A Taste of Nostalgia Turns Sour: Occoee Dam Deli & Diner Misses the Mark on Service

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Occoee River and the Appalachian Mountains, lies the Occoee Dam Deli & Diner - a place once brimming with nostalgia for the adventurous youth. A trip down memory lane, I returned with my remarkable and beautiful wife, eager to relive cherished moments while savoring delightful dishes. But alas, what started as an eagerly anticipated date night unfolded into a disheartening experience that left us longing for the past.

The ambiance beckoned with the promise of comfort and camaraderie, but our server, April, appeared to be lost in some mysterious oblivion. As we waited, time stretching endlessly, it seemed like she might have been off on some daring escapade rather than attending to her diners. Thankfully, another server noticed our plight and came to our rescue, graciously taking our drink orders.

Opting for sweet tea, I yearned for that familiar taste of southern tradition, yet what I received was a mere semblance of its former glory. My taste buds were left disappointed, leading me to trade my dreams of sweet tea for the comforting familiarity of a Dr. Pepper.

Eventually, April emerged from her wanderings, and we proceeded to order the Spicy Dam Burger, a culinary masterpiece we hoped would reignite the spark of nostalgia. My beautiful wife, in her wisdom, requested her burger to be prepared well, while I sought the thrill of a perfectly cooked medium. Alas, as the plates arrived, it seemed the kitchen had its own whimsical interpretation of doneness, delivering two medium-well burgers instead.

Regrettably, April's vanishing act returned, leaving us stranded in a culinary limbo, thirsting for a refill as the minutes dragged on. Desperation prompted me to flag down any attentive soul for assistance, finally securing a refill.

And then came the culmination of our disappointment - a surprising visit from April, brandishing the check as if it were an unwelcome guest. In the midst of our unfinished meals, she whisked away my dinner plate, robbing me of the chance to savor every last bite. My wife, too, was left with half a burger and a plate of untouched fries. A cold sense of unwelcome enveloped us, leaving a bitter taste in our mouths that even the finest cuisine could not mend.

In all my years on this Earth, never have I felt so disregarded and unwelcome in a restaurant. My cherished memories of Occoee Dam Deli were tarnished by the indifferent service we received.

In the end, I can only hope that Occoee Dam Deli & Diner will rediscover its former glory, offering not just the taste of nostalgia but also the warmth and attentiveness that make dining a cherished experience. For now, I bid farewell to this once-beloved haunt, and perhaps, in another decade or more, I shall return to witness its revival.

Note: Despite the restaurant's shortcomings, my disappointment was tempered by the presence of my amazing wife. Her grace and charm illuminated the evening, and I am grateful for her unwavering company, making even a lackluster dining experience a memorable one.

Addendum below this line

The response to my review appears to be based on either a significant misunderstanding or a deliberate fabrication of the events. Contrary to the reply, April did not attend to my drink orders, nor did she offer any desserts. Furthermore, the provided timestamps seem to be entirely inaccurate. Another staff member had to take my drink orders as April was nowhere to be found for most of the meal. Regrettably, her absence and subsequent removal of my unfinished meal compelled me to leave prematurely. The overall service was far from satisfactory, as it lacked efficiency and warmth, resulting in an unwelcoming experience.

It is plausible that the individual who composed the response is the same lackluster server from my visit. Whether this response indeed originated from the owner or not, it serves as a testament to the establishment's declining level of service and attitude.