NORMS Restaurant — Restaurant in Downey

I recently visited NORMS, the classic diner chain that’s been a Southern California staple for decades. Located conveniently off the main highway, NORMS promises a quintessential diner experience that’s perfect for a casual meal any time of day or night. Known for its 24/7 service, NORMS offers a menu filled with a variety of American comfort food classics, from pancakes and burgers to steaks and salads. My visit left me with mixed feelings, reflecting the restaurant's average three-star rating. Ambience and Service Walking into NORMS is like stepping back in time. The retro decor, complete with neon lights and vinyl booths, creates an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950s. The ambiance is relaxed and family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for both solo diners and groups. The service during my visit was prompt, but it felt a bit rushed. The staff was courteous, though they seemed a bit overwhelmed by the number of guests, which is understandable given NORMS' popularity at peak hours. Despite the busyness, our server was attentive enough to ensure our drinks were refilled promptly and that we had everything we needed. Food Quality and Presentation The menu at NORMS is extensive, offering everything from breakfast classics to hearty dinner options. I decided to try their famous "Bigger Better Breakfast," which includes two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausages, and a choice of pancakes or toast. The portion size was generous, and the presentation was typical of a diner—simple and straightforward. The eggs were cooked perfectly to my liking, and the bacon was crisp without being overly greasy. The pancakes, however, were slightly underwhelming. While fluffy, they lacked the buttery richness I had hoped for. Additionally, the syrup provided was a bit too sweet, overpowering the pancakes rather than complementing them. For lunch, I opted for the classic NORMS Burger, which came with a side of fries. The burger was satisfying, with a juicy patty and fresh toppings. The bun was soft and held together well despite the generous serving of condiments. The fries were crispy and seasoned just right, making them a highlight of the meal. My dining companion ordered the T-bone steak, which NORMS prides itself on. Cooked to a requested medium rare, the steak was flavorful, though it could have benefited from a touch more seasoning. It came with a side of steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes, both of which were decent but not particularly memorable. Value for Money One of NORMS' key selling points is its affordability. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes. The "Bigger Better Breakfast" is particularly good value, providing a filling meal that can easily sustain you through a busy morning. The overall cost of the meal was fair, aligning with what you would expect from a diner of this style. Areas for Improvement While NORMS offers a solid dining experience, there are areas where it could improve to enhance customer satisfaction. Firstly, the consistency of food quality could be better, particularly with items like pancakes that seemed lackluster compared to other offerings. The service, while generally efficient, could benefit from better management during peak times to ensure that guests don't feel rushed or overlooked. Additionally, the ambiance, while charming, could use a refresh to keep it feeling vibrant and not dated. Conclusion NORMS delivers a classic diner experience that many people seek out for its nostalgic charm and straightforward menu. While it may not offer a gourmet experience, it provides comfort food that satisfies basic cravings at a reasonable price. Its three-star rating reflects its strengths in offering a reliable dining option with areas that could use attention. For those who appreciate a nostalgic diner setting and hearty portions, NORMS is worth a visit. However, if you’re looking for an extraordinary culinary experience, you might find the food and service at NORMS falling short of expectations. Overall, NORMS remains a...

Sooooooo.. our night began waiting in the lobby because went allowed to be seated until half our party arrived.. we were a party of 3 waiting on 8 other people.. so 40 minutes pass and my party arrived.. great, here we go! We're short of starving but I don't want to exaggerate.. we drove from Murrieta to see my nephew graduate at LBCC.. when were taken to our table/s, I expected a booth and a table next to it, it would have seated 11 comfortably.. nope! It was two tables next to each other and the third was across the aisle.. so having dinner with my family wound up being dinner with my wife and son.. I love my wife and son but I don't see my sister, nieces and nephew very often so I was a little upset, on top of hungry.. we order.. we get our food.. my son and I get cold fries.. I sent mine back to reheat and be made hot and crispy.. but what I got back were warm and greasy fries.. unacceptable!! Every American is making less money, paying more to restaurants to eat and the service is getting worse! Been here before for breakfast on Father's Day 3 years ago and everything was great! It wasn't so great this time.. you rule that we couldn't sit at our table unless half of the party was there is ridiculous.. you lost money, we were thirsty and hungry and instead of satisfying us, you made our visit miserable .. we won't be returning...

Update: November 7th 2020 - We arrived at 10:07am and we were told the wait was 30 minutes. 40 minutes passed and still no hopes of being seated. When we brought it up their attention they just said it was another while longer and there was a big line of customers waiting to be seated. It was very cold outside and it rained earlier but the sun was out. There was plenty of space available on the other side of the restaurant and they had all of the customers waiting in the cold. When we asked why we couldn't be seated on the other side they said no. My sister spoke to the Manger Susan Cook which said "I am not going to have my employees running thru the rain if it starts raining again". My sister asked her if she rather have her customers waiting outside in the cold for over 30 minutes instead of using the other tables Susan she said yes.. This woman has zero common sense and does not value our business. We left to the Norms on Rosemead and we were seated within 5 minutes. The service at the Pico Rivera location is great and nothing compared to the South Gate location which really sucks. This place was awesome! The wait for a table was around 15 minutes which is less than what we were told. Our food was very good and the portions are big, they're not stingy with their condiments or extras and the...