motorcycle group, my spouse,...