Goldmine Cafe — Restaurant in New York

This was my first time walking into this café. It has been on my radar for sometime too. After a food shopping trip, I walk in with my loaded shopping cart into a pretty empty café. It looks cute and simple at a glance. There were no other customers, just two waitresses and the cook in the back. The two waitresses were caught in conversation on the side, but I still said hello as I entered. No response. I thought maybe they didn't hear me, but they definitely saw me enter. I thought it more odd that neither one greeted me. I parked my wagon, helped myself to a menu from the counter since they were still talking, and just briefly looked through it. Only when I walked up to the counter did one of the waitresses go behind the counter to take my order. I asked to confirm if they had chicken tenders and fries, she confirmed. I asked how much and she said $12 and some amount of change. I then asked about the price of the mushroom and Swiss burger with fries, she told me. Perhaps my next sentence confused her, but she thought I was ordering both, to which I said no, I'm just trying to pick between one or the other. She said okay and tended to a woman who entered and ordered a coffee I believe. I also noticed some man had a nice breakfast spread at the first table (I guess he ordered before I got there and came back). Granted, I was still at the counter debating so I was taking up space, so when the waitress made a gesture and addressed me as ma'am or excused me (I forgot what she said), but I understood that I was in the way. I moved over, told her I wanted the chicken tenders and fries. I paid via tap pay, and just waited by my wagon. I figured it would take up to ten minutes. Now I did notice something as I waited. There was another review I read that pointed this out too. The waitresses did resume their side conversation. However, I couldn't help but notice they seemed more lively after a small group of two or three Hispanic women walked in. Probably middle aged. I'm not fluent in the Spanish language though I am still learning, so I can pick up on a few words. The conversation just sounded familial and friendly, perhaps they were regulars. Regardless if they were regulars or not, any person who walks into a dining environment should feel welcomed as they are greeted. I probably should have just done a 180 degree turn after I first walked in and wasn't greeted. Last thing I'll say, about the food itself, it was adequate, nothing special. Just a typical chicken tender and fries. Just the portions were small in my opinion. The tenders were small, about the size of 4 inches in length, 2 in width. There were 4 of them. The fries were okay, that portion was also small, literally a handful of fries. Needless to say I don't think it was worth $12 and change. Perhaps the burger would have been more satisfying. In conclusion, for a first time visit, I'll keep a note to myself that I should have just gone to the Dale Diner up the block instead. (I do not see myself returning here nor do I recommend it...unless you're...

UPDATE (2nd Visit: ⭐️) Note: This is my second & final experience with Gold Mine cafe. The first time I went, they had just received a late night delivery of fresh cinnamon rolls. Delish! I think I rated them 4 stars based solely on that cinnamon roll & black coffee to go. But this second time around, I “dined in” and ordered a little more. Oh how things change. “Excuse me, Sir, I’m very busy” is never a good reply to a customer whose order is incorrect. I ordered banana raisin French toast w/ scrambled eggs, bacon & black coffee. I received “banana raisin French toast” (French toast topped with a sliced banana and some shriveled up raisins), scrambled eggs (some of the loose raisins were underneath so I guess it was raisin scrambled eggs), but there was no bacon and no coffee. To be fair, they had one lady working and it simply wasn’t working; she was literally handling 10 orders at once. However, that’s on the management and will result in a bad review because they created an environment that is not conducive to good customer service. Here I am trying to give business to this establishment (because of a good first encounter there) and I got pushed too far. Instead of them just giving me some loose bacon, I asked for a bacon, egg & cheese with extra bacon. That’s when server told be she was “very busy.” So I got up, canceled the additional order, went to register and demanded bill. Paid $11.60 for 2 scrambled eggs and 4 French toast triangles (not even full slices). Left the sliced banana & shriveled raisins on the table. I won’t be returning to Goldmine Cafe ever again—their gold may seem good the first time, but it turns green the second time around. ////////////// ORIGINAL REVIEW (1st Visit: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): This is a throwback open 24/7 diner on the corner where you get a good deal for your money’s worth. I can only speak for what I ordered: a JUMBO coffee roll (delish!) & small black coffee (solid cup o joe!) for less than $4 (and .50 cents of that was a debit card surcharge). While waiting for an Uber around 12:45 AM, I saw the bakery delivery truck pull up and I knew the night time had just become the right time for an early morning pastry. While waiting, I saw someone order a fresh squeezed lemonade which looked pretty good; they have a fancy contraption that squeezes citrus fruits to make juice fresher than anything in a Tropicana container. If in the area again, even during daylight hours, I’d definitely revisit. My gut tells me if trying something on the menu for the first time, stick to the classic breakfast choices: eggs, bacon, French toast, pancakes,...

This diner makes a good tasting eggplant hero for a very reasonable price. Their spanakopita is a bit mushier than I prefer and more peppery than usual. Their Greek salad is standard but nothing memorable. I love going into the restaurant though to see the wall paintings of the Dodecanese island of Kasos and Athens! I recognized the places in Kasos and named them. The staff were impressed. I visited Kasos and must tell you the beaches, open space and air quality there was great. I might move there one day. Back to the food, I ordered some home fries (came with the Greek wrap I ordered) and must say they could have been warmer and the taste was flat and unremarkable. The Greek wrap was warm and tasty though. Another problem is they've not been delivering to my location as of late, claiming the distance is too far. It's a couple of miles away only. Ridiculous! Also they charged my partner for food, couldn't deliver it and they didn't refund her money. I'd like to give this place a higher rating as their staff seem pretty nice I've found but these issues need to be worked out first. I would return here. It's convenient being right by the entrance/exit of the 231 Street train stop on the elevated A line. Also their hours...