LuLu's Diner — Restaurant in Lima

I was visiting my friend who lives close to Lima. She loves this restaurant and highly recommended it. The parking lot was full, and it wasn't easy finding a spot. So, many people like this establishment. We walked in, and you seat yourself. There was a large table ready for a group of 6 or 8. I looked around, and all the smaller empty tables hadn't been cleared and needed cleaned. I didn't want to take a large table for just 2 people, so I asked them if they would clean a table for us. Which they immediately did. I ordered an Atkins omelet. It was made of scrambled eggs, cheese, and grilled chicken. I also ordered a side of fruit. My friend ordered eggs and toast. She chose bacon for her meat. Plus, my friends also came with a small bowl of fruit. My food tasted ok. I have to be careful of what I eat now since I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. So I feel this was the best I could do for me. My friend really enjoyed her food. I gave this restaurant 2 stars because of what I saw through the partition separating the kitchen and the dining area. I watched a man handling the food put food in his mouth. Also, he was not wearing gloves while preparing the food. Then this same man touched his face. Then I see him eating again. He was stationed at the counter directly in front of the window. This turned my stomach because he could have touched my food. I saw another cook touching his face as well. Specifically, he was rubbing his nose. I'm not sure if this cook was using gloves while cooking, but he definitely wasn't when he rubbed his nose. Maybe he had a cold. I'm pretty sure he was manning the grill. I'm picky about how my food is cooked, and seeing this makes me not want to come back if I'm...

My experience began pleasant! The environment was comforting, it was the perfect temperature (I hate being cold), and overall the atmosphere was great. But I wasn't greeted, I had to speak with some girl who didn't even seem like she enjoyed her job. Regardless, that's not what matters. When the lady brought us our drinks she spilled a third of my apple juice on the table and then just walked away without saying anything. There AREN'T FREE REFILLS for the apple juice so that was my money right on the table, and WE cleaned it up. Between the time that we got our drinks to the time we got our food, multiple people came in, sat down, AND got their food. There were ONLY 3 of us, so I don't understand why the service was so slow and unaccommodating. We finished our plates and greatly wanted to pay up and leave, BUT we then had to wait 15 MINUTES before we finally asked a different server for our check. The experience was long, unfriendly, and the food wasn't even worth the trouble. I've been here previously and the service was better and there were 6 of us....

The service was a little slow but the wait staff was very friendly and helpful with questions. The food was fantastic! Better than I expected for a small diner. I had the biscuits and gravy and the breakfast burrito with cheese covered home fries. The burrito was delicious and my favorite part. The portions are what I consider a very good size (I am a big guy who likes to eat). If you're hungry, you'll leave satisfied. Or if you need to split it up, you'll have two small meals which is what I did. When it was time to go, I flagged someone down and asked for my check and a box. It was brought promptly and the waitress even brought me a fresh coffee in a to go cup. Very thoughtful! All in all, I highly recommend this place. Would be 5 stars, but for the wait at the beginning and having to wait for a glance my way to get the attention of a staff member.

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