Elmer's Diner — Restaurant in Danbury

Last night, I went to Elmer’s Diner with my little sister, and unfortunately, the experience was incredibly disappointing. I ordered the stuffed shells with a side of meatballs. The service was poor from the start, and the food took a while to arrive. When it finally did, the meatballs were so tough I couldn’t even cut them in half—they seemed like they had been microwaved. The stuffed shells were just as bad: hard, dry, and difficult to chew. I’ve truly never tasted anything like it.

When the waitress checked in and asked how everything was, I told him, “It’s okay,” clearly implying that it wasn’t great. After the meal, I had to track him down just to get the check. I went up to the host stand and, kindly and respectfully, let the host know that we didn’t enjoy our food at all—but I was still willing to pay for it.

She brought over the manager, who immediately got defensive and passive-aggressive, asking why I didn’t say anything earlier or order something else instead. I explained I just wanted a good meatball—nothing more, nothing less. I had actually planned to give the diner another chance and try the breakfast, but after the way the manager handled the situation, I won’t be going back. The manager left briefly and came back to say “he asked you how your food was and you told him good” it seemed like he was trying to argue with me, i didn’t need $5 off my meal, and i wasn’t complaining just for money off. The food was dead awful, there was no need for him to get so defensive and rude.

What made the situation worse was him speaking in Spanish about the discount in front of me, as if I wouldn’t understand. I found that incredibly disrespectful and unprofessional. Overall, the entire experience—from the food to the customer service—was a letdown.

The host however saw I was upset with the managers reaction and which case she apologized for him. This is what a manager does, the owner should rethink their positions. That young lady was the only nice thing about this...

I lived in Danbury for 8 years and Elmer’s was my family’s spot religiously. At least one of us ate there 4-5 times a week whether for breakfast, lunch or late nights to grab something to eat. I returned after moving away for two years. I was so dissatisfied with the server I had. She not only got my order wrong which was a grilled chicken sandwich on gluten free bread for allergy reasons, but when she returned with the sandwich, it was dry grilled chicken on white bread without any lettuce, tomato or any side mayonnaise as the usual option. We never were offered water refill and the two children’s menu supposedly includes dessert which wasn’t offered instead the check was on the table never asking if we wanted anything else. I always give more than 20% tip especially at a place I’m familiar with but today I gave less than for poor service. I’m sorry to say but I will be changing my...

Honestly some of the best fried food I have ever eaten. For me, at least at 4:00 AM for a road trip pit stop, there was a bit of a language barrier, since I do not speak Spanish. My first waiter did not understand my asking for tomato juice and I didn't know how to ask for it in Spanish.

The menu is huge, and initially the waitress was hesitant to offer a recommendation, telling me everything is good. I finally persuaded her to recommend a sandwich. I ordered a fried chicken sandwich, which arrived on a perfectly toasted, yeasty bun and was built with the exact right balance of lettuce tomato and mayonnaise. I ordered it with sweet potato fries that were perfectly crispy and delicious. Even the dill pickle was perfection.

I can't speak to other items on the menu, but given how delicious my sandwich and fries were, it's entirely possible that the waitress is correct and...