Parkway Diner — Restaurant in South Burlington

K. What happened, happened.

Food here is always the best, and until today always looked forward to going to the Parkway.

However, probably no longer on my preferred list after my experience.

I had relatives visiting for the week, to be capped off by the Parkway, which I think is a great example of diner atmosphere, great food, and service.

Problem was, I came in with 6 adults and 3 teens, to be joined very soon by four more adults and another teen. My sister went to secure two booths adjacent; the teens were already at the counter and excited. Then the waitress told us that the policy was one booth per party.

So I went up thinking it was a miscommunication. I absolutely was patient, kind, and polite. I was sweet. Nope. She, and the next gal, held firm. I explained we had 10 adults, four teens - teens and a couple adults would be at counter, that's ok. Just the two here, unoccupied, clean, ready to go. Nope. One booth per party. I asked, and explained. Two booths adjacent would be fantastic, call us two or even three parties. Nope. One booth per party.

I looked around. Three booths had two people in them. While in discussion, one of the adjacent booths was taken - by two people.

I looked at the girl. She looked at me. I walked over to my group, and with respect had them leave. We went and had a great time down the street at The Bagel Place, down the street.

We were welcomed by the staff. We got convenient, close spacing for the 14 of us. The Bagel sandwiches and coffee were fantastic, well made, and tasty.

And The Bagel Place was appreciative of our business.

I went to Parkway maybe 10 to 15 times a year. I always had at least one person with me, sometimes two. That's at least 30 plates a year. Maybe that's too small for Parkway to change their policy. Maybe not.

But if it's happening to me, it's happening to others. I don't think I'll be choosing Parkway...

I had a bit over an hour to get food into my son before an appointment. On the spur of the moment I decided to try the Parkway. Two seats at the counter, no waiting! Unfortunately, my plan for a sit down, not fast food breakfast were very, very, slowly dashed. 40 minutes after ordering and no food. Nothing like smelling other people's food for that long and being hungry. I asked for check which was $27 and change for two breakfasts. It took 10 minutes to pay. When we were headed for the door the food was finally ready and I asked for it to go.

My son had the breakfast sandwich. It came "ready to assemble" in a cardboard container. Is it really a sandwich if they don't actually put it together? He started eating it right away in the car. I asked him how it was and he said the English muffin was soggy, the eggs rubbery and the bacon was "weird".

By the time I was home an hour later I was famished. I opened the bag to see bits of my breakfast had fallen out of the cheap cardboard container. I opened the box to find a congealed mess. My daughter bravely tried a bite. Her comment: "Is that supposed to be hash? It's pretty chewy" Well, I'd had enough. I gave the food to my dogs. For what it's worth they liked the hash, but ate around the eggs.

I popped a couple of eggo waffles in the toaster. Crispy, buttery, maple syrupy and hot. All done in less than five minutes. Seriously, how bad does a restaurant have to be to compare unfavorably to frozen waffles?

If you plan on eating here, I suggest you eat a big meal before going. Trust me, you'll be starving by the time they actually put food in front of you. You'll have to be very hungry...

Wanted to try a local diner, like the feel. Looks great from outside and had good reviews.

Got right in and was sat right away. Friendly staff, very nice.

The table I sat at had a decent amount of syrup left in spots and well, got it all over my hands and arms somehow. Told the staff and they cleaned it right away and apologized, not a big deal at all.

Went to the bathroom to clean my hands and arms and they were out of paper towels, thankfully there was toilet paper to dry with. It happens.

Back to the menu, I ordered tge busquits and gravy. Took a bit longer to get the bisquits and gravy than anticipated considdering there were only 4 other people in there besides me.

They delivered my order to me with the eggs. I must say I was concerned when the staff brought the order and she apologized and recognized the gravy was very runny and said sge can take it back and they will make up another batch.

If you already have a concern like this dont even send it, make a new one right away.

I said no problem I will try it any way cause the busquuts looked home made. Long story short the eggs were cold the gravy was like soup and for a sausage gravy it had little flavor and was very bland.

Too bad because the bisqutis were spot on.

Great little place, maybe an off day and I will be back to try again. My only criticism is if you feel your food looks to be sub par even when you offer the guest you will re do, dont just do it and please use some salt and pepper when...