Family Grill — Restaurant in Punta Gorda

First time here. Slightly scattered server seats us as soon as we walk in. A plus, since it's "in season" on a sunny Sunday before noon/church goers. View of kitchen upon entering, restaurant looks clean overall, "sleeved up" bearded cook seems less than thrilled to be working. Been in all aspects of service industry, if you're positioned at the front of the house, a smile or nod of acknowledgment goes far.

I'll never understand the overuse of "coastal" blue wall color in diners this way, at least the tables weren't covered in ads. A couple of tables outside on the strip style bldg walkway. Should've sat there. CNN on the TVs and random political convos all around. Note: I'm a Gen X transplant resident, not FLOGROWN hating on snowbirds & have been visiting family allover SWFL since childhood. Even pre-pandemic, service has been hit or miss all around.

Timid, but kind & friendly server was ok, but we never got a refill or offer for the smallest coffee mug I've ever been served. Communal creamer (COVID isn't going anywhere, not to mention other nasties) & no real sugar to be found. I understand that baskets/condiment caddies help with timing & table needs, but it's just not appetizing.

Always have to order eggs hard bc experience has shown no one knows how to cook over medium. Egg whites will still be translucent &/or runny slimy yolks. Hashbrowns were hot & steamy, everything was, that was refreshing & not drenched in oil. Seemed like hand pattied sausage, no toast/bread options included in entree. Biscuits & gravy less than desirable. Pizza sausage (random fennel taste & texture) bits scattered on top of gelatinous glob of white powdered mix "gravy" on a simple little biscuit. I only wanted 1 split to begin with, generally too much at other places, but this was comical. You'll leave smelling like food too. Just...

Never Again Waited in line behind 1 4-top for 10 minutes to even be acknowledged. After putting our name on the list, she acted put out that I asked how long the wait was. When we finally got sat, we waited another 15 minutes to order drinks (they're out of OJ on a Sunday morning breakfast shift). 2 waitresses trying to handle 25 or more tables. No manager in sight. After bringing us water, the waitress says "we're going down the list and trying to get everybody fed" so we haven't even ordered yet. Since I'm clearly not going to get to eat for a long time, I figured I'd take the time they've given me to leave this review. I don't care if the food is the best I've ever had, I spend my money where I'm respected and appreciated, not where I'm sat in a corner and basically told "we'll get to you when we...

Sevice Was Good. Wait Staff Was Very Nice and Attentive. Ordered Onion Rings First. The Waitress Was Unable To Tell Me If The Were Batter Fried Or Breadcrumb Style. Once They Arrived, They Were Battered And Saturated With Oil. Weren't Drained When Taken Out Of The Fryer. I Ordered The Steak Omelet Which Was Actually Very Good. The Wife Ordered The Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast. The Steak Was Good, But The Sausage Gravy On Top Was Cool And Out Of The Can. I Understand That Restaurants Starting Out Have It Tough. Cutting Corners When It Comes To The Basics Is A Sure Fire Recipe For A Short Lived Business. Being A Local And A Former Restaurateur, I Understand. It Only Costs A Few Cents More To Serve A Quality Product That People Will...