Paul's Family Restaurant — Restaurant in Elgin

Sadly disappointed. I used to come here often and raved about the ribs. Post COVID I wanted to bring a bunch of friends to try the place out and was not very happy. Not only is the price much higher than it was, you get anything but a full rack. I'd say half a rack is what we received. Prior to this we received at least a full rack. The quality wasn't what it once was either. COVID has changed so many things, you get less for more but I was hoping Paul's was different.

I wanted to update my review in response to their reply. The reply was written by ME, so what others may tell you is irrelevant. At least 3 of us got the "full slab of baby back ribs" Each person at my table agreed that this was about a half slab of ribs. Some were very tender (As they all used to be) and some were overcooked/dry. We even asked you about the lack of a full rack of ribs and you stated "sometimes there are more, sometimes there are less, that's how we get them". That's not an acceptable reason to not provide a full rack of ribs when you advertise a full rack of ribs. Two half slabs could have easily been cut to provide a full slab but it wasn't done. We were given 1/2 to MAYBE 3/4 a slab. (8 bones). Baby back ribs are 13 bones. "Baby back ribs have a total of 13 ribs. Meaning, if you were to order a "full rack" of ribs from a restaurant, you'd receive 13 ribs"

I fully understand inflation and the effect on the small business. My point was; while the ribs were decent, the price is much increased AND it was NOT even close to the advertised size of "a full rack of ribs" 8 ribs is NOT a full rack of ribs. Furthermore your price used to also INCLUDE that desert (Ice cream). I was unaware that was removed at the same time the price was significantly increased and the quantify of food significantly decreased. Not sure why we were offered "free" ice cream though as nobody really even wanted ice cream but they accepted it assuming it was part of the dinner. Overall, at $26 for a bit more than 1/2 of a slab of ribs that aren't of the quality they once were makes Paul's a pass for me moving forward. The value wasn't there for the quality of food provided.

I won't even get into the fact that you also pass on your CC processing fee to the customer...

On January 8, 2025, a friend I don't see very often and I went there for lunch, only to have what should have been a pleasant and relaxing experience ruined by a rude server who monopolized my friends' attention. She did this twice during our visit. This left me just sitting there, totally ignored for the better part of a half-an-hour. I called and spoke to the owner who I considered a friend, as she showed me great kindness when my mother was dying by treating me occasionally. When I tried to explain what happened that day, I was frequently interrupted by her, not being able to tell the whole story. She said she would not speak to the server individually, but just speak to the staff as a whole, which I don't feel was appropriate. I have been a life long patron of Paul's, which was before the owner was even brought into the business as a young bus girl. I am hurt, and I feel betrayed and devalued. On January 13th, I took a long, well thought out letter to the post office explaining to her how I felt and why; I haven't heard one word back from her, which speaks volumes to me. After a lifetime of patronizing their business, I no longer want to go where I am not valued. I'm truly sorry about this. I am very...

Well the waitress forgot to bring bread when asked to bring some extra bread then at the end of the meal when we were done asking for a box we say thank you for the bread and then she comes back without a box with a bag of bread he says no thank you I don't want it I say I will take it can you please give me a box though she then goes gets the box keeps the bread doesn't come back with the bread and gives me the box. And as you can see unfortunately she was tipped if I can post the picture. Absolutely ridiculous that she comes back without the box to pack up my leftovers comes out with a big tells my friend I bagged up some bread to go. He says no thanks. I say I will take it, but can you please bring me that box I asked for. She leaves brings me back a box and an empty bag. No bread. Guess she put it back to give to someone else. All this worried about a tip that she still got but yet just completely ignores when I say I will take the bread. You went through all the trouble to bag it up. Just no class and just made me have a really foul view of this place. This was my first time there. Do you think her behaviors showed any...