Richi's Diner — Restaurant in Surprise

Wasn't sure the place was open because the sign seemed out and there is a big window painting that only says what the breakfast hours are. But I tried the door and sure enough! There were two other tables seated so I just went in and found a place to sit. Took a minute to get a menu and my front order in but wasn't too terribly long.

I had the "grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies". My order came with a choice of soup or salad so, based on other reviews, I tried the lemongrass chicken soup. It came out after a short wait and, well, I've never had this before and it was pretty good. Very lemony.

A short bit after that came my entrée. Two giant pork chops, a heaping mound of mashed potatoes, and what we call in New Mexico, "calabictas". The potatoes were so hot I was sure they were microwaved. They weren't. They had a nice garlicky flavor and a good gravy. There were chunks of potato in the mix, and I like that. Had to let those cool. Then I tried the veggies which I was sure we're microwaved. They weren't. They were nicely steamed and not mushy carrots, squash, and zucchini, and trace amounts of cauliflower and broccoli. Normally I nibble at calabictas because in Santa fe, well. They microwave them. And they're mushy. I ate all my veggies. So far so good, right?

The pork chops: Although cooked correctly, hot and juicy, they reminded me of my step mothers pork chops. Absolutely no flavor. The difference being that my step mothers chops are dry as the Arizona desert. These chops weren't. They were nice and juicy. Just bland. So. That made me sad.

One thing to note, the servers talk to each other across the room. Because of this, I learned that if you order the daily special, check your ticket. Sometimes they forget to program the "computer". Also. While my ice tea glass ran dry, rather than fill my glass, the server spent a fair amount of time refilling condiments at empty tables. My server was very nice. Just slightly inattentive.

This is a locals place, that much is for sure. They even offer a discount card.

Oh. And yes. They do serve lunch and dinner. It looks like you already know about the breakfasts.

Im giving 3 stars because the food is "real". Next time I'll try something other than pork...

I don’t really know where to begin but I will try. We had a party of nine for dinner at Rich’s on a Wednesday night. Arriving at 5:00 PM we were seated at a table that was reserved for us. Once we settled in the waitress came by to take any drink orders we wanted. By g there way the menu online is different than at the restaurant. One of our party was looking forward to an item that was online but now not available. I ordered wine my wife also ordered wine. Save your money as the quality was not good. Our waitress came back twice and seemed to be in a hurry. Our party had been there for about 5-10 when she wanted to take our order. Couples had separate checks which was normal for our Wednesday group. Of the nine orders 5 were correct. One had soup and waited for their main order over 20 minutes after others had been served their meals. My meal was not what I ordered so it was redone. About 20 minutes later it still had not arrived. Two others had just received their meals who were apparently forgotten. Keep in mind the restaurant was about 20% full. Mine finally came, I ordered the Greek dinner, and to say it was poor would be an understatement. Frozen vegetables feta cheese that was melted and looked like marshmallows. If it wasn’t for the company the evening would have been a great disappointment. When it was time for the check I was charged for the wrong meal which was two dollars more than what I had ordered. The waitress asked me if I wanted it changed. Of course I did. I have never ever had any waitstaff as me that question ever. I cannot recommend this restaurant at all. Poor service poor food and less than clean...

The first impression of this place was poor, to be very honest. I ordered a "fancy coffee" and the steak benedict. In my first order, the hollandaise sauce was on the verge of broken, lumpy, and grainy throughout. The eggs were "hard" poached, instead of soft, like a traditional benedict is supposed to be. (In my opinion)

The hashbrowns I ordered crispy, and the line cook must have had a bad day or lost focus at work. They were scraggly pieces of potato that had the mouth feel of eating a handful of sticks instead of a solid piece with each side cooked to a crisp but softer in the middle. How it is supposed to be (in my opinion).

Theresa was the star of the show, though. She recognized the poor quality right away and made it right. She was a delight! The second set was much better.

Eggs poached soft, hollandaise is still questionable, but overall, it was okay. 👍 Hashbrowns returned in a uniform piece, cooked crispy. How they're supposed to be.

Overall, I probably will wait to come back as the price point + quality just isn't there yet.

I do respect the discount on cash transactions as advertised up front, but I do not like how the CCTV camera shines a blinding light in my face as I stand to be seated.

Perhaps I will try again in the future, but don't take my word for it. Get out and...