Route 3 Diner — Restaurant in Delaware

Understanding that this is a new establishment, I can only review it honestly as it was, on the day of our meal. I, for good conscious, can not provide a padded review due to their being new because this would be a disservice. I did wait a couple of days to be able to review and provide a better insight.

This is a new location and is quite crowded. They must not have considered this too much in the initial planning. There were over 20 people waiting (4 seats at a bar) the rest stood. We were seated rather quickly though so it was not too bad. Upon being seated the waiter asked for our drink order. We were informed that even though the Lemonade was listed under "Free Refills" on the new menu, it did not have them. We asked if he would check and he departed the table. A Waitress then came to the table and asked to take our drink order. We were told once again that there were no refills and we thanked her.

The food order included a chicken finger appraiser as well as our meals and sides. The chicken fingers were barely seasoned and it came with a bland marinara sauce. My wife chose the quesadilla which had one piece of chicken with peppers and onions (no cheese). This made it really bad and my wife couldn't eat it due to it being peppers and onions without any cheese or chicken. I had ordered the Fried Seafood Lover's plate. This dish had fried: fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops. oysters, a crab cake and onion rings. When I received the meal it had the fish, shrimp, one small onion ring and the crab cake. I asked about the missing items and was told that they were out of oysters. Another manger cane out to verify that I wanted the missing items that I was being charged for and re-iterated that they were out of Oysters. About 20 minutes later I received the scallops and oysters (yes, I double checked and there were oysters which they did not supposedly have).

At the ending of the meal I received a desert and asked for it to go. They had run out of containers so they put it in a cup. This was not a problem but shows that they were hit harder then they expected. Remember they are new. Right now the great majority of the staff is untrained - working only a day or two. I gave them two stars for the meals and service. The service should improve over time as well as the communication between the kitchen and servers. I should try again in a couple of months to see if they...

I had the pleasure of dining at Route 3 Diner last night, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that immediately set the tone for a wonderful evening. The staff's attentive and friendly service further enhanced the overall atmosphere.

However, the true star of the evening was the Fish dinner I ordered. The moment it arrived at the table, I was captivated by the exquisite presentation – a true work of culinary art. The fish itself was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful with every bite. The delicate balance of seasoning and the freshness of the ingredients truly elevated the dish to a new level.

What truly sets Route 3 Diner apart is their dedication to detail. The subtle nuances in the flavors, the artful arrangement on the plate, and the evident passion that goes into each dish make it evident that this is not just a meal, but a culinary experience to be cherished. The Fish dinner was not just a dish, but a symphony of flavors that danced harmoniously on my palate.

I can't help but commend the chef and the entire kitchen team for their culinary prowess. The dedication they put into their craft is reflected in every mouthwatering bite. This is a place where passion meets plate, and it's a journey that every food enthusiast should embark on.

Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend Route 3 Diner to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply appreciate fine cuisine, this establishment has set the bar remarkably high. Thank you, Route 3 Diner, for an evening of gastronomic delight that will be etched in my memory for a long...

UPDATE: We’re heartbroken to share that the quality here just hasn’t been the same since early 2022. I don’t know what changed exactly but after 8 months of bad orders, we had to stop eating here. The quality is just too inconsistent.

ORIGINAL REVIEW POSTED IN 2021: This spot is the best breakfast diner around. We’ve been going here for years and it has literally never disappointed us. The portions are generous and the meals are always put together thoughtfully. The wonderful family who owns this spot is clearly hardworking and know good food!!

After going here for breakfast for 2 years, we finally ventured out and began ordering from the lunch/dinner menu. Boy we were not disappointed! The sandwiches are commercial-worthy.

To give you a few examples: a side of bacon comes with at least 6, thick-cut, full pieces (none of that measly transparent bacon from other spots); the breakfast omelettes come on a plate the size of a platter, complete with a full half plate of hashbrowns; the BLT is basically 2 BLT’s stacked (3 pieces of bread, one in the middle) and it comes cut into 4 triangle-shaped pieces which are each held together by a toothpick (it’s a thick sandwich); the carrot cake, which is beyond delicious, comes as a very generously portioned slice.

The ingredients are always fresh. The people are always friendly.

It’s a dream. I feel so grateful to have this spot so close by! They deserve all of the...