Bob's Diner — Restaurant in Manchester

This was THE WORST diner experience we have ever had. We stopped on way back to Bennington for late lunch. Indoor seating was crowded, but seats available. It was loud, near painfully loud. I had to yell at my dining partner to be heard.

Our server, Quinn H. took our order promptly; he seemed personable. We received our food promptly as well. Then it went downhill. We ordered Monte Cristo sandwiches. They looked good. The ham appeared grilled, over melted cheese, there was turkey as well. Unfortunately, that was all. It was dry. I asked for Dijon mustard, but was told they only had yellow. (Dijon is part of recipe.) Raspberry jam or cranberry, anything would have been an improvement. We asked for mayo, which came in one small cup for both of us. Geez, can you spare it?

As Quinn passed by, my dining partner quickly asked for syrup, which he brought. As he walked away, he asked how sandwich was, I replied "not good ". Obviously, he didn't care and kept walking.

I forgot to mention, we had to ask another server, as after Quinn left, he didn't return...not to ask it we needed anything or even refill our beverages.

When done, we sat waiting for the bill. By then, only one other booth was occupied, not busy. Quinn finally reappeared and brought the bill.

If Quinn is new to the job, I suggest someone train him on customer service. If he has been there a while, then Bob's Diner needs to...

So this was an unexpected find. An unassuming diner with a poor external appearance. But that's okay I'm not interested in appearances - I'm interested in food (at least for breakfast).

And the food was great. Very healthy portions, great taste and locally sourced food. The pancakes were as big as a dinner plate. The omelet alone was more than I could eat. We both left with take out boxes contain enough for a second meal.

I'm not a coffee snob but I am kind of a super taster and the coffee was really good. Not the burnt Starbucks taste Cherished by the favored few (I guess I'm one of the unwashed), But good down Home coffee with just enough body and a bite to make it work.

Bob's offered Breads including sour dough and raisin bread from a local bakery, As well as Vermont cheese and Vermont Maple syrup.

On top of that: for those in the vegan crowd, they had several vegan options on both the breakfast and lunch menus.

We left with our taste buds Titilllated, our appetites sated, and our breakfast expectations elevated.

Come to think of it this place may have spoiled me for breakfast.... maybe I shouldn't have come after all....

I nonetheless recommend it to others.

Thank you Bob for a...

We drove by on our way into town early Saturday morning and by the time we got back there was a line waiting for a table. We got on the list and about 20 minutes later our group of 7 were seated at a booth meant for 4. We quickly realized that eating like this would be close to impossible so we waited for a larger table and moved (they did this to another party right after us who also seemed to be waiting for a larger table to be available before ordering). I ordered lunch while everyone else got breakfast and everyone seemed pleased with their meals, me, not so much. I got the open face hot roast beef and although the beef was tender enough, both it and the mashed potatoes were flavorless and the gravy looked more like turkey gravy, not beef, it was a cream color and not very tasty but after a lot of salt and pepper it was at least edible. Our server was very nice and attentive but doubtful I'd come back. Note to management- you'd be better served not holding up 4 person booths by cramming large parties into them in hopes they'll be so hungry they'll compromise their comfort and ability to actually enjoy their meal, just explain the wait could be a bit or offer to...