Lizzy's Diner — Restaurant in Longview

By far the worst experience I've had at a restaurant in a long time. From the moment we walked in the door it appeared that the heat was not either on or working as it was frigid inside. I mentioned this to the server Ceasar when he approached our table and he explained that the heat was on but just not warming the building. We decided to stay and have breakfast anyways and ordered coffee and waters. When those arrived at the table my water had a long hair in it, we asked him to replace the water which he did. We finally placed our order and when the food came out the pancakes that we had requested be made with chocolate chips we're not made so. We notified the server of the mistake and he took them back to replace them which he did. As we were trying to enjoy the rest of our food The other member of our party commented that the bacon tasted funny so I try to bite myself and agreed that the bacon tasted as if it had been cooked after reaching or close to its expiration date as bacon does tend to taste sour when you do this. We were going to inform our server but he never returned to our table again. So I took myself to the front desk where you normally cash out without having received a receipt yet. And express that I would like to speak to a manager and pay for our check. She then inform me that the gentleman that was our server was also the manager on duty. She finally flagged him down and he came over to speak with me I went through the issues of the meal once more with him. He then dismissed himself for a few moments and then returned. When he returned his statement was "If you don't pay for your check then they will make me pay for it." This took me by surprise as I had not asked for any discount or compensation to this point. So I did respond to him that if that's all his concern was then most certainly I would not be paying full price for my check, due to the service that I had received. He then proceeded to become argumentative and stated that the only thing he messed up was the pancakes, which he replaced. I wish I responded no sir you gave me a water with hair in it, you did mess up the order on the pancakes, and the bacon did not taste right and was never a dress because you never returned back to our table to check on us. He continue to try and argue his points and then toss my check on the counter and said well you must pay your check. Mind you up until this point I had kept my composure and was very calm and willing to come to some sort of agreement with this manager. At this point due to his insults completely lack of care about the poor poor service we received under his service at the restaurant, Rather than further argue with the gentleman I turns and I walked out the door and told them I will never return. Ceasar is so ridiculous that he then called the police on me trying to have me arrested for theft. After speaking with the reasonable law enforcement here in Longview police officer clearly saw that this was not a case of theft but now if anything a civil dispute. They can expect to hear...

AMAZING local gem. cute decor, fantastic food, great prices, amazing service

i got the southwest burger and home fries - genuinely the best burger and fries I've had in ages. both were perfectly cooked, seasoned, and dressed.

the biscuits and gravy are phenomenal and were a huge treat for my family (visiting Texas after years of living in Denver, where they don't make biscuits or gravy worth a darn)

my grandpa got fluffy, delicious pancakes that have been his go-to order for years. I stole bites of biscuits from my sister but wasn't brave enough to sneak any pancakes - but I trust they were delicious because he's been getting them for years, and because he ate the whole plate faster than I finished my meal.

the food is fantastic but the service here is the real highlight - i knew this was my grandpa's favorite breakfast spot, and had been for a while, but i was surprised and delighted at how many staff came up to the table and knew him by name. they also recognized the face of my grandmother in my mom, even though it's been over ten years since my grandma was around to be recognized! my mom looks exactly like her, but ten years is a long time to remember a face.

our server was attentive and the whole serving staff works as a team, going through and offering everyone coffee regardless of if it was "their table"

i was surprised and delighted by the food, the people, and the overall experience. this is going to be a mandatory stop for me every time I'm back in town.

the prices are also VERY reasonable! 2 coffees and amazing meals for four people was only $42! i would give this place ten...

This diner appears to be an attempt at stepping back in history to the era of great diners. Or it's a diner that has been around from that era without any improvements over the years.

These next comments need to be understood from the point of view that they were fairly busy while I was there...

I waited a solid 5 minutes after being seated until my waitress stopped by my table. Several staff passed my table during this time, but nobody even acknowledged me or said that someone would be with me shortly.

Once I did order the service was quick, but less than friendly. I asked if they had flavored creamer when considering what I was to drink, and I received a short, "No." Not a, "Sorry that's all we have." When referring to their half-and-half on the table. Not a, "We have the half-and-half, or I could bring you some milk." Nothing.

When my pancakes came out is when I noticed the bottle of syrup on the table. I asked if they had hot syrup, and again, a short "No." No offer to throw the bottle in the microwave even. Just a "No." As to say, "just deal with it."

All in all, the food was good. Their sausage was odd, being somehow both crispy and under cooked. But the pancakes were nice even with the cold syrup.

When I finished I waited several more minutes on the check until I realized I had some cash and was able to leave that on the table and head out.

I won't choose to go back here, but the food wasn't bad (with the exception of the cold syrup and the sausage), so if that's where someone wanted to meet me, I'd probably...