The Pampered Palate Cafe — Restaurant in Staunton

My sister and I left after being treated rudely by a waitress. She asked if we were aware that they closed at 3:00. I looked at the time and said well it’s only 2:20. There were several other tables with patrons eating. I’ve worked in a restaurant before and closing time is the time when you stop letting people in, not the time you make people leave. My sister joked that certainly they wouldn’t kick us out the door at 3:00. The waitress answered that we should have time to eat if we hurry but but we couldn’t sit around chit-chatting! She was not joking or being pleasant. She then said that it had been a long week and she wanted to get out of there on time. We sat down and the waitress continued to act put-out to answer our questions about the drink menu. She brought our tea out and wanted to take our order. I asked about the quiche and soup specials, and she rolled her eyes and said we have one piece of spinach-provolone quiche and cold gazpacho soup. I said I would look at the sandwiches. She again rolled her eyes and my sister said if you don’t want us to eat here we can just go. She said no you can stay but you need to order because it’s been a long week and I want to leave. I stood up and said let’s go. She said oh so you aren’t going to pay for your tea in a snide voice. Neither of us had touched our teas but my sister said I’ll pay for them, how much do I owe you. She said no never mind. I told her she was extremely rude and asked if she was the owner. She said no I’m not but that man coming in the door is the owner. I told him how we had been treated rudely and he said no one had ever said the waitress was rude. When I relayed her comment about it being a hard week and she want to leave, he apologized. I have no idea if the food is good, but I have NEVER been treated this way by any...

One star for service. We ate here a few years ago and had an enjoyable experience. So when we came through Staunton again this year on our way home from a vacation with good friends we hands-down wanted to share that experience with them too.

We never got the chance.

We went inside, where all tables were empty, and asked for a table for 8. The waitress went to get some menus and push a couple of tables together when an older man popped his head out from around the corner and said he didn't have the capacity to serve us. We asked if we could sit at two tables instead of one and he said no. So we left without incident and had a wonderful breakfast at the Clocktower Eats and Sweets instead. And when we passed by the Pampered Palate on the way back it was full of diners inside. I am disappointed, and not sure why they did not want to serve us and turned down paying customers. Although we did hear their business does well so maybe they can be choosy about who they will serve.

We were told by a nice shop owner that Mayor Andrea Oakes reads all reviews so I hope she sees this one and helps Pampered Palate understand that it's good business not just for the establishment but for the entite town to be kind and respectful to all who come through your...

Located downtown, so parking is tricky but we found a place on the street. Quaint small town. Limited seating but short wait. Very good selection of unique and tasty creations. They were out of the chili, which I hoped to try. Quesadilla appetizer was ok but could have used more cheese. Wife got a reuben that had perfect balance of quality meat and kraut. Bread was fresh and even chips on side were good. I liked the fresh fruit that was offered instead of chips. I got a pastrami sandwich called the Betsey that had perfect meat/bread ratio. I drank a local blueberry sour beer and our pumpkin cheesecake dessert was absolutely delicious. Worthwhile lunch if strolling...