Linda's Cafe — Restaurant in Maryland

What a letdown! I had such high expectations for the new location, but today turned out to be a major disappointment in every aspect – service, food quality, portion sizes, and hygiene practices. Upon arrival, I was informed of a 10-minute wait, which struck me as odd considering there were four empty tables visible. Two of them were dirty, and the wait staff only cleared them after being prompted by the assistant manager. To my surprise, I was seated at the bar, despite waiting for 15 minutes. If I had wanted to sit at the bar, I would have simply walked up and taken a seat. Not everyone wants to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.

While seated facing the kitchen, I couldn't help but notice the lack of standard restaurant practices and cleanliness: A waitress accidentally dipped her shirt into the gravy while picking up orders. This could have been avoided with the use of a 29" Oval Non-Skid Serving Tray. Another waitress had her snack and drink placed in the plating area, which is unprofessional and unsanitary. I witnessed a butter knife being wiped off with a cook’s hand towel and then returned to the tub of uncovered butter, leading to cross-contamination. Garnishments were taken from a shared container, plated, then put back into the container, risking cross-contamination.

As for the meal itself, it was the smallest portion sizes I've encountered in the past 20 years of dining at this restaurant: The home fries were greasy and soggy, indicating they had been sitting on the griddle for too long. The scrambled eggs seemed scant, as if they used smaller eggs to cut costs. The gravy lacked its former homemade richness and was watery, with barely any sausage bits discernible. The toast was stale and rubbery, suggesting it had been toasted and left to cool at room temperature. I've always spoken highly of this establishment, but unfortunately, I didn't get to experience its past quality today. Regrettably, I doubt I'll return, especially when there are more convenient options available, such as Bob Evans, I-HOP, or Cracker Barrel.

It's disheartening because I'm a staunch supporter of local businesses, but the old Southern charm and quality that once defined this place seems to...

I used to love this place before it moved. it was a real no-frills basic greasy spoon in the best sense of the word. Good food, reasonable service. I was so disappointed when it disappeared from Tulagi Place, so when I realized that it had simply moved, I was happy, and made a note to go on one of my regular trips to the area. I've gone to the new place twice and I don't think I'll bother again, even though both places that competed/compared with it (Flashbacks and Old Town Cafe in Leonardtown) have recently closed. The first time I stayed and ate at the bar despite the service being slow, unfriendly and frankly rude. I sat at the bar three feet from my server who was doing everything but her job for 25 minutes after I finished my food without being asked if I wanted my check, or refills on coffee or water. The coffee was still terrible but that's about all it has in common with the old place. I had to ask for all of the above when I was able to get her attention, and still wait for all of it. I think she runs the place, and her someone-relieved-themselves-in-my-cornflakes attitude is reflected by most of the wait staff. The second time I went, I went in by the entrance where the waitress outside smoking indicated was one if two entrances, and couldn't find a hostess or a sign telling me whether to seat myself or what. I didn't want to sit at the bar, although there were three empty seats and no one waiting, so after waiting more than a few minutes at the entryway between the two dining areas, with wait staff brushing by me without asking or offering me any help, I weaved my way through the entire dining room and saw at least seven empty tables and booths, I located and located the hostess. When I told her that I was a party of one, she said "One?? That'll be at least 20 minutes." I decided it really didn't make any sense to stay, or go back. I should add that as someone who is from the area and still has family and interests in the county, I'm intimately familiar with the quirks of Old St. Mary's, and often misses the local character. I'm not impressed by rudeness and poor service, however; that part of Smibbery is something I don't miss... mostly because...

There is something very admirable and charming about this little restaurant right outside of the Navy base in Lexington Park, MD. I have never seen an advertisement for the restaurant, and the dining area is modest in its decor, but at the end of the day, they nail it with their food. The food is above average and, most importantly, home-style in quality, flavor, and presentation.

The Food: My rating is based on their Tuna Melt and Reuben Sandwich. Both came out of the kitchen looking very tasty, yet simplistic. The tuna melt was jammed full of chunky tuna and a thick slice of cheese, though I did find it to be just a bit too oily. The Reuben was spot on: the corned beef was juicy and plentiful, the cheese was oozing and creamy, and sauerkraut brought it home, although more sauerkraut would have been appreciated. These recipes are kept classic, you won't find many secret sauces or spice blends, but the recipes are rock solid and will certainly satisfy your tastebuds.

The Atmosphere: As I mentioned, Linda's Cafe is not trying to impress anyone, but it will welcome everyone. Although deceiving from the outside, Linda's cafe has a large dining area, capable of seating parties of 5+, as well as suiting individual customers at the breakfast bar. I can't even knock for its time-worn interior because I believe it is staying true to itself. That being said, time-worn should not imply dirty or uncomfortable.

The Price: In my opinion, the price for the lunch crowd is just slightly high. A sandwich will run you $9-10, which seems out of line with their modest decor, lack of advertising, and humble storefront. Knock it down to $6-7 (atleast for the lunch crowd), and my rating goes up.

The Service: Friendly and average, no standout service or personalities, but that regards both the good...