Patti's Place — Restaurant in Thomaston

I had a great experience at Patti's today. I don't really remember eating there, but may have stopped in with my father, Richard Mathews, when I was very young. He died in 1977, at 34, when I was 8, but he loved Thomaston so much and grew up there. ❤️ My stepfather, John McCleary, and I went today. He's a long-time customer, and it was so nice that the staff and some patrons, remembered him so kindly. Heather immediately knew him. Her sister, Hailey (sp?), was a bit younger, but she remembered him too. I think the man who made my yummy sandwich talked to us the longest...I think his name was Ray. Nice guy. Too bad Patti wasn't there, but maybe next time. John loved his New England Clam Chowder (he's a very picky eater), and my grilled chicken wrap was perfect...not too much 'stuff'...exactly what was on the menu. We loved the coffee...just whole food. The waitresses were there when needed, even though they were busy. It wasn't quiet or loud...it had 'restaurant sounds'...kitchen, soft chatter...easy to talk to each other. There was parking on the street today, but there's parking around the corner and a free lot down there, as well. There were veggie options, and I am sure the chefs would help with that part, if requested. I didn't see any children, but kids would be fine. I loved the old-time decor, American flags, good old Americana; I wish I saw it more. Prices were very reasonable. If I kept saying good things, it wouldn't end...nothing negative to report. My stepfather wouldn't have gone there his whole life (and still), if it wasn't all of these things. Thanks to everyone for the smiles, and everything else....

The food here is absolutely delicious. Prices are reasonable. We used to really enjoy coming here. Then one day we came in on a day things were going wrong. The blonde lady who usually works the front counter was extremely hostile. She sighed when we walked in. We offered to leave but our waitress assured us it was fine. We ordered and our waitress was so kind. Unfortunately the same blonde lady was awful the entire meal. Everyone in the restaurant was quiet. It felt very uncomfortable. When the orders came they were wrong (we later found out the chef was having some issues.) the same blonde lady asked who's meal was in her hand. No one answered because the order was so wrong that no one recognized it. She snapped at the four children with us "come on, it's not that hard to know what you ordered." Then slammed thebl burger down in front of my nephew. I almost lost it right then and there but it waitress pleaded with us not to. She was so sweet and was near tears. We are basically in silence and left as soon as we could, with the mutterings of this woman going on the entire meal. Left our poor waitress a generous tip. We haven't been back since.

I understand a bad day but would have preferred to have been told they were closing early to all 8 of us receiving verbal abuse and the added mistreatment of our kids. We have not been back. It was one of the worst experiences I've ever had. I would have spoken quietly to the owner but one was not present that day and honestly I'm a little scared to go back.

Bottom line: great food, usually good service, read the room carefully...

When we visited Patti's Place it was agreed this down home no frills eatery served up the best dirty burger in New England. Friendly service. Local color.

While we were there was a cop at the counter, swilling down a jug of coffee and a slice of pie. Boss Hogg physique. Shiny honey-roast ham complexion. Exchanged gossip about mutual friends with the middle aged waitress as she went about her business. Done eating, he looked out the diner windows, saw a VW van painted Grateful Dead and flower power hippy colors. The cop got up, made some quip about protect-and-serve and unofficial tolls and narcotics, waddled back to his vehicle. Drove off after the van. Didn't pay. We figured this rubber stamped Patti's Place as authentic...