Thumbs Up Diner — Restaurant in Roswell

My recent visit to this restaurant was, unfortunately, a letdown in nearly every aspect. Upon arrival, it was somewhat busy but not overwhelmingly so. It took about five minutes before the host greeted us, which wasn’t too bad. We requested outdoor seating and were told it would be a 15 minute wait. We agreed and waited patiently. However, we overheard other customers who had been there before us also requesting outdoor seating and being told they were already on a list. When the host finally called us, she seated us inside instead, despite our initial request. At that point, we didn’t make a fuss and just went with it.

Our waiter, who was very pleasant (though I don’t recall his name), took our orders. I ordered a simple breakfast: pancakes, grits, eggs, and bacon, while my husband got shrimp and grits with a side of eggs. Meanwhile, a bit of drama unfolded, another customer was trying to be seated outside, but one of the waitresses was clearly upset about serving outdoors. She repeatedly told the host to inform the customer that she didn’t want to serve outside, even though there were already three people seated out there. Oddly enough, that same waitress then proceeded to greet a man she obviously knew and sat at the bar talking to him for about 20 minutes, openly complaining about her job while neglecting her duties.

When our food finally arrived, it was underwhelming. The grits and eggs were bland and needed salt. But the real issue was the pancakes. They were so undercooked that they were practically raw, completely beige and doughy. I even tried rolling a piece into a ball, and sure enough, it was just straight up dough. When I asked the waiter if this was normal, he confirmed that it wasn’t and took them back to the kitchen. I saw him speaking with one of the cooks, and when he returned, he told me that they said the pancakes were supposed to be like that. Instead of remaking them properly, they offered me a waffle or French toast. Frustrated but still hungry, I went with the French toast. However, by the time it arrived, about 10-15 minutes later, I had already finished the rest of my meal. To make matters worse, the French toast was also mushy in the middle and just as disappointing as the pancakes.

My husband’s meal wasn’t any better. His shrimp and grits tasted like nothing more than shrimp mixed with tomato sauce. My plain cheese grits were far better than his, and after tasting his dish myself, I can confidently say it was a miss.

Overall, this experience was a 2 out of 10 at best. Between the long wait times, inattentive service, and poorly prepared food, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. In fact, I’d suggest skipping it entirely and just going to Waffle House. That should have been my first instinct, especially when I noticed a nearby table where a family had left most of their food untouched. That should have been my warning sign....

Update July 2 2023: Had to lower my star review. High turn over on the wait staff, use to be damn good. We just stopped in today and the food is not as good. Been trying other places like A&M Kitchen and it's night and day. Thumbs up was always the spot. But, A&M Kitchen Has quickly taken that spot. Even my teenage girls noticed the difference and ask if we can go to A&M Kitchen regularly now. The breakfast is that much better. Quality and taste. For example Grits came out bland as I don't know what. Skillets bland no seasoning. I mean what's up Thumbs Up Management??? This place was special now it's gone down hill. Come pair to A&M Kitchen that's off the charts and consistently very good brunch / lunch spot.

Sad to say this but Thumbs Up has changed and not for the better. I guess I'll be taking my money to A& M Kitchen. We've been a loyal customer to Thumbs since day 1 when it was the bomb!! Now we've seen the decline. Hope Management is reading this review. SMH

The best breakfast stop in Marietta/Cobb!! Great customer service and the food is top quality. ThevFrench toast is too die for. The scramble skillets are delicious with a variety of toppings. The Pancakes and French Toast are not for the faint of heart. Bring your a game!!

The menu is legit and tasty that's for damn sure. I highly recommend this best kept secret Roswell.

My only complaint is the veggie breakfast scramble needs some seasoning. Salt and pepper at the table is ok. But, it would great to kick it up a notch. Season the dish.

Finally a place that rivals the breakfast scene in Atlanta. Hands down a great place...

We went to several of the Thumbs Up Diners (East Point, Atlanta) and always had exceptional food and service. For my son's 40th birthday, we thought of going to Thumbs Up for a fun brunch celebration. The closest location to their house is in Roswell. While the patio is really nice, the customer service was horrific. It was sooooo bad that there really are no words for it. Right at the time when my son was opening his cards and gifts, the beverages arrived and one of the server's spilled the ice tea and the entire drink splashed on the table, spilling ice tea all over my grandson's clothes and shoes. The staff just helplessly stood there in astonishment. After consulting with the manager that this service was unacceptable, we were offered the final meal at 50% off. It is an absolute shame that I had to plead my case to a manager. I am sorry, this should have been immediately suggested by the staff who caused the incident. When we were finally re-seated at a dry table and placed our orders, the server neglected to place my husband's order to the kitchen. Only after asking her where my husband's plate was did the server go back and ask in the kitchen. He didn't get his plate until 10-15 minutes later after everyone else was finished eating. The server also neglected to come back and refill the coffee and other beverages. Only after reminding her several times to do so, did she come back. AGAIN, THERE AREN'T ENOUGH WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS NEGLIGIBLE EXPERIENCE!!! WE WILL NEVER COME BACK TO THIS LOCATION BUT THUMBS UP IN EASTPOINT IS...