Arlene's Diner — Restaurant in Forest Township

I hate to give a bad review because everyone was very nice and friendly. But I went here because I really wanted some light and fluffy pancakes....I haven't had any in at least 5 years. I was brought one big pancake that was dense and doughy in the middle. The edge was dry and crumbly when I tried to fork it, though. It also had a slight taste of cornmeal and old cooking spray. The hash browns had the same taste of old cooking spray but stronger. Other than that, there wasn't much flavor. I was thankful for the pancake syrup. I didn't complain, just ate what I could and paid. Maybe lunch and dinner are better? I also arrived just before lunch, so maybe the grill just hadn't been cleaned up yet? As for the restaurant itself.... It's definitely an old place. Could use a makeover, but it's not bad. Has kinda a cute old town charm to it. Other than tables needing to be wiped down, it seemed clean. I won't go back for breakfast but might try lunch there. I did see a man get a hamburger and fries and it did look good.

I'm adding a picture of my food before I had done anything to it. This is how it was brought to me.

I ordered the Arlene pancakes and hash browns with a Pepsi. Came to $9.09 So the price wasn't too bad. About average

UPDATE05/02/2025 I decided to give Arlene's another shot, this time for dinner. I ordered Arlene's burger and fries. The fries were overcooked, and the burger had no flavor. The food wasn't horrible, but it had absolutely no flavor. There wasn't any seasoning on anything. Also, about 15 to 20 minutes after eating there, I was hurrying to the restroom. This never happens. The people there are all very friendly. The service was great. The grill area could use a good cleaning. The bland food is a...

Driving past it looks quaint and nice, however, that all changes when you walk inside. The staff seems to only greet regulars and friends; if you are neither you're left to figure out things as you go.

Careful walking in/out as there is a step that is not labeled for safety. You may or may not get a hello and are not told you may sit where you like. Smiling faces by the staff did not appear unless the patrons were regulars. The ceiling tiles are old and discolored and some are even dislodged from the ceiling grid. The table was free from debris, the floor was not.

The grill area was not very clean and the cook/owner did not comply with any ServSafe standards or practices: no hair net or hat, no gloves were used and multiple items on the same surface.

We waited 38 minutes for our food to be served and we were the second ticket on the board. Other patrons walked in after us, ordered after us and were finished eating by the time our food was served. The waitress never bothered once to check on us and only came over because I spoke up to get her attention. The chicken tenders looked burnt as if the oil hadn't been changed in weeks. The meat inside was dry and inedible. She had an attitude when we spoke with her about the meal and the cook/owner, Arlene, shook her head in dismay when she was given the report of our dissatisfaction.

I requested the meal be taken off the bill and they calculated the cost of the chicken and removed that however, they charged for the water and uneaten fries. The owner begrudgingly removed the meal after discussion.

I would not recommend this establishment to anyone. There are more healthy and fit choices right nearby such as McDonald's and Subway.

Arlene's is simply not worth the time,...

The hours for breakfast and lunch don't mix. I wasn't able to order anything but breakfast, which is not crazy, although I was looking to get a BLT. That is mostly breakfast items but I could not. The biscuits and gravy were decent but lacked any real sausage. The pancake was over cooked and under cooked at the same time? The chef/owner also can't cook a steak to temperature. We sent it back because it was so tough, asked for it medium rare and it came out the second time well done again! The waitress was so apologetic, it was clear she didn't want to upset the cook by taking it back again. She said she would comp it on our check, but I was afraid that she would have to cover it herself. No one needs that kind of stress. This place could go get the slightly expired food at the grocery in town and have better quality sausage links. Don't waste...