NORMS Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Ana

Second visit; 06/02/24 Sunday, instead of Friday this time. Still had fish and chips complete meals. No clam chowder this time, wasn't Friday. Everything else exactly the same and just as good. Linnette was our server and was pleasant and helpful although somewhat "absent" on check backs. Still a good value in spite of not having that Friday night 2 for 1 special. New picture of entree and beverages

Okay...here we go... Diner/Coffee shop along the lines of Denny's or Bob's Big Boy only better. Beware...usually rather busy, and you'll likely have a short wait... I've been to several locations. All equally good. Well prepared meals at reasonable prices. ALL MEAL PERIODS. This most recent visit was a result of their Friday menu. A fish and chips special. Most places these days charge $18 and up for a comparable plate. Norm's regular price is $13.99 and theirs comes with soup AND salad. (do the New England clam chowder) BUT, THE BEST PART... For a limited time, on Friday nights, they have a two for one special... That's two complete meals for $13.99, AND they throw in a dessert 🍨 as well. WAY MORE THAN A GREAT VALUE!!! Everything was hot, well prepared and delicious!!! All served efficiently with a smile!!! Lilia was our server. A well trained gem!!! Polite, friendly, appeared a bit shy at first, but she had the best server mechanics I've seen in a while. (Im a retired Hospitality Director. I know a good server when I see one) She was one!!! Venue was bright and clean and appeared well run. The 4 Star "Atmosphere" score was not the result of the venue, but rather its location surroundings. It's in a "downtown" area, and it occasionally has a propensity for homeless encounters. Not under the restaurant's control. Take that into consideration. At any rate, still WELL WORTH THE VISIT!!! Pictures; I started eating the soup and then the fish before I thought about it. Beverages; Arnold Palmer and a...

I've always liked going to Norms at this location in particular because they've always been great hosts and have taken care of my friends and I in the wee hours of the morning. My last visit here however, wasn't as hospitable as my previous visits. My guest and I were very, very hungry and it took over 15 minutes after we sat down, for the waitress to notice us. This was after i stood up a few times and told my guest that they didn't come over soon - I was ready to walk out. Just then, the waitresses appeared and we got our drinks pretty quick but still took the food a little long to show up. Once we got our food THE SILVERWARE WAS DISGUSTING ...the knives, forks and spoons all had a milky white film that i wiped off myself but my guest wasn't having it and asked the waitress nicely if he could have another/ cleaner set and the waitress responded with attitude "okay! Is there anything else you need?!" And i told her "Look! I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO USE my napkin to wipe down silverware that's supposed to be clean to begin with." ..she then left and took her time bringing my guest, their new silverware. Although the manager was excellent when greeting us, the waitress did a terrible job taking care of our problem... almost taking it personal like she was the one that sucked at washing dishes. I won't be going there again and unless you dont mind eating off the floor, then i wouldn't recommend going here either. There was a Denny's down the street, closer to the 55 freeway... I'd feel safer...

Arrived exactly on time to pick up take out (according to Norms order online). Told several staff behind the counter that I had a take out scheduled for a specific time (told them the time). They each asked for my name, I gave it. First person returned stating it was still being prepared. Waited 10 mins at the counter. Saw several take out orders come out and picked up. One order came out and sat for more than 10 mins. During this time I told several more and the same staff that I was waiting for my food. They all asked my name, which I gave, then they disappeared. Eventually one bothered to look at the bag that had now sat for over 10mins. That was mine. I told them it would be cold by now. They didn't care. This was now 25 mins after the scheduled ready time. I needed to get home otherwise I would have made them make it all over again, fresh.

At home (only a 6 min drive), the food was cold. All of it. And I mean really cold, more than standing for 10 mins. Clearly it had stood in the back a lot longer than 10mins, at least the 25 mins it was late and perhaps even longer.

There was plasticware for one despite ordering 3 meals.

Food was missing. The order wasn't even complete.

The restaurant wasn't busy. Half the tables empty and lots of staff working.

I should have listened to the reviews.

Terrible service. Terrible food.

DO NOT GO HERE! Go to another Norms. I've been to others and they are leaps and bounds better...