Cindi's NY Deli & Restaurant — Restaurant in Dallas

I decided to visit Cindis on a whim after discovering that Ellen's was closed. Parking was scarce, but luckily, it wasn't a bustling day downtown, so I found a meter around the corner and went in.

The restaurant was clean, warm, and inviting. The menu featured diner and delicatessen options, with several good choices. On my first visit, I decided to test the quality of the Texas diner by ordering chicken fried steak and eggs.

Shortly after placing my order, I noticed a person who I assumed was the manager or owner (Steve?) leaving. I could sense the challenges they might be facing.

The food was just okay. It seems like the dishes were not made from scratch. The chicken fried steak tasted like it was prepackaged and reheated. The hash browns were unseasoned, and the biscuit lacked flavor as if it was also prepackaged. The gravy was bland, reminding me of powdered gravy mix and milk.

No one checked on me while I was eating (for 22 minutes; I know from my meter). I wasn't surprised since the manager was absent. I miss the days when managers were on the floor in the dining room checking on tables. They may have had an opportunity to save this visit, but not if no one was there to check. I might have told the server if she was there, but she likely would have taken it to the short-order cook, who would have asked what I wanted him to do. However, he can't change the food quality and procedures the owners gave him.

If I come back, it will be to get a New York experience because they missed the mark on...

I'm southern to the bone so it was not my kinda food but my wife is a Yankee and she liked it. I was excited to try it but realized it's not for me. Cute cozy spot though. I'd go again with her and give other dishes a try. It's got a ton of good reviews so don't go buy me. I'm used to rice and gravy and certain spices, "NY" and northern style food lacks flavor somehow. I eat all kinds of food too , Greek, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Thai so I'm not some person who is closed off taste wise. This was just basic food that lacked stand out flavor. I had a bowl of chili , a sandwich (mix of meats) and an egg creme. Egg creme was interesting, I'd have another. Chili was beanless , I hadn't read the description so I assumed it was meat and beans, the flavor wasn't horrible just not as good as I've had plus it was super greasy. Like a separation between bowl and chili layer of grease. The bread that came with it was fantastic tho. Had mix meat sandwich and the meat flavor felt dry and tasteless the bread wasn't great either. I want to try a Ruben next time we go. I've had those before and I like them , maybe Cindis makes a mean one. 4 stars because despite my tastes it's obvious they...

Oh, my, that was really quite enjoyable!! I planned to do a breakfast experience here while in Dallas, mostly based on online research and recommendations. I can definitely understand that popularity, as I'm now a new fan as well. On my first attempt there were several parties waiting outside to be seated, so I decided to come back later in my stay. The next day was a Monday and Cindi's is closed, so I knew I'd still attempt a return the following day. This was during the very busy extended weekend of the solar eclipse. I did return on Tuesday morning and was immediately seated with very friendly and attentive service throughout by Laurie. She was excellent!! There were several items I'd enjoyed trying, but eventually chose the German Pancakes, which were deeeelicious. That bit of lemon squeeze made a nice difference. I was very impressed by the whole breakfast dining experience and can HIGHLY recommend Cindi's to others who may be make dining choices. Go!! Enjoy!! I know i certainly...