I'm getting tired of places like Outback Steakhouse, The Olive Garden, Red Lobster, etc. as family or date night restaurants. They are crowded, noisy, and not excellent or exceptional at service, and they are expensive! I'm starting to really miss the old mom and pop restaurants that always had a table, a table with elbow room between table guests and other tables. That always took a moment to say hi and to get to know your name. That always had decent, if not great food, that everyone in the family could enjoy. I guess I'm getting old and missing the good old days. Anyone else feeling the same way?
2006-09-08 16:36:35 · 17 answers · asked by OU812 5 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
I agree!! There have been some places in our area that I really miss, we used to call one the "greasy spoon", but it was always open, and the food was'nt bad, and the help was friendly. I almost hate going to some of those other places now, like Appelbee's, Olive Garden, etc... it's all the same to me now and the service always stinks! I really hate paying some of those prices too, again, cause their service is crap. Gimme Mom and Pop's any day!
2006-09-08 16:48:56 · answer #1 · answered by TJG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't agree more! But it seems like those cookie-cutter places are turning up everywhere and thriving, and the Mom & Pop's are fading out. If given the choice I would always choose the locally owned diner. Around where I live there are Greek resturants, also known as family resturants, where the menus are not limited to the same greasy stuff as the places you mentioned. You get more for your money and it's not the same old obnoxious, noisy atmosphere that you can get at any of those places. I've never had to wait for the privelege of eating at a Mom & Pop's, but folks will line up and take a number for the likes of Friday's, Uno's etc. This is clearly the direction of our preferences though; it doesn't seem like they can be built fast enough.
2006-09-09 01:00:49 · answer #2 · answered by 7CD&7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I had lived in the same area for 20 years and six to eight weeks before I moved a long way from there I discovered a "Mom & Pop" type restaurant, very reasonably priced and the food was delicious, I could hardly believe it! I went there two to three times a week and never got tired of it, and since I have moved I truly miss it.
2006-09-09 02:58:59 · answer #3 · answered by Pam of Ga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Family owned resteraunts are by far my favorite places to go. They can be small and cozy, urban, trendy, or upscalish.. but their food is some of the best. Most of their recipes have been passed doen over the generations and a lot of the family work in the kitchen to insure freshness and quality. It's the best way to taste some authentic food from other countries since the people who own the resteraunt probably immigrated over here. I live in austin, tx and my choices on mom and pop shops are pretty slim.
2006-09-09 13:19:52 · answer #4 · answered by chefbaker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree. I just hate going into a restaurant and it be so noisy. We eat out alot and sometimes the service and atmosphere just don't add up, but the bill sure does. What has happened to all of the mom and pops? I suppose they were all ran out of business by the big chains that have plenty of money. It's very sad.
2006-09-09 13:59:58 · answer #5 · answered by Cherry 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a former owner of a 'Mom and Pop' restaurant I can attest that not all M&P's are greasy spoons. Don't just think of cafe to make it an "indie" restaurant. After retiring and moving, I'm still trying to find indie restaurants to patronize. And it's saddening to find out that the restaurant you love really isn't an indie place, but owned and subsidized by a mega-corp. Bless you for sticking up for us little guys!
2006-09-09 09:33:20 · answer #6 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel the same way about clothing and electronic stores. I used to live in Hawaii and we always looked forward to traveling to San Fran because they had the Gap or Banana Republic and we didn't. Nowadays, every metropolitan city has one, plus Starbucks, plus Applebees, etc. I don't know what to bring back to my Hawaii friends from the Mainland because Hawaii has all the same stores we have up here. Frankly, it's getting boring...
2006-09-09 02:48:58 · answer #7 · answered by seattle88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you're not getting old, you just want good food & service. where i live we have restaurants that are what you are looking for. every employee is so polite and if you want a table or a booth, no problem. the food is good and service is fantastic. i call them "greasy spoons" but you know that you're going to get what you paid for. and when that happens, they know that you will come back again.
2006-09-08 23:44:09 · answer #8 · answered by obie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't miss them. It also seemed to me that they always had tons of greasy and fried food that no longer appeals to me. I am, however, a fan of the independant chef bistro instead of the mom & pop cafes. fresher more interesting and healthier food.
2006-09-09 04:23:50 · answer #9 · answered by DARTHCARL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow....I miss them too. When I was traveling across the country last year, i made a point to stop and eat in every one i came across. Yep, food might not be that great, but its comforting all the same!
2006-09-08 23:39:07 · answer #10 · answered by nawnndawn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋