Park Diner and Pancake House — Restaurant in Linden

We find that the owner, waitresses, and a bus boy are very warm and cordial. They ask us where we wish to be seated and treat us as if we are royals and family. We felt very important, like V.I.P. So, the portion size to serving ratio is a little on the small side but is understandable due to price and cost push inflation. What we like most about this diner is that you can get pretty much anything for a reasonable price. Be sure to capitalize on the lunch specials and always make sure to ask about the very elusive rice pudding.

⚫UPDATE: Lastly, this past Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 4:45 p.m., we did have to wait enormously long for our vegetable medley (what you may better know as cooked mixed vegetables). In the picture here, sadly, you will see that one dined with a lonely dinner brisket plated with nothing to complement it. What was thought to be exceptionally cooked, which was true, now ate quite fatty and became monochromatic by taste. That is like having a beautiful woodwind instrument without an appropriate mouthpiece or lack thereof. One needed to have a side to go with the amazingly cooked brisket, be it vegetables, cabbage, etcetera.

■A Quyloon Reese Report on Experiences & Custom (QR-REC)®: Food: 70/100 Portion to Cost Ratio: 55/100 Comfortable: 80/100 (staff sweeps while customers are dining, 7/14/24) Hospitality (Staff): 110/100 (🏅EXCEPTIONAL, EXEMPLARY SERVICE-They let us dine when closed one Wednesday night! +10 points . . .We normally do not do this. This is a first, and we all know why! Also, we spoke to the Greek owner on three or more occasions. We feel the warmth here. So, congratulations for such service!) Clean: 65/100 (including restrooms; booths and tables are dirty at times) Overall Score: 380/500 (76%) ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 🔵GOAL: "Our intent is to design innovative expository to provide daunting critiques that command attention and force heads to turn unapologetically."

🏅Awarded The Quyloon Reese on Experiences & Custom (QR-REC) EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD and upheld when serviced by Jessica (waitress), José (bus boy), and others on 12/15/24,...

Love this place! Majority of the staff really cares and treats you like their personal guests. Always a great spot to drop by, even if just for a cup of joe.

**Second review. Been quite a lot of visits since the first, and I can’t say at this point I’m unbiased. I love this place. The food, the people, the prices, the amazing fact that the bathroom has NEVER been less than clean. Worst occurrences? A novice waitress is a bit flaky because of nerves, or American cheese instead of cheddar. And trust me, they are eager to repair it and more distressed by the rare misstep than you are. You can’t help but smile back at the warm staff and warmer owners. These people actually see you, not look through you like so many businesses. They will likely begin to remember you faster than you remember them, and treat you like family. Like that family you go see to talk about how the rest of them are crazy. The ones you see outside of holidays. Lol I usually ask for Brenda (the head waitress who keeps the wheels spinning) and nine times out of ten, I just ask her for my usual. My coffee comes before I even order, she knows that well what we want. That someone would bother to even try to remember is enough to give you the warm fuzzy home feeling. Corned beef hash, scrambled with cheddar on top, grits, rye toast. My go to favorite. And some hot sauce if I’m feeling spicy. But that’s just me. Try the blueberry pancakes, grab a piece of cake or pastry for next day, curly fries and the smothered turkey burger, veal parm that could be three meals. Hang back for a slice of no sugar added apple pie or some chocolate cake, and coffee. I’m addicted to the chocolate pudding myself. Visit. Relax. Maybe meet some people. And enjoy this little haven, there aren’t many left. Hope to...

The diner was busy and I — including the people before and after me — had to let management know to put our name on the waiting list.

Once there were seats available, groups were getting called to get seated. I then noticed my group was the last group waiting as management has not called my name to be seated. I waited about 40 minutes to get seated and I noticed several groups that came after my group get seated. I went in and asked them when will my group get called as we didn't hear my name being called. The lady flipped through her waiting list and she noticed she completely forgot about us.

Once seated, we noticed our table has sticky residue and was not thoroughly cleaned. The waitress took our order. About another 45 minutes passed and we still didn't get our breakfast (party of 2). The waitress noticed our food has not been served for so long that she had to reconfirm what we ordered. Right when I was about to leave, the food came out. Food was rushed as the food looked like it was just slapped on the plate. The pancakes and sausage were cold and dry, eggs tasted kind of weird. My partner's plate was so hot, and his pancakes and steak tasted so rubbery, I told him they ended up microwaving some of our food. I was not expecting a discount or complimentary food, however I was expecting at least an apology or a "thank you for you patience". Didn't get no verbal apology.

The food was a 3/10 and I have had better food and service at other local diners.

I will never be coming back to this place and I would recommend others to...