Franklin & Phoebe Brunchery — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

I used to really enjoy this place. When it was Alpine restaurant. The food was classic diner food, at a reasonable price. Not inexpensive but on par with todays diner menus. I had a wild wild West omelette...it's steak (strip) and peppers and onions with I believe a pepper jack cheese. It came with home fries and toast. I declined the toast because personally I avoid gluten. The potatoes were dry over cooked and flavorless. They shack some sort of seasoning over the top at the end, but seemingly didn't season them prior to serving. My father had a breakfast burrito (they forgot the avocado we added....no big deal, Fanny the server corrected that mistake and brought out a side of avocado. Again the burrito was basically scrambled eggs raw onions and peppers and flavorless dry overcooked potato. I am only stating my opinion, maybe they are focusing on the fancier brunch stuff, maybe that is delicious. I couldn't say. However and I understand completely to pay for the change in decor they have to charge more for everything. We literally left all the home fries cause they were inedible, the bill was $51 dollars. That was for the above food and 2 coffee's. I tipped Fanny a $20. I am generally an over tipper but she was very accommodating and being that unfortunately my father and I won't be coming back I figured let me make her day. I jokingly said to my dad , I might as well tip her good, she might be out of a job when the place closes in 6 months. Just to add to my back story. I am not nor was I ever a regular customer. My dad and I frequent many diners throughout Long Island and the Boroughs. We grew up going to diners and we want to keep them open. If you haven't noticed they are constantly closing down. It's very disappointing. I've seen a few classic Greek diners go this route. They change everything into a "fine dinning" or "gourmet" restaurant. Maybe I'm getting too old, maybe I'm a dying breed. What's wrong with a diner? We don't need cocktails and mocktails with fancy pancakes and breakfast flatbread etc....im sure I am not alone on this. I guarantee half the old clientele are not going to pay 40% more for food they don't care about. You might gain 15 new customers that want the fancy stuff but how many old timers will you lose. I'm no expert in running a restaurant and believe me I know that the owner has been running restaurants for decades. I mean no disrespect with my next observation, but he has never struck me as someone that takes constructive criticism. However I watched our 2 plates full of potatoes go into the bussers station while the owner never looked once. I bet if he payed more attention to not what people say when the wait staff ask how is everything (because most people say , great great) because it's the social norm and don't want to be rude. But actually watch people. What there faces are saying and what they leave on the plate it would tell you a lot. Again I truly am not trying to be rude I am just giving my honest opinion. But who am I, just a customer that won't go back. I hope you are successful I really do. I also hope some of the staple diner food comes back. If you are still going strong in 6 months or so, I will probably try it one more time. I really want this to be successful I am always cheering for local neighborhood mom and pop places to thrive. Please just pay attention to what's being eaten and what's being thrown out, pay attention to people's faces and adjust. Don't just take people's word when asked at the table , how is everything? Because the answer will almost always be...

For the price of the food, I expect more. They try to come across as this fancy brunch place but it’s not.

I had the omelette with skirt steak. Over cooked dried beef jerky is what I got and barely a serving. I get more beef from a McDonald’s cheeseburger patty. It was sad. Potatoes were dry and unseasoned. Instead, They sprinkle paprika on all the dishes to give the dishes some color.

We had Americano’s cause we noticed the beans are from Vasilaros. One of our favorite coffee. The waiters, including the waitress who took our order, are unaware. They offer top off our cups with regular coffee.

They also hover around the tables constantly asking to clear our tables, to a point where I strongly said no after 3-4 times. They still came back and my wife snapped No. If they want to charge fancy prices and make themselves appear fancy.. then it should start with proper service. They should not clear our plates until everyone is done eating. It’s rude and we shouldn’t have to feel rushed. My wife is eating and there’s no plate in front of me. There no additional courses coming.

Also…. The crooked picture on the wall next to the tv was very annoying to look at. It wasn’t a questionable crooked. It was crooked. No one wanted to take the time to fix it. Waitress heard us comment but didn’t care to go fix it.

Gave it 2 stars because the food was edible. Just...

At first glance, the place is cute and relaxed - nice overall vibe. Maybe a little too relaxed as the server (albeit not rude), was a bit inattentive. She started with the GenZ stare... which was not the best way to start my first experience there. We put in our orders, but then waited 20 minutes before receiving our water... that I needed to actually ask the hostess for because the server was nowhere to be found. The food came out all together... which included our appetizer. It obviously defeated the purpose of getting an appetizer, but ok. I receive fries with my meal - though no ketchup, then took a bit to get that. On the flip side... the food was delicious. The appetizer was a fig jam with brie that was other wordly! I could've eaten just that. The Monte Cristo was incredibly tasty and HUGE - It was uber heavy, so I could only finish half! Also, the Steak and eggs was yum as well. Even the coleslaw was tasty! The waitress hadn't checked in on us at all and I had to ask others for water refills. She dropped the bill and I didn't see her after. So - the food was great, but lackluster service, to be fair. When I'm paying upwards of $100 for two for breakfast/lunch/brunch - I do expect the proper service... at least a fake smile! The food made it a much better experience; but don't expect 5 start service. Anyway, give it a shot; but know...