Lafayette Diner — Restaurant in Virginia

There is a reason there are always cars parked up outside the Lafayette - this diner is clearly a hit with the locals because its everything you hope for in a small, southern diner. It's not much to look at, but the food is plentiful and the service is absolutely wonderful. They don't make 'em like this anymore. Our server knew many of her customers by name and was exceedingly cheerful. The food is simple and filling. The coffee was hot and my cup was always full. I would have stuck with it until I saw our server come out with a giant Tupperware jug of sweet tea, which she said they brewed on site. Lord have mercy. I've been up in New England a long time, and that first hit of real, homemade southern sweet tea made my heart sing. There isn't anything fancy about the Lafayette -you get paper napkins and plastic cups - but its spotlessly clean, my omelette was delicious, and everyone else enjoyed their pancakes (although my Maine raised son observed they didn't have real maple syrup - who knew New England kids were maple syrup snobs). So if you are looking for down home cooking and great service, then stop in at the Lafayette. And whatever you order, make sure it comes with home fries, a biscuit, and the sweet tea - so satisfying! 9/10 would...

As most of the reviews already say, don't judge this book by its cover. The outside may look dingy, but it's a comfortable and welcoming—though bustling—atmosphere inside.

Note that the expectation is to seat yourself. There is no sign indicating this, though my confusion was mostly my fault as I didn't hear the servers telling me this at first.

The servers were both generally very attentive and quick. They even greeted regulars by name.

A lot of these regulars seemed to be more elderly, and some of the food choices were definitely aimed at that audience. Unfortunately, my eggs and pancakes, while prepared well, were heavily under-seasoned. However, table salt, butter, and syrup were provided to make up for this.

Despite the slight blandness of the food, though, it was nice to sit in a diner atmosphere and enjoy breakfast and coffee. I'll be sure to return...

Um, so I feel bad but the food was horrible.. Everything we ordered was burt, overdone and dry.. I definitely do not recommend this as a stop for good service and good country food.. The bacon was burned, the bread was stale, literally crumbling, burgers were cooked so long they were dry and black from the grill, fries were dirty brown in color and hard, cornbeef hash was black and gross and the lettuce was brown with overdone and crispy eggs.. Our waitresses never came back after dropping off our last plate of food.. Everything came out at different times.. Payment is made at cash register with extremely high prices! We paid 35$ for two tiny disgusting burgers, burt fries, two orders of cornbeef hash, a tiny bag of Lay's potatoe chips and a cup of black watered down coffee. Extremely disappointed for what I thought was going to be a delicious...