Community Restaurant — Restaurant in City of Cortland

My family has been going to the Community Restaurant in Cortland for 30+ years. We have always been happy with the food and service until about two years ago, when things started going downhill. At that time we had a large family reunion. We were directed to a long table in the back. That corner of the restaurant was infested with FLIES. And all the waitress would say, was that there was nothing she could do about it. TOTAL turn off.

A few months ago, I returned with my Mom and got the Gyro, a dish I often get. It was dry and tasteless, and took far too long to get. What happened? New cook?

But the real kicker was the service my brother, Mom and I got this Sunday night. We arrived 1 1/2 hour before closing time. The waitress took our order, delivered it and promptly disappeared. I needed some butter for my pita bread. The waitress never came back to the table to ask us if we needed anything, or were satisfied. We tried to draw the attention of the gal at the counter, and the other waitresses, but they kept ignoring us. Finally another waitress came and asked us what we wanted and brought me some butter. It is not as if they were overloaded with work. There was only one other table eating.

Then, before I could even get the butter spread on the bread, our original waitress showed up and started picking up our plates and silver while we were still EATING! She almost took the knife out of my hand! She hovered over me until I finished and grabbed my plate. She never asked us if we wanted any coffee or a desert. She tried to rush us out, even though the restaurant didn't close for another hour.

We went to the cash register to pay our bill. My Mom got out her credit card.. She normally gives a 20% tip. I told her this waitress didn't deserve a penny. It was so pitch black by the cash register,, my Mom couldn't see to write out the tip and total up the bill. We mentioned this, but the girl at the cash register didn't sound like she cared. My Mom gave the credit card slip to my brother (who has better vision), and he penned in the 20% tip my family customarily gives. His reasoning is that we don't want to make waves at a restaurant we visit all the time.

I think that was a mistake. Giving that gal a 20% tip was totally undeserved, and unfair to waitresses who give good service. And it is not too often that I feel this way. I am always liberal with tips.

My mom and brother may return to Community, but I won't. Not until I hear an apology from the management or waitress.

One last thing.... Our food wasn't all that...

Really can't say anything bad. My worst experience here was with the drunken pork, which was delicious, just not a pork guy, unless it's bbq. Usually get the pot roast which is somehow the most delicious pot roast in the world. I ordered the seafood platter last visit cause they had a special with mac and cheese instead of pilaf. I don't care for pilaf, or seafood platters. I do like trying various items and a well made, homemade mac and cheese. It was really good. I was pleased and would honestly order it again, if I gave the option of mac over pilaf. My wife is always happy with hers, she tries a variety of dishes, her favorite is the lamb. In fact, she wasn't my wife until I proposed to her at Community just before Christmas. The waiter that last served us, remembered us from a previous visit, which is always a great feeling. I feel bad I can't remember his name but next time we get him, I'll properly introduce myself and take note of his name. Pleasant, kind, and courteous young man. He really made us feel like we have become a member of this community. Highly recommended! It's our favorite...

I've been traveling to work in Cortland quite a bit lately and I am so happy I stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant. I'd have to say hands down, this is the best food in Cortland. You have to go to Syracuse to find anything close to this good. Last night I had the Ruben sandwich, Ceasar salad with gyro meat and they were both great... definitely one of the best Ruben sandwiches I have ever had. Tonight, I tried the blackened salmon on a bed of perfectly cooked sautéed spinach which had garlic and onion, asparagus and that was perfectly cooked as well. The falafel balls were perfect, nice crunchy texture, only thing that was missing was a nice hummus or tzatziki dipping sauce. The beet and goat cheese spinach salad was also amazing (even though they forgot to add any goat cheese to my salad) the dressing was perfect, lightly sweetened and perfectly seasoned. I will be returning tomorrow night to try the delmonico...