Red Rooster Drive-In — Restaurant in Town of Southeast

Where do I begin? Food is overpriced, for sure. The burger was ok, but clearly just recooked frozen food. The fries were a pittance of a serving, greasy, and not crisp. The ice cream is good, but how can you mess up soft serve? You have to try hard. You can get a better variety of ice cream, and just as good soft serve at King Kone.

But the one-star comes because the owner is a terrible businessman, and a misogynist at that. I was parked in the handicap spot. While my daughter and I were eating, their supply truck, instead of driving to the back, where supplies end up getting unloaded, parked right behind our car, pretty much blocking off every single handicap spot. We were not in a terrible rush, but I didn't know if it was a supply truck for them, at that point, or a customer. So I asked at the counter, politely, if they knew who the truck was, and if it was a supplier or customer. The woman at the counter said she'll check in the back, because she thinks the drivers downstairs. This guy comes up, and says, essentially, "what's your problem?" I explained that the truck was blocking me in, and I was just wondering if you knew how much longer was going to be. I wasn't yelling, I was simply asking. He then looked outside and goes, "give me your keys, I'll drive you out." But it wasn't with the tone of, "I'm being helpful individual," it was more along the lines of the attitude, "you're a woman, clearly you can't drive, but I, being a man, can back you out of the situation." I said thank you, but no thanks, I would just like to know when the truck was leaving, if it was going to be soon. He, again, got rude and offensive, and said the guy would be done in a minute. I was going to order ice cream, in the meantime, what I said, "OK, but it is a little upsetting that he has all the handicap spots blocked off." To which he responded, "What do you want me to do? We need our supplies." At that point, I told him that I was about to order more, and have ice cream while we waited, but with that attitude, I would be ordering anything else.

I went out to my car, which fortunately is small, and I was able to squeeze it out, but not easily, not because I'm not a good driver, but because it was incredibly tight. I then called, to speak to him again, to see if perhaps he'd had settled down. Instead, he doubled down. Even when I pointed out, he could've resolve the situation by simply apologizing, and being nice about it, instead of being insulting. He further made things worse.

When you have someone whose ego is so easily bruised owning a business, it's not a good sign...

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The owner John showed such a lack of compassion for human life. While I understand this is a very bold statement to leave in a restaurant review, let me explain.

I alerted a staff member of my life-threatening allergy upon ordering. John interrupted and told me there was no need to worry- in a very condescending tone.

While waiting for my ice cream order, I watched John dip peanut butter ice cream right into the sprinkle container he told me peanut-free 30 seconds ago.

When I questioned John about why he would not give me accurate information, especially since I would have been in the hospital all night if I had consumed my order, his response was "whatever, it's not a big deal." He then continued to be argumentative and rude as I tried to explain the importance of this matter; suggesting that my health concern was not important whatsoever.

Yes John, it is infact a big deal. Just a few months ago a young lady died after consuming mislabeled products containing an allergen sold in Danbury, CT. According to the CDC, one in thirteen children have a food allergy. To claim this is not a big deal is nonsense.

The lack of empathy and compassion shown by John was shameful. He should not be in the hospitality industry. It's beyond unfortunate that Red Rooster is represented by him.

For those with food allergies, or who take offense by John's actions, I would strongly encourage you to pass on Red...

Red Rooster is ALWAYS a fun experience. Whether you are "local" - as we are, or from "away" and just passing through, Red Rooster is conveniently located on Route 22 in Brewster, NY.

A great menu - probably EVERYONE's favorite food is on it - burgers, hotdogs, fries, combos, to-die-for milkshakes, hard and soft ice cream with lotsa toppings.

EVERYTHING is individually prepared for YOU - you can place your order and stand there watching it being cooked - nothing is cooked in advance and under a heatlamp getting tough and soggy.

The couple that manages the place have been there forever. The kids who work there appear to love their jobs - polite, always courteous and smiling, always clean and well groomed (no long hair hanging in the food), everyone wears a red and white uniform.

You can eat in, take out to picnic tables, take out to your car, or take out and go home. Food is on a tray or packed appropriately for where you intend to eat it. Picnic area has a dog friendly section. Eating in has been somewhat limited in the past but now (March 2019) a large extension is being added that will probably triple the "eating in" space.

Plenty of level, well-maintained parking - brightly lit at night. Clean restrooms. Courteous smoking seems to be OK outside - at least no one has yelled at me in the 43 years I've been a happy Red...