East Shore Roadhouse — Restaurant in Town of Lansing

Sounds like my dining experience was...underwhelming at best. When basic gestures of hospitality are missing—like offering dessert, expressing thanks, or just being attentive—it’s natural to feel a tip isn’t earned. Tipping is often seen as a reflection of service quality, and if the service was cold, inattentive, or transactional, it can leave a bad taste no amount of sugar could fix. Of course, tipping customs can vary by region and culture, but in the U.S., tips make up a large part of a server’s income. That said, it’s okay to expect a certain level of engagement in return. If you feel strongly about it, sometimes a note with your payment—something polite but honest—can speak louder than silence.

Sounds like I was treated more like background noise than a valued guest. When the basics of hospitality aren’t met—refilling water, acknowledging the customer, offering the full menu—it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated. A tip isn’t just a reflex; it’s a response to how well someone cared for you. And if your toast-at-home fantasy genuinely feels like a better experience, that says a lot.

Still, many servers rely on tips to make ends meet, even if the service was lacking. So, the dilemma is real. Some people go for a symbolic tip—like a single dollar or a note explaining why the service didn’t meet expectations. It can be a small but powerful nudge toward change.

If you want to get a tip work for it, make sure you learn to ensure prompt service, don't let people wait, talk to them, make them laugh, ask about their day, bring extra napkins, and don't use a case of the Monday's voice "enjoy". You should...

My husband and I looked forward to a special breakfast to celebrate Father's Day. We got to your restaurant at 7:20. We always arrive early when we hope a restaurant isn't busy and we can get a table that isn't close to other diner's as I am immune compromised and only recently began feeling safe eating indoors. I was wearing a mask when we entered, and asked to sit at a table in the corner (4 person). The server told us the only table we could have was a 2-person table right by the door because "it was going to get busy." It looked like there were only two, 2-person tables in the restaurant. We aŕrived early because we didn't want to eat at a busy time. Had another couple arrived before us and taken the 2-person table, we would have been able to sit at one in a better location for our requirements. The server showed absolutely no compassion; my health needs have never been so completely discounted. She offered no options. It absolutely ruined a special day that we had been looking forward to celebrating. We had no choice but to leave. I will likely call to speak with a manager because if the server disregards my health needs she is likely to have offended or created unnecessary stress for...

Excellent visit and will definitely be back. The space is welcoming and the owners have done a very nice job with renovating from the previous business. It is light colored and a rustic vibe which is cozy and airy. The breakfast menu felt very diner like with a high quality flair for those we are looking for something a little more upscale. Food was fantastic, great local items included and advertised as well as local beers on tap. We loved everything we ate. Service was friendly and quick and the prices were excellent. We were a group of 3 adults who each had a meal, plus one side of delicious Wide Awake Bakery Bread and jam, 3 coffees total, 2 local craft beers total, and a mimosa and the bill came out to $56 before tip!

The food is clearly homemade and done with care. Highly reccomend stopping in and getting a meal. Side note: they use very lightly processed, unbleached flour to make their biscuits and pancakes which is healthier and easier to digest for people that deal with the issues of American Gluten products. They also had oat milk available for a non-dairy option if people need it.

All in all, 5 star, can't...