Nutcracker Family Restaurant — Restaurant in Pataskala

Service was terrible. Our waitress (Kelly was her name according to my receipt) came up took our food order and then disappeared for 30 min (the receipt time was 155 and food came at 230 ish). That's how long it took us to get our food. All the while another couple came in and sat down, ordered and got their food at the same time as us. I asked if the kids spaghetti came with any sauce in top and was told no, I also ordered it with fries.... it did come with sauce and I did not get fries. My husband also didn't get the soda that came with his meal, when he asked for it she said "oh okay" as if he was adding it on, he then checked asking if it came with his meal. She replied with a simple yep, all the while I'm wondering if he was suppose to get it himself. The portions are not generous at all. The fries didn't even cover the bottom of a basket, they looked sparse and pathetic. Look Kelly if you don't like your job, find a different one. Customer service should not be part of it because it's not your strength. You unintentionally rubbed your bad mood off on me. The employee at check out wasn't any better, she never made eye contact, didn't say hi, didn't ask how my meal was, and was not very friendly at all. I'm pretty livid I wasted my money on some mediocre food... there was nothing special about what we had. I can make better burgers at home. Maybe they do have friendly staff, but we didn't get that experience. It was our first visit, and I guarantee you we...

For those who have a fondness for diner atmospheres and food, the Nutcracker Family Restaurant will serve you up both! On first entering, you are greeted by that specific aroma that can only come from diner food. Anyone who has the same love for this cuisine will know exactly what I am talking about – and you are probably thinking about it right now. Next you will next notice a remarkable collection of memorabilia and signage from movies, TV, radio, and pop culture. When you enter the dining room, you will be transported to another era. The tribute that the owners have paid to times gone by is truly amazing.

Now let’s talk about the meal offerings. You are going to have your choice from some diner classics such as burgers, fries, onion rings, malts, and more. But if that is not everyone’s thing, you also have the option to order other foods. This will encompass everything from a spaghetti dinner to a vegetarian burger. But consider your order sparingly – you are going to want room for that dessert. They have in-house made pies that will make you want to run home to grandma. My personal recommendations are the Nutcracker Burger with a side of onion rings or the Open Face Beef sandwich with mash and gravy.

The staff and kitchen have always been friendly and accommodating. If you are in the Pataskala area, you do not want to pass by this...

We had dinner tonight and thoroughly enjoyed our meal & experience.

If you like vintage decor and the 50’s era, and/or if you have a thing for nutcrackers, this is the place for you to be.

I ordered the chicken parmigiana meal, which comes with a side. I opted to upgrade for an extra $1 and get the onion rings…I know…that’s an odd pick for a side with this entree. But it worked. The parm could have had a little more melted cheese, but it was tasty. The onion rings were great - just the right amount of batter and frying time.

My wife ordered the stacked meatloaf. We both agreed - it’s better than what you’ll get at Cap City Diner, which most know that restaurant is part of the renowned Cameron Mitchell chain. If you can fix an entree that’s better than CCD, that’s a feather in your cap.

Our server - Gracie - was incredible. SO friendly, polite, and engaging. She made great eye contact and had a bubbly personality with a non-stop smile. I handed my phone camera to her and she snapped a few pictures of us. Several minutes later, she swung by and asked if the photos were ok. I assured her they were. I think that may have been the first time a server has come back and followed up with us to make sure we liked the photos. We were so pleased with the addictive service we received from Gracie!

We look forward...