Central Diner & Grille — Restaurant in Robinson Township

I just wanted to inform anyone who visits Central Diner on Steubenville Pike about our experience. I have been going there for years and I have always loved the food and service. Over the past weekend we had an unfortunate situation that grew into something inconceivable. Our table received a hair in the coleslaw of one of our meal (table of 4). It happens, we alerted the server and instead of bringing the coleslaw and the pickle, we asked if she could just bring another pickle (they were both on the same plate). When the manager (Jeff) came over to our table, we politely informed him of the situation. He got very defensive-raised is voice- and saying that the colslaw is complementary. We said, "It's not complementary; it comes with the meal". He started yelling at our table. It really made me feel uncomfortable. I was glad he wasn't directing it at me. He was being unreasonable. Then, I had my fork in the omelet that I got. He comes back to our table in a rush, removes the omelet that I already had my fork in, and puts another omelet in front of me (apparently this was the omelet that I ordered) Then, we received the pickles. They had hair on them. Central Diner manager Jeff started raising his voice again. He said that the hair must be in the pickle bucket. One person now didn't want to eat at all. He continued to raise his voice and asked, "what do you want me to do about it?". We simply asked for the meal (with multiple hairs) to be removed from the check. He said "No. It's complementary. "Three of us started eating. The person with the multiple hairs in their food, didn't even eat half. The waitress gave us our check and the meal that had 2 hairs in 2 separate situations was still on our check. We asked to speak to the manager, she said that it was Jeff, the same one who had already been to our table. I left because I didn't like all of the yelling that Jeff we doing. He was being aggressive, unreasonable, and unprofessional. He was bringing attention to us for a mistake his restaurant was making. The remaining 3 people went to the front to pay the bill. They nicely asked to have that meal removed. They would happily pay for the 2 meals that had been eaten. Jeff comes up raising his voice again stating that he will not take that meal off the check because the coleslaw was complementary. Again, it wasn't complementary- it is a part of the meal. They didn't say that, but the ladies behind them heard the conversation and said that they had hair in their coleslaw. Jeff angrily ripped up the check and took a picture of the remaining 3 people saying that they weren't welcome back. (2 adults and a 13 year old were in this photo- very inappropriate.) Jeff was adamant that he was not taking that meal off the check. Jeff continued to raise his voice while they remained calm. We wanted to talk to the owners, but when we called in to Central Diner, we were told that they were not there and they came and went as they pleased. With all that happened, we were going to write a review. When we saw the other reviews, our stomachs turned. I was shocked because I had been going there for years and had been treated good. But now, I will...

I only post a negative review if I am in shock by existing ratings and if I post a positive review on another place. Wow what a difference when you go to a great establishment and then find yourself here. Was so excited to find a place that stayed open to a reasonable hour (11 pm) when so many restaurants can't find a way to get back to pre-covid hours. Went in with no expectations but having heard a few people enjoy it here. The menu is massive and anyone can find something to eat here - perhaps that is one of the issues - can't be good at everything. We arrived at 9:55 PM and were promptly seated to an empty restaurant. This should have given us plenty of time - I have had other restaurants turn us away if too close to closing (Napoli) and that is their prerogative though we will never go back there after a 2nd attempt and an average meal; here, they gave us no indication we would have to eat fast (I just assumed be out by 11). I ordered the Greek soup - it had no flavor and no hint of the lemon and other flavors that were described - in fact, it tasted like an Eat n Park Clam Chowder. My date had the club which was quite good and was roasted turkey - 4 out of 5 on that one. Greek fries were OK but soggy like we had them delivered - worth the price though (most menu items are fairly overpriced). Fruit cup was average at best. The shockers follow: bar was closed at 10 PM (unless there is some law about restaurants serving liquor, how hard is it to pour a glass of wine or grab a beer from the fridge ... on what I assume are your highest margin items?). Server seemed like she was having a terrible day ... just no warmth and clearly not happy to be there. They were out of 3 other items we asked for. My favorite part was dessert - we were asked if we wanted dessert - they have beautiful displays and we were all too happy to imbibe; we immediately at 10:35 said yes ... lo and behold, the kitchen had just closed (said in the same breath as "do you want dessert?"). Not sure why the kitchen was closed but then why ask us? So belgian waffle was scrapped for a piece of that amazing looking almond torte. Well, I couldn't review it until I got home (spoiler alert: nothing like a Prantl's - maybe a 3 of 5), but the kicker and why I wrote this review, is when she dropped if off in a to-go bag at 10:40. Clearly this restaurant is either raking it in and has gotten lazy ... or they are giving up. We will go one more time to check out the delicious look brunch items but ... goodness gracious, why open a restaurant if...

Wow... well, where do I begin?! This place is TOP NOTCH. I was only halfway through my appetizer when I was thinking "Did we die in an accident the way here and this is the greeting room of Heaven?" Like, no joke... HOW do I put one of the most TREMENDOUS dining experiences I have EVER had? I took my mother out to eat after a cardiac incident last week... so her choices of meals were rather limited. Having always had a good experience here at the past, she decided this is where she would like to go to eat. Today's visit proves the consistency this place has. Manager Maribeth immediate made us feel welcome, and we had two people setting us up with in a minute! Our waitress, Paula, was exceptional. I cannot THINK of service I've had on par with this in years and years. I'm thinking she may be the best sever I ever had in my life... and I am picky and jaded having put myself through school and started my own company by waiting tables and bartending. My standards are high and picky. I have been blessed to eat at that Brown Derby, 21 Club, Tavern, Legasea, among many other world famous restaurants, and I'm telling you... right here in my backyard exists a menu as impressive, and service as flawless! When someone is having a rough week (we got bad news about my mom's heart and it's been a week of tests and appointments and having hard talks), a few good people can make a HUGE difference. They helped make a forever memory. And this is just the PEOPLE. The Food?! OH COME ON...... COME ON! I had the sole stuffed with crab meat (real crab meat, not imitation), and I have NEVER enjoyed a fish meal THIS much! We had the spanakopita for an appetizer, we had salads, and mom had a vegetable burger. Every single item was perfect, and the Leprechaun featured drink (I don't usually do mixed drinks I usually am a whisky and stout type of guy) was EXCELLENT. I can't say enough about how attentive, kind and GENUINE Paula was, and what a rare talent Maribeth have, to really make true differences in peoples every day lives through simple gestures. Clearly the team at Central is filled with integrity. They create a true EXPERIENCE instead of just a "meal out". I work sixty hours a week these days so I only really get to go out to eat once or twice a month, and now I'd be hard pressed to want to spend my money anywhere else. Thank you ALL for a very special evening, and for being positive ripples in so many...