Village Inn — Restaurant in Tampa

How much difference quality food and a quality server makes is reflected in this being 4* rather than the 2* I was going to give it.

This was my go to restaurant and location for years, but my previous visits were… underwhelming. It’s probably been almost a year since my last visit to this location, and 9mo. since my last Village Inn.

To say that some things are lacking is an understatement, but the most important aspects were done right.

I arrived at about 6pm on a Tuesday and despite being mostly empty it did take a good chunk of time for my server to be ready as there was only one server for the whole floor. After ordering it took over 20 min to get food (I was alone and there were only 5 other tables, all already with food).

During my wait I used the restroom which may now require me to get a tetanus shot, Ebola treatment and an amputation. Seriously, I could smell the restrooms long before I found them. There were homeless people that changed their mind before getting there. I e been to waste holes in the mountains that seemed less invasive and more trustworthy. After using the urinal I went to move and my shoes were stuck to the floor (not a joke), and that was the cleanest spot in the bathroom. This bathroom should get a health code violation but the inspector wouldn’t come close enough to be able to grade.

Now you are starting to understand why 2* was my initial starting point.

With that said, once I got my food it was perfect. Albeit the server did refuse to bring out my toast because it wasn’t cooked right, and she forgot my butter for my pancakes, but when she came back with both… that was perfect too (even the butter which was not frozen and easy to spread).

I’m a very picky eater and the food that I was served was spot on the first time. That really influenced my final score heavily. The server also deserves credit for ensuring the food was right before it came to me. Also for leaving the check right away so I didn’t have to ask for it, and also for providing a drink refill in a to go cup when noticing I was nearly done.

I will also say I witnessed the manager doing a fantastic job assisting a difficult elder individual with his/her pie request.

I was honestly turned from an unhappy customer to a very happy customer without them even knowing simply because when the staff had to do their job, they did it right.

Now if only they could get that speed up and sort out those bathrooms and this place would be amazing.

Seriously, there are septic tank clean-up crews who’d be troubled by the idea using these restrooms. There were patrons from NY City and LA who thought they were back home. There were immigrants from third world countries who said, “see not so easy is it?” I think I’m going to head to the mall and buy some new shoes now and then stop at the gym and take a shower…. But at least...

I am an in town regular as I know a few people from the previous Clearwater location such as Rosie, Denise, and Brenda. My favorite daytime servers are Brenda, Jackie, and Annette and favorite evening servers are Gigi, Denise, Tiffany, and Debbie. Overall, the front staff are very helpful and if they see you struggling with mobility issues, they will assist as it is a very family friendly homey atmosphere most of the time. One of the best cooks of all time is named Boomer and he makes the food so good, I dont understand why he isnt at a high end restaurant and has given me several ideas on how to make good dishes when I am not traveling and at home. I love how friendly and cordial Gigi is with a smile and happy demeanor with her adorable voice as well as her professional demeanor. Denise is an absolute sweetheart with her pleasant voice and incredible service. Tiffany is super chill and straight to the point, takes your order and delivers quickly. Debbie is quick and a high attention to detail. Like Debbie, Annette is doing a marathon around the restaurant taking orders quickly and delivering food with a pleasant demeanor. Jackie is sweet and excellent at her service. Brenda is my all time favorite as I know her from the previous Clearwater location and always 100% on her A-game with a smile, attention to detail, and super courteous. Superstar all around best managers are Rosie and Joie always taking care of customers in the best way possible in a welcoming atmosphere. Food is delicious and tasty done to perfection and I always show my appreciation to law enforcement and the super servers who take the time to get the order right, take orders and deliver the order in fastest and best way possible all in a...

Just walked out over poor service. I'd like to start off by saying that I'm a frequent visitor to the Village inn. However I got a bad taste in my mouth. My wife and I arrived after attending church. I understand that there was a wait because of the rush of customers. We waited approximately 28 minutes to be seated. After being seated in the first Booth in front of the hostess station we waited about 20 minutes. During this wait I stopped the hostess and asked if there was someone assigned to our section. The hostess offered to go and get someone. 12 - 15 minutes past and still No one came. I then asked another employee if they could locate our waitress. This gentleman offered to take our order. My wife, grandson and I placed our order. Once again we waited about 15-20 minutes and nothing, Not even our water or coffee. Wow is all I can say, we spent over an hour and didn't even get a glass of water. I enjoy eating at the Village inn and will probably return. I just hope that someone within the company reads this. I'd hate for another customer to become frustrated and leaves. I understand delays and wait times. The hostess did say that she was sorry as we walked by on...