I love Doug's Diner, it's been a staple of mine for several years. The experience I had at this location was the antithesis of all my other interactions at Doug's. I'm celiac and love that Doug's in Boulder is understanding and has several alternatives. Not a big deal if a place doesn't but more on that to follow.
I was helped by a server named Kyle. After we had our coffee I asked Kyle if they had gluten-free bread. Other locations have gluten-free green chile and such but I found out this one didn't based on a previous visit so I was unsure on the bread. Kyle proceeded to tell me how there was literally gluten on everything in the Kitchen and if I was celiac I shouldn't be dining here. I'm paraphrasing but his words were, "there's gluten, like, everywhere back there." I said I get it, thanks for letting me know but I should be good as long as I don't straight up eat it. I get fits with contact contamination but such as life, it's no big deal. He goes to get our coffee.
When he takes our order my mom orders a meal with tortillas and asks for corn instead of wheat. Kyle says if we're allergic to gluten we shouldn't be dining there. My mom responds saying it's a flavor preference and that she's not gluten intolerant. He then goes back to telling me how I shouldn't be eating here because I'm gluten free. He further says that every Doug's is different and that they're nothing like the Boulder location. I get that they all want to be localized, that's cool.
I'd had enough, I listened to his advice and despite being there one time prior and having a good meal decided he really seemed to not want me to eat there. I've never felt so degraded by a waiter. I literally had no problem with the food preparation and he seemed to really want to make sure I knew there was a problem and there should be a problem. When I told my mom that we should just leave, I mean, according to Kyle there were no food preparations measures being taken in the kitchen. No bueno. So I say I'm happy to pay for the coffee but we're going to leave now and Kyle says that if I've eaten at the Boulder location that they do everything the same as them. He literally told me the exact opposite information 5 minutes prior.
I'm sorry, I love Doug's Diner but this second visit to this location was (trying not to be dramatic) the first time I've sat down with coffee and literally walked out of a restaurant. It's the worst brunch experience I've ever had. Worst restaurant experience I've ever had. And Doug's is great, but today they really wanted to make sure I was not welcome. I won't be returning to this location. I called the manager and she apologized and I get it, it happens, people are people. But it doesn't excuse the waiters' behavior and based on what he shared about the kitchen I would heavily warn anyone with a food allergy or sensitivity no matter how severe to stay away from this location. If he is misinformed and going back and forth about food safety and allergies I worry about other practices in the kitchen. If you have a food allergy this location allegedly take no precautions to accommodate and will literally do everything but ask you to leave if you require it.
My mom, daughter and I ended up getting Chipotle. Certainly not what I had wanted for a little grandmother/granddaughter dinner date but at least they treated me with respect. Who would've thought?
Doug's is great but is a franchise and every one is different which can be a valuable asset...or in Superior's case,...
Read moreA Hidden Gem with a Homemade Touch
If you're looking for a cozy spot with a warm atmosphere, delicious food, and a team that genuinely cares, PJ’s Diner is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted with friendly smiles and a welcoming vibe that immediately makes you feel at home.
What sets this diner apart is their commitment to making everything from scratch. You can taste the difference in every bite – whether it’s their perfectly fluffy pancakes, homemade awesomeness smothered in green chili or savory breakfast sammies. You know you're in for something special when the kitchen is pumping out dishes that are full of flavor and made with care.
The staff here are top-notch, attentive, and always happy to recommend their favorite dishes or strike up a friendly conversation. It’s clear that they’re a tight-knit team who enjoy what they do, which adds so much to the overall experience. Whether you’re here for a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch, you’ll feel like part of the family.
The vibe of the diner is relaxed but energetic – a place where you can enjoy a hearty meal while feeling like you're in the heart of the community. It's the kind of spot where regulars are greeted by name, and newcomers instantly feel like they belong.
PJ’s Diner is truly the greatest thing since sliced bread. It’s become the heart of the town, a place where people gather, laugh, and enjoy incredible meals together. If you haven’t been here yet, do yourself a favor and stop by. You’ll be hooked on the incredible food, the welcoming staff, and the genuine warmth of this place. It’s the perfect little diner that everyone should have in their...
Read moreThis used to be Dougs Day Diner and was a hidden breakfast gem. After the change to PJs the service has hit the floor, kind of like our buiscuit this morning!!! I keep giving it another chance but everytime the service disappoints. Either not getting a refill on coffee the entire meal through, taking orders from other tables that were seated after us, or like todays incident. Our food was brought to our table, my wifes buscuit slid off the plate as the waitress set the plates down, slid across a few inches of the table. The waitress gave an "oops" and asked what kind of jam we wanted..... I assumed she would get a replacement for the dropped buscuit when she brought the jam back. NOPE, totally cluless! She asked if we needed anything else... I though ok this is where shes going to go get the replacement buiscuit... My wife had placed it on her napkin in plain sight to be picked up.... I said I could use more coffee and we need a replacement napkin. The waitress returned....... With a refill on my coffee and a napkin... WAKE UP!!! During my meal I observed the same waitress use a damp cloth to wipe tables using no chemical or replacing cloth for a new one... So I assume she believes that the hundreds if not more germs that found a home on the biscuit were acceptable for us to eat.... I paid and tipped the lowest, 18%, offered on the computerized POS because I believe a job was still done but we will NEVER be back......
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