Dot's — Restaurant in Wilmington

This is my first-ever review, and I’m 43 years old. I have never walked out of a restaurant due to rude service—until now. Before visiting this place, I’d recommend reading the negative reviews because, unfortunately, they are spot on. The staff was incredibly rude, and it was clear that if we were locals or regulars, we would have been treated much differently.

To be clear, this has nothing to do with our wait time—it was solely about the way our waitress treated us, as if we were beneath her in every way.

I had such a wonderful trip to Vermont with my husband and our 20-month-old child. On our way home, we decided to stop here. The restaurant had great reviews, looked cozy and charming, and I thought it would be the perfect way to end our trip. Unfortunately, it was the opposite experience, leaving me so upset that I’m hesitant to return to Vermont at all.

The first red flag was while we were waiting. I overheard our waitress complaining to her coworkers about how she just wanted to go home. That wasn’t exactly welcoming, but we decided to stay. Then, when we were finally seated, we were directed to the last booth in a very abrupt manner. I’m from New York—I get directness—but this came across as unwelcoming.

Our waitress came over and asked if we wanted coffee. I happily said yes and politely asked if they had a kid’s cup. The way she looked at me, you would have thought I had asked for the most absurd request. She responded with a sharp, “Well, what do you want?” I simply said, “Just water.” She replied, “I’ll be back with your waters.”

At this point, I remained patient, but my husband started to notice my growing frustration. We watched as she took an order from a large table—understandable, as they were there before us. However, she then walked past us multiple times without bringing our water. Then we noticed her setting up the table in front of us, carefully placing down placemats and water, and immediately seating a man with three children. She even brought his coffee right away.

Meanwhile, we were still waiting. That would have been fine, but it was clear we weren’t receiving the same level of service. We didn’t even have a full set of utensils or placemats—and, unsurprisingly, still no waters.

Finally, my husband, who is one of the kindest, most polite people you’ll ever meet, gently asked if we could place our order. We had a baby with us, and while she was being patient, any parent knows that a hungry baby can become upset very quickly. The look our waitress gave us made it seem as if we had asked for the most unreasonable request imaginable. My husband, sensing something was off, even asked, “Is everything okay?” And that’s when things truly unraveled.

Her response was shockingly rude—dismissive, irritated, and completely unprofessional. Realizing that this was only going to get worse, my husband calmly said, “You know what? We’re not going to eat here. Don’t worry about it. We’ll just finish our coffee and go.”

At that point, she suddenly became frazzled, acting confused as if she had no idea why we were upset. As we were leaving, we informed another waitress about the situation, only to receive a cold, indifferent response: “Well, you have a nice day. Those tables were here before you.” That moment made it clear—this wasn’t just about one rude waitress. The entire staff shared the same dismissive attitude.

It’s incredibly disappointing because I was genuinely looking forward to this meal. The restaurant itself seemed lovely, but if you’re not a regular—or, worse, if something more troubling was at play—don’t expect a...

Dots Diner in Wilmington is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious American fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This longtime diner offers a delightful dose of retro charm, transporting you back to a simpler time while satisfying your taste buds with incredible food. What truly sets Dots apart is the quality of their dishes. They don't just serve typical diner food; they elevate it to new heights. My recent visit had me raving about both the chicken tenders and the tuna sandwich. The chicken tenders were perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a testament to their use of high-quality ingredients. The tuna salad in the sandwich was fresh and flavorful, unlike the bland versions you often find at other diners. Dots Diner isn't just about the food, though. The atmosphere itself is a delight. The diner's retro vibe creates a cozy and nostalgic ambiance, perfect for a relaxed meal with family or friends. Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast or a leisurely dinner, Dots provides a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy your meal. Overall, Dots Diner is a true gem in Wilmington. From the exceptional food quality to the charming atmosphere, it's a place that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. I highly recommend stopping by and experiencing Dots for yourself – you won't be...

A Gem in Wilmington - Dot’s Never Disappoints!

I recently visited Dot’s in Wilmington, Vermont, and it’s an experience I’m eager to share. Venturing in with friends just 30 minutes before closing, we were greeted not with weary looks, but with warm smiles - a testament to the incredible hospitality here.

Dot’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary delight that has arguably the best food in the area. The breakfast options are out of this world, especially the Cajun skillet and the biscuits and gravy – each bite is a flavor explosion! And what’s a fun morning without their delightful mimosas and Bloody Marys? The perfect blend of a relaxed atmosphere and great drinks.

What really sets Dot’s apart, though, is the staff. They’re not just friendly; they exude a cheerfulness that makes you feel right at home. Their genuine care and assistance are what keep me coming back. It’s not just about the food (which is phenomenal), but also about how they make you feel - valued and welcomed.

I admit, there have been times I’ve driven from New York to Vermont, skipping the mountains just to wake up to a breakfast at Dot’s. It’s that good. To the wonderful team at Dot’s, thank you for being a community staple. You’re the reason I look forward to every visit. Keep doing what...