Paul's Family Diner — Restaurant in Mountain Lakes

It is so sad to write this, but unfortunately it is the truth. My family and I moved to this area years ago, we tried Paul's and we were not impressed. We didn't go again for years. Recently, they remodeled and we decided to give them a second chance. The second chance was awesome, we loved the food and the food and service was amazing. We figured they reinvented themselves. We went multiple times, and since I work at a hospital and worked on Thanksgiving, we went a couple of days later and I had my turkey dinner and it was really great. They quickly became our favorite place. Unfortunately, tonight was a terrible experience. I hate writing this review but it seems like they are back to their former mediocrity. We ordered an appetizer. We never received it. We were served our meal first. The waitress only said " oh sorry, I forgot to put it in", so no appetizer for us, she could have cared less. Totally unconcerned apology. When it came to our meal, I ordered a chicken pot pie, and I totally understand that I'm at a diner, so I know I'm not expecting a gourmet 5 star meal but, it was bad. The vegetables were not cooked, the potatoes and peas were absolutely raw. Like hard as a rock raw. The chicken was totally incinerated, over cooked and inedible. The bread bowl with no top was baked to death and it was totally dry and burnt, it crumbled to tiny crumbs when touched. The cream sauce was warm milk with no flavor. It was inedible couldn't been eaten. They didn't charge me for the meal, but the worst part of the whole experience was the fact that they couldn't have cared less. It seemed so common place, they didn't seem to care at all. The only thing that was said was " hope, it's better next time". Totally devoid of emotion, obviously the manager has a lot of experiences in disappointing customers. And again, they had to much promise, they were so good for a couple of months. It's sad it's so so sad. AND AGAIN, EVERY PLACE CAN HAVE A BAD NIGHT. BUT ITS ABOUT THE ATTITUDE. They could have not have cared less....

Not worth it… thought it would be a cute old school diner, but the staff was not very kind or caring. The style is fun, but it smells musty, and the menu is too big considering the things we got weren’t made with care and did not taste very good. The details were lost in forgotten sides and condiments, scraps of meat cooked into the pancakes, unmentioned up-charges. Veggie burger and bun disintegrated within the first few bites, and was missing cheese and mayo, as well as sides. I understand it isn’t a beef patty, but as one of the only vegetarian options besides eggs or an overpriced salad, I’d hoped it would be better. It is possible to make a good one. The server offered to have it remade, but it would not have been any better considering it just fell apart! The manager didn’t check in, and couldn’t split bill when cashing out at the counter. He said it was our responsibility to get the bill split with our server, and that she wouldn’t ask, we just have to tell her. Did not apologize or try to make up for any of it. As someone who works in hospitality and takes pride in the art of providing a good experience and meal, it’s not somewhere I...

First time ever and even mentioned to the owners how impressed I was with the bathroom cleanliness, the atmosphere and the amazing food!!! Must try the chocolate cake, it's to die for!!! They have an actually pastry chef that bakes on premises, several times a day, so you know your baked goods are freshly made!!! Don't let the outdoor, old style look deter you, go inside and be wowed by the amazing, upgraded interior. My father in law first came here 50 years ago, so we went here today for father's day, and now I'm hooked and so is my wife. We will be making the trip from Central New Jersey for years to come, that's how great our experience was, and let me tell you, I'm one of the toughest critics, due to my extensive years of customer service and food background. Carnival Cruise Lines, Club Med and the Airline Industry would be proud to have food served and employees who work here on any of their vessels, islands and planes!!!

Best wishes and continued success for another 73 years to this amazing establishment, newest owners are here already 23 years, and it shows they're here to...