Holiday Grill Coney Island — Restaurant in Dearborn

I went here around 8:30 am on a Sunday for a carryout, and ordered what reads on the menu as a “plain waffle” and a side of bacon. When I got home and opened the container, there were 4 circular waffles that resembled something made by the frozen Eggo brand — all of which were sprinkled with powdered sugar. I also received no butter with my order, which is always included when someone orders waffles at a restaurant. And just to point out, they’re charging $4.49 for this.

I called back and asked if this is what they usually serve to customers, and the young lady on the phone said yes…the waffles come “pre-made.” She was very nice and proceeded to write down my concerns to present to her manager. When I asked if he was available to speak with me, the employee checked and came back to say the manager was unfortunately busy at the time. However, he told her to let me know I could bring the waffles back and he’d mix up some fresh batter to make me a Belgian one. At that point, I was already home, so I absolutely was not going back to that restaurant. I just threw the waffles in the garbage, along with my wasted time and money.

I recognize my error in assuming that when a seemingly reputable dining establishment with above average reviews lists a “plain waffle” as an option on their menu, it usually means the Belgian kind. However, under no circumstances would I have guessed that they would be serving Eggo-style waffles I can purchase across the street at Kroger for half the price. They have the audacity to do this and just sprinkle powdered sugar on it, plus the manager comes up with that ridiculous solution to have me bring the order all the way back so he can make me a proper waffle? Very disappointing experience and horrible customer service.

In the future, it would be best to explain on your menu that you’re offering pre-made, frozen waffles to let the customer decide if they want to go that route. The way it’s presented now is incredibly misleading, and I personally feel like I’ve just wasted my hard...

I have been coming here for years, and always get the same thing, the Holiday Grill Salad. Earlier this year price on this increased to around $12.50, now at $14.99 - later the same year. I paid nearly $20 for a salad (with tip and an extra side of dressing), only to get home and realize I was given someone else’s breakfast syrup and ketchup instead of the dressing. I called the restaurant immediately after getting home, and explained that I not only didn’t get my extra dressing that I paid for, but I didn’t get the dressing that should’ve come with the salad either. I was told that I could just come up to the restaurant to pick it up (with no apology for the mistake, I might add) or I could get extra dressing next time I come in. I didn’t feel like leaving my house again to go pick up the dressing that should have come with my salad, so I explained that my salad should be credited since I paid for an incomplete meal. And instead ate it with dressing from Kroger. I called a few days later and mentioned the issue. The manager said my dressing was credited, not a replacement for the salad. The dressing that would have been free since it should have been included anyway. He said I already got the salad. I paid nearly $20 for a salad, and that’s the level of customer service you receive in return for the restaurant’s mistake. I understand mistakes happen, however a good manager would make sure the issue was rectified. Absolutely ridiculous mentality for a manager. In response to manager’s message: I placed my order on Tuesday 7/5 at 6:03 pm, called to inform restaurant of the issue the same day at 6:29 pm. Spoke to the same person who took my order and handled me my order. I was told there was a message written down for the manager. Regardless of inflation, I sincerely doubt any other restaurant would have “handled”...

Unfortunately the end of an era.

Pricing used to be good. Recent price hikes go way beyond inflation into Birmingham territory. If I want Birmingham prices, I’ll go to Birmingham. $15 for a salad, $9 for a Breakfast “Special”. Remember: you are a CONEY ISLAND. Inexpensive consistent food should be your mantra. The food quality, prep, ambiance, and service doesn’t match these prices (yes, I’m also thinking about the handwritten signs all over the front door telling me what I can and can’t do, among many other things 🤣). Back in the day, these idiosyncrasies were endearing, now I come to expect more from a place trying to put itself into this category of restaurant.

Speaking of service: I used to go out of my way to come to the Grill to see Tony, Kathy, and Stacy, to name a few of the great waitresses over the years. These are seasoned vets that keep the regulars happy. Does ownership think people will keep coming? What does the data tell you out of those cash registers?

I’d expect Sunday mid-morning for this place to be brimming full with a wait due to the post church crowd, today it’s 3/4 full; a sign that I’m not the only one disappointed in the direction of this once beloved Dearborn Institution.

RIP Holiday Grill....