Royal Oak Family Restaurant — Restaurant in Rensselaer

Visited from out of town. The restaurant was clean and seemed to be quite busy. So we went with some friends who live nearby. The waitress who served our table seemed to be uneasy (a better word choice than what I was feeling) about waiting on us. I began getting the vibe she disapproved of me as I was the only person of color in our group of 4. When I asked questions about the menu choices she would act like she didn't hear me. When I would repeat the question she would answer quickly as she was walking away.

When the food order arrived she served the person on my right, then went counter clockwise to serve the next 2. After she served the person on my left, she reached across and over them and awkwardly put my plate down. This person had spoiled any chance of enjoying the food, and had ruined the whole experience.

About the food. I had ordered fried chicken which was OK, it was kind of dry, and hard on the legs, but the thighs were better. The others seemed to have had no complaints about their food, but none sang its praises. The prices were the only reason I gave them 2 stars. Very reasonable and easily affordable for a family out for dinner. Sorry, but I won't be back again. My money is green and as anyone's and will be spent where it's...

Let me begin by saying that if it was not for breakfast, I would only give this restaurant 1 to 2 stars. Breakfast is a good value and they have not missed it up yet.

I ate dinner here before and was left very underwhelmed. I got a burger and it was delivered rock solid. It was uneatable. When I complained I was told that this is how they always serve them and mine was the first ever complaint.

The only reason I ate there today was that I was dining with a group.

I ordered the Reuben sandwich with fries. I figured it would be a safe bet taking into account my past experiences. The sandwich was served with soup and I chose the beef barley.

The soup was thinned out tomato beef broth, more tomato than beef. There was very little barley, maybe a teaspoon in the entire cup, a teaspoon of vegetables and 2 crouton size chunks of beef. Again, underwhelmed.

I really didn't think someone could mess up a Reuben sandwich but I was wrong. Rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1k island. Not to hard. Of all of those strong ingredients, the only thing I tasted was grease.

Sorry. Still...

Royal Oaks is a great place for picky eaters, because there is such an array of options available on their menu to suit pretty much any taste. I also like that they have specials available depending on what day of the week it is to keep the choices vast for customers. So far every option I have tasted was delicious, I do have to recommend the fried chicken though, just like on the menu, it says it's extra time for them to cook but well worth the wait, and they are correct! It's absolutely delicious!!! Every server/waitress we have had here has also been a delight, they care about their customers and it shows. Royal Oaks kind of reminds me of a diner, but with a fresh spin on it courtesy of the interior design. If you're local you already know about this place, but if you're from out of town or just passing through, I would say give them a try! I'm sure you'll find something...