The Owego Kitchen — Restaurant in Town of Owego

Very disappointed with the lack of knowledge and unwillingness of staff to accommodate a dairy allergy on Friday, June 23rd.

Our son has anaphylaxis reactions to dairy and nuts. Prior to visiting this establishment, I called and inquired about their ability to accommodate our son's allergies for breakfast. The representative I spoke with reassured us they could accommodate us. While he was unsure about the bagel ingredients, he was confident the gluten-free rolls were also dairy free.

When we arrived, we again informed the staff of our son's allergies and were told he could order an egg and bacon sandwich on a roll.

We placed our orders for 4 people and while waiting at the counter, the manager/cook mentioned to my husband that he could not guarantee a dairy-free meal for our son. He continued to say that while he cooks with oil, he had been using butter on the griddle all morning. We asked if he could wipe the area of the griddle down before cooking our son's eggs and was told he would not as he was "cooking for everyone."

Our meals and drinks were already paid for so we had to decide between making our son watch us all eat before we could find a place for him to eat separately or request a refund since they refused to accommodate all of us and eat elsewhere.

The most frustrating and disappointing aspects of our experience with Owego Kitchen were: (1) We called ahead, informed them our of special needs for allergies and were assured they could accommodate us. (2) When we arrived, we again confirmed they had at least one dairy and nut free breakfast option. (3) Family living in the Owego area had raved about this establishment and assured us they were very customer-service driven and accommodating and would make sure our son's meal was safe for him. (4) The cook/manager was very dismissive towards us and treated us as if we were an inconvenience for him which only made my son feel like it was his fault we had to leave (something we work very hard to avoid, which is why we call ahead!). (5) We had to call family and let them know they would need to meet us elsewhere for breakfast as our son would not be able to eat at the Owego Kitchen.

We ended up requesting and receiving a full refund.

We met our family at River Rock Diner in Owego. We HIGHLY recommend RIVER ROCK DINER if you have someone with food allergies. They were very knowledgeable, friendly, and their food...

I visited here with a friend who suggested the place as a local favorite of hers. She described the food as freshly made and much of it locally sourced.

I had a blueberry muffin while there, and took a cup of light roast coffee and a coffee crumble cake of absolute delight home. The muffin was soft and just the right amount of spongey, not heavy, and definitely had real blueberries. The coffee was just a normal light/breakfast roast with half and half (they have non-dairy creamer options, though. I saw almond milk, I think). I am honestly not sure if they had any fancy coffee drinks but I also did not even look at the menu...glass case containing fresh goodies was pretty overwhelming but neatly displayed and had my attention from the start. I ate the coffee cake or apple crumble or whatever I got later and it was amazing. Crumbly on top, cake underneath, not too sweet. Could have been a breakfast or dessert.

The service was great; the girls at the front taking orders were kind and efficient, and one came by my table once while we were eating to see if she could clear anything or bring us anything else.

The space is cozy but has a good amount of seating and there are a couple small cafe tables outdoors.

It was a great little stop...

I loved this place till yesterday. My Italian breakfast sandwich I usually get with relish on it had hardly any yesterday. so this visit I went up to let the staff know and I asked may I please have a little more relish on my Italian breakfast sandwich as it has hardly any . I was met with a stern "sorry it has the standard amount unless you want to be charged $1.50 extra." I was very upset to be honest. I am a loyal local customer and I know it was NOT the standard amount. To be charged $1.50 for just a little more that was lacking just blew my mind. My daughter worked at Ithaca bakery for years she couldn't believe they treated me like this as well. Also what's up with the napkin situation? You have to constantly ask for napkins and when I did I was handed one only. 🥴 Come on! The amount of money being made on these sandwiches and coffees I think napkins should be available at the counter and near the tables. I love this place but the customer service...