Green Vine Delicatessen — Restaurant in National City

I really wanted to like this place. I really do. But the lack of basics in a dining experience definitely turned me off.

Upon first coming in, I enjoyed the atmosphere of everything, but did notice a couple of the tables that were left empty were unattended to. An employee had bussed a table and dropped a sauce cup on the floor and remained there for the majority of my experience. The table that I had sat at was still dirty and was left with crumbs. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and chalked it up to being fairly busy and that they would at least clean it up once my food had arrived.

They sat down my food (an omelet), which looked great and there was plenty, but tasted quite average. The price is less than IHOP and Dennys, but still left me looking for more. I had not been offered any water to go along with my food either.

Granted they do offer tons of coffee and smoothies, but I did not care for it and wanted just some water. I ate my food quickly and left as I was disappointed with my dining experience.

To top it all off-- they use the clover system, which for the uninitiated, asks for a tip after a purchase. Normally I am whatever about it and don't mind tipping at all, but it felt weird to me that they offer a dine in experience which isn't exactly fast food, and offer none of the actual experience.

I might give them another chance, but I can't say I...

So let's start with the cons as that's why you're here right? The pickle spear wasn't crispy, and the burger was a tad over cheese and loaded for my PERSONAL preference. Fries were on the small side.

Ok, the acai smoothie was an awesome light balance to a double bacon single patty cheese burger with shrimp (extra.) Fries perfectly cooked, and the home made onion rings were not soggy, greasy, cold, or pulling apart.

Worth coming, and giving them your money. I'm looking forward to breakfast.

From time to order to food received was about 5 to 10 minutes, with an arrival and order time around 11:15am. It quickly got busy, but they kept the line managed and people were moving so do not expect a wait. Even the take orders were ready before the recipients arrived so they were clearly efficient.

Wooden plates were a nice twist, adding to the rustic feel of the place. Family owned and operated and when we were there they were promoting a fund raiser for the purchase of an ambulance for a village...

I opted for their much-touted "steak and eggs," which boasted an 8oz ribeye. What I got served was basically a slap on the face. The portion resembled more of a diesmillo cut than a ribeye, and the flavor was sadly lacking. The meat was bland and marred by an excess of fat, making each bite a chore rather than a pleasure. To top it all off, the egg whites came with an unwelcome surprise(hair) that completely ruined the experience.(picture of hair is after I pulled it out of my mouth and placed it on top of the food for picture). As for the sweet potato fries, they were far from fresh, adding to the overall letdown. Given the quality of food and the price point, I couldn't help but feel that a meal at Texas Roadhouse would have been a far superior choice. There is no way i was going to eat it, so I gave it to my dog. It was a complete waste of money, and time. I’m still hungry, and will now have to cook something myself. I do not , I repeat, DO NOT...