Wayside Cafe — Restaurant in Idaho

This is a bit of a long review, but it is so important. I would give this place negative 100 stars if I could.

I don’t normally take reviews seriously, but I guess this was the time I should have. We are from Oregon where it is mandatory to wear a mask indoors. As soon as we walked in we noticed that not a single person was wearing a mask (employees included). I guess to each their own, we are taking the risk by eating here so, whatever. We were not greeted, our menus were thrown down on the table, and the waitress who brought our silverware was not wearing gloves... all things I guess we can get over because we have been on the road for 9+ hours and just want something to eat, not to mention that all of the food reviews seemed great for this place. The thing that was appalling was the waitress, who in front of everyone, counted her CASH tips with her gloves on, and then served food without switching her gloves. At this point I decided that I didn’t feel comfortable eating here so we asked for the check (for our drinks). The male waiter we had, who I assume had just gotten there, very nicely handed us our check and apologized for us feeling uncomfortable. Could have ended there, but the waitress who had counted her tips then asked very loudly what I had said. I will admit, I may have acted in appropriately by loudly answering her but I do not at all regret my words. I won’t make this political but I just suggested that they care a bit more about the safety of their customers and wear masks. She then told me that they “dip their hands in bleach water” to disinfect. And then all of the staff proceeded to shame me for wearing a mask, telling me “life is a gamble”, I should leave... I am shocked that this restaurant is still up and running. So I have nothing to say about the food, but I do know from experience that the waitresses who yelled profanities at me on my way out didn’t make it a welcoming experience. I won’t ever be returning and I will...

I’m actually surprised to see so many good reviews considering I just had the worst restaurant experience in my life. Me and my friend stopped by at around 11 so it was obviously gonna be a little busy. It took a few for our server to find us (which was no problem) when she finally did notice us she slammed her Mop against the wall then without washing her hands gave us silverware and menus. Me and my friend refused to touch the silverware. Then she proceeded to give us water with still, unwashed hands. I did get her name tho and it’s Serene. She did not seem pleasant at all, in fact she must’ve had either a bad day and showed it or her personality is just plain rude. No smiles and no “you’re welcome” when me and my friend thanked her (Ik not really much of an issue on that one but I’ve served before and cared highly about manners). We felt like a burden to her. We got the food from a different, and a much nicer young lady. And we were highly disappointed with the food. We ordered bacon cheese burgers with fries and the burger was over cooked, thinner from what we had last time we ate here, and the fries were soggy and brown and black like the oil was old. I couldn't finish my food. We needed refills, but no one came to check on us the entire time we ate. I understand there was a lot of people in that restaurant but there was a lot of servers to accommodate that so there was absolutely no excuse for the poor service. We waited 15 minutes before we got our check and we did not leave a tip because of how awful the experience was. I pride myself with giving 20%+ tips. At least 18% if the server was decent. I have never not left a tip until I ate here today. We ate here a month ago and it was an amazing experience but we will not be coming here again as it was highly disappointing. We should’ve eaten at Dennys....

What a disappointment. This is actually a 2 visit, same day review..... Lunch visit was really good. Staff really nice & attentive. Cooks did a great job, the place was packed with customers. Food was excellent, nice portion & cooked perfect. Now the evening visit, was a disappointment. Wasn't very busy, the staff were in Lala land like they were kicked back at a friends house. Only paying attention to what appeared to be school friends. Only part of my order came out at first , the fries that looked so good, were warm but raw & my scrambled eggs were over cooked, chopped up into little bits that you had to eat with a spoon because trying to use a fork was impossible. And basically had to beg for a drink refill....Now a cook that cant properly scramble an egg or properly cook an omelet really should be doing something else....... Now as at lunch, the hostess (not the same as lunch) asks "how was everything"? I reply "honestly, lunch staff way better". She replied "really, what happened" I tell her, and she says "the owner was here at lunch today, but isn't it funny how two cooks can cook the same meal so differently"(laughing).... So I reply "ok, but what's the excuse for raw fries"? Now I wasn't looking for a free meal, but 4.50 for an order of fries that wasn't/couldn't be eaten & should have been removed for the bill. But instead, she knew I was just a trucker passing thru so just blew it off as a joke. I wonder if the owner truly knows what goes on there when they aren't there? But it also appears to be the reason morning day shift is so busy and the evening shift isn't. Well, it because the night staff and cooks are putting out such a different meal & service (sucks) and the morning/day staff...