Sara's Diner — Restaurant in Crystal River

I wrote the following 5 years ago, with a 5 star rating:

Always good food. My favorite breakfast spot.

And now for the update, after my last visit on August 5, 2022:

I have hesitated writing this review for over a year. But it is now apparent that this is the new "normal", since the downhill trend that began upon reopening after the pandemic hit. This was the last time we will go, after almost 7 years of this being a regular choice when eating out.

The menu choices have been drastically reduced, and prices have increased (fair to say though that prices are going up everywhere).

For the second time in recent months, one person in my party ordered the open-faced turkey and was disappointed - again. The turkey is now lunch meat turkey, not sliced turkey meat. The bread under the turkey and gravy was stale and chewy. Poultry gravy was not used.

Another person got a burger and fries, which were fine.

I ordered the cold tuna plate as I have many times. I, too, was disappointed the last time but wanted to try again. The tuna is no longer albacore, and was very bland. The hard boiled eggs were overcooked. The potato salad and cole slaw may have been OK, but I was so disappointed in the tuna that even they were unsatisfying.

The sweet tea isn't...

Do not arrive after 12 noon. They do NOT want your bussiness after noon. Myself amd a friend arrived at Sara's on 12:50pm Sunday August 17th. Once entering the establishment I noticed plenty of seating avalible. I asked one of the lady's behind the bar area for a table. First a younger lady said it's going to be a while, which I said ok can I set at the bar until a table is ready. She replied, it's going to be a while once again. I waited around a minute not wanting to set at the bar thinking I may upset the emplyee. Another older women walked by. I asked her if any of the vacant/clean tables were avalible. She said at the empty table where in an area that was had to be closed by noon. I asked if it was due to a reservation or group ariving. She said No, we close it everyday at noon. I said ok, and about that time the table setting closest to the door got up and left (not in closed area). Thinking they may have over herd our conversation, I thanked them. I asked again, can I set at this table. She said no. At this point, i was upset. I even offered to bust the dirty table for them.....Why turn down business when you have the availability? I understand they work hard, but don't take your...

Thank you SARA'S DINER!!! This has been one of our local favorites for the year we have lived here, but no more. We came into your restaurant today @ 1:30 for late lunch before boating. We sat immediately & ordered fried chicken, our fav here. We were told it was too late in the day to order fried chicken, although it was listed on menu. Really? Open 30 more minutes but cant accomodate us? Called & asked for owner after leaving & was stunned to be told the same from him... Too late for chicken?!?!?? REALLY??

I guess they don't need the business because I told him they had just lost two regular customers. He said OK.

Went just north down the road to Oysters for some fine, fine southern cooking. Actually WAY FAR SUPERIOR to Sarah's.

So I say again, THANK YOU Sarah's. Your bad attitude turned into our good fortune??

AND FYI - Oysters health grade rating was also superior to yours. Theirs an A and yours a low B. Being in the restaurant business for years & years, we know the importance of this!!!!!!!!!

Highly recommend Oysters Southern Cooking... just down the road north of...