A Few Honest Thoughts and Suggestions

I usually try to avoid writing negative reviews, and I prefer to give a restaurant more than one visit before forming an opinion. After visiting this place a few times, I wanted to share some observations in the spirit of constructive feedback rather than criticism.

There are a few elements that give this spot more of a diner feel than a traditional restaurant. The menu offers free coffee refills served in mugs with advertising on them, and the tables are set with printed paper placemats, which are more typical of diners. The overall layout of the space also contributes to this atmosphere.

During our first visit, we arrived toward the end of dinner service, and it felt like we weren’t entirely welcome. Understandably, staff may have been ready to wind down for the night, but a warmer reception could go a long way in making late diners feel valued.

Regarding the food, it hasn’t quite met our expectations so far. There’s definitely room for improvement. For instance, the French fries seemed to be frozen, based on their texture and taste. With the restaurant’s long history—over 60 years starting in Hamden—it seems like they could elevate the quality a bit more by opting for fresher ingredients.

The space itself is quite narrow, which makes it easy for sound to travel, especially with the open kitchen concept. While the open kitchen is a plus for transparency and can help build customer trust in cleanliness, the acoustics and ambiance could benefit from some attention. The lighting also felt a bit dim, and I think the space would feel much more inviting with brighter lighting and more natural sunlight.

One concern that was hard to ignore: my dining companion noticed a staff member touching their face in an unhygienic way. I initially brushed it off, but later saw that other reviews have mentioned similar cleanliness concerns. I believe that with a few adjustments and some renewed attention to detail, this restaurant can offer a much more pleasant experience overall.

I genuinely hope these comments are taken in a constructive spirit. There’s potential here, and I’d love to see this place thrive with just a few thoughtful changes.