Sunny's Diner — Restaurant in Tempe

My family and I live in North Phoenix, so when we went to Tempe town lake for a day we wanted to eat somewhere local. The menu was big and everything we ate was delicious, but while service was friendly it was a disappointing experience. Friendly doesn't make up for not having follow through with your guests or knowing the menu so you can correctly inform them. I ordered a pita and asked for lettuce and tomato with it. Was told it came with it. I specified that it didn't say that on the menu so that's why I ordered it. She assured me it did. Our food arrived, no lettuce or tomato. I asked for it and then waited 10+min while my family finished their food. I was approached with sorrys which I do appreciate, but by then the pita was soggy so I just ate the filling with the lettuce. We also were never offered a refill and my husband sat without a drink for 20 minutes and was never offered anything else. We will always be kind and patient, but we dont choose to spend our money out at places that just say sorry, but show no remorse for ignoring you and making you wait for things you asked for in the first place. It makes us feel like dollar signs and not people. The bill then came. We we're charged $3 for the lettuce and tomato I was told came with my pita. We paid it without saying anything. The cashier asked about our experience and detected my husband's subtle and calm "it was ok." When he finally shared some details he again got an I'm sorry and then it was suggested we try them again or use them for Uber eats. We'll pass. Great food, but seems so busy they stopped caring about the details. Details matter. People matter. Their decision to spend money out should be valued and...

This place has huge portions which is a plus, and a draw for some people. I like to focus on consistency. I usually come here for breakfast and would frequent more if the food was consistent. Sometimes the food is on point, hot and delicious. Other times the food lacks taste, comes out grey and lukewarm. I've even had times when the coffee is cold and flavorless. Attention to detail & getting food out when it's up, could have this place a little busier and probably seeing more foot traffic. This place feels like it could be a "breakfast go to", that close to ASU Campus and retail businesses...if more attention was paid to consistency. Mimic the "Cracked Egg"; which feels like a sister location, with the exact same menu. There are items on the menu that could definitely make it a signature breakfast spot (Chicken Fried Chicken, The biscuit Volcano, Pancho omelette, Breakfast Tacos, and anything with homemade chorizo), but they need to be featured AND consistent. If a cook isn't great at making the chorizo, have someone else make it, plain and simple. Taking pride in what goes out to customers is a huge part of the food business. Also waitstaff should be recommending favorites and specials, as well as unique items on the menu. Not just asking if you want a drink and are ready to order. Just needs a little TLC in some areas.

Side note: The lady at the front welcoming people is always sweet and a plus to...

I really only come here like once a year and the food is decent. Not "write home to mom" good, but decent and filling. The staff are pleasant, hard-working, and kind, and the menu is pretty big so it isn't hard to find something to munch on.

I will say, though, that this year was a particular challenge and I highly doubt the poor staff have anything to do with it.

There weren't any bathrooms available on-site when I went yesterday (mid-morning, Saturday) with four kids in tow. I, personally, wasn't affected but it definitely struck me as a big red flag. I'm fairly certain it's a safety hazard, too, to not provide rest rooms and hand-washing facilities to customers. And that's not counting the poor employees who I imagine had to leave and cross the parking lot or even the street to relieve themselves.

When I asked, multiple employees expressed frustration and apologized profusely and I gathered the family restroom had been undergoing renovations for an unreasonably long time (months). The employees also seemed like they were a little harried and busy, but were excellent to us and very attentive.

I get the impression the owner might be pinching places...