Val's — Restaurant in Laurie

Granted it was Father's Day, but it was just me and my son, and the crowd had died down, so we didn't have to wait very long to get a table. The waitress came over right away to take our drink order, but we hadn't decided on food yet. About 30 minutes passed, while we watched two other tables of two being seated and served, and then watched our server deliver food to other customers and clean dirty tables. I finally walked over to her and said, "ma'am, I think you forgot about us, but we're ready to order." She replied that she was coming with my sweet tea, but that she had tables in back and had to get this table cleared for big party. About 10 minutes later, she finally made it back to our table (without my sweet tea) and took our order. About 20 minutes later, she brought the order, but not my sweet tea. She then brought the tea and extra napkins that we had requested, and that was the last we saw of her. She never bothered to come back to check on us. The food would have been excellent, except for the fact it was lukewarm at best; my son's was on the cold side; and by this time the experience had dampened my appetite. I had to go find someone else to ask for more water and to-go boxes. I complained about the entire experience to the cashier (since she was the only one around), and got nothing but a deer in the headlights look, finding out that our server was none other than the owner, Val. Well, Val, I'm here to tell you that I was a waitress for a big part of my life, and your service to us was right up there with the worst I ever remember having. I believe, in all fairness, and especially as the owner, you should have discounted our meal or, at the very minimum, an apology would have gone a long way in my even considering leaving you a tip or trying this place again. But since neither was offered, this lousy review is all you deserve for your lousy service, and this will be the last you'll ever hear from me. ...

Don't be deterred by the people waiting outside to get sat during season - you'll be rewarded for your patience and it never takes too long to get a table.

Service is fantastic and if you're lucky you will get Val herself. I haven't had the lunch options yet but I have eaten breakfast here at least 6 times now and it's always fantastic! If you are lucky enough to be there on a day they have the cheesy benedict on the special menu it's a must have. One of the best breakfast dishes I have ever had. It's family owned and operated as well and you can tell a lot of love and care goes into what they do.

Food is always well prepared as ordered and prompt and servers are always on top of everything. Easily the best breakfast anywhere near Laurie, MO.

Only complaint is no mimosas/alcohol. That's more a "me" problem though.

Next time I will update this post...

It’s the second time we ate there . The waitress was fine . The food was not . I had 2 biscuits and sausage gravy and a side of hash browns . The biscuits were not home made nor fresh. The gravy was from a can or package . I deserve at least as good of food as I can make at home , and I make homemade buttermilk biscuits as well as my own sausage gravy from fresh sausage and whole milk . It’s not hard people and it’s so much more satisfying . The atmosphere was cute cottage feel . I am 73 years old and if I can make a dang breakfast from scratch so can a restaurant . Maybe my standards are too high , but I appreciate food prepared...