Lake Effect

Reviews 4

JA

Jay Wellwood

My wife and I came in for breakfast on 7/24 based on Guys review. After our experience my wife & I mused Guy merely picks out neat places - and the name of the show IS Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives. This place fit the bill to a T as a DIVE. We arrived at 9-ish expecting a delay for a seat, much to our surprise we found a parking spot easily (hint hint). Entering the Lake Effect Diner we were greeted by the Host who showed us to a couple of seats at the counter - we were the only ones at the counter as all the booths were filled. No problem. Our wait person waited for at least 5 minutes before she finally came over and asked us if we wanted anything to drink. Mind you she had no other orders on-going at the time. Seemed to us that we were complicating her shoot the bull with the other staff members at the time. We got our Coffee - and it basically tasted like the Buffalo area water - which really sux. I ordered the home made Smoked Ham as this is one of the specialties of Lake Effect Diner. My better half had the Blueberry Pancakes. We waited a good 35-40 minutes for our food (like the previous review - the place was not busy). My meal was ok. The homefries were basically bland and the Ham was not impressive to me (maybe its my Southern expereince where Smoked Ham ROCKS!. My eggs on the other hand were perfect - go figure. My wifes Blueberry pancakes were no impressive. Simple pancakes with a drizzle of some sort of Blueberry compote and a handful of fresh Blueberries tossed - and served with Maple Syrup (we think...). To me, I was expecting Blueberries in pancakes and have the order served with blueberry syrup. Yet another missed opportunity to get the meal right. The place is clean if you ignore the deep grunge in the rest rooms. The soap scum and grime is in need of some elbow grease to make it shine. The place has some serious potential from the cute factor angle - but the staff is to busy to notice you and the owners arent doing their part in making sure the guests experience is top notch. It doesnt have to be a kiss my a$$ place, but at least staying in touch with your guest and checking to see if everything is good should begin with your server and be repeated by the Host if youre going to keep a host on staff. -1 Star

JE

Jennifer Leamons

Was heading for a joint down the street that I had seen good reviews for when I passed this diner. It was calling my name for some reason. I pulled over and Googled it and it was on Triple D so I thought I would give it a try. The service was amazing. There was one seasoned front of the house server who was training one other person, the restaurant was a third full but she handled it like a pro, she didnt skip a beat. Opted for the lower cal Chocolate Shake- so rich, full of chocolate and you would never know it was made with non fat yogurt. Then I ordered a house salad; I wish I would have taken a picture, it was that inviting. Fresh greens, julienne carrots, large red onion rings, house made croutons, crisp cucumbers and house made Ranch Dressing- wowza! I asked for recommendations and she said the Fried Chicken and Grilled Mac & Cheese were where I wanted to be; she was not joking. I could tell that the chicken had been in brine because I got that subtle sweetness, Crispy, golden brown and not greasy. Lets talk about this Mac & Cheese....Being a chef, I tend to be a little critical. If I am not making it myself, I critique it; harshly. This Mac & Cheese is creamy but then; wait for it......They put Cheddar Cheese down on the grill and top this amazing side dish so you get the crusty cheese that everyone loves when it spills out of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the portion is literally the size of your head. The food portions (even the salad) are very large, after eating my way through it, it still looked as if I hadnt touched it. They finish this Fried Chicken plate off with house made bread that they slather garlic butter and herbs on; absolutely, positively, ridiculously DELICIOUS. I am from out of town and was in on business but if I am ever in this neck of the woods, I will be sure to check this place out as well as the joint I was originally heading to because the server send it was pretty tasty too!

AL

alicia fairbanks

This was one of my favorite breakfast spots to eat...i always took out of town visitors here for a solid breakfast. Unfortunately, ill never eat there again due to the lack of customer service i experienced on my last visit here. We ate outside (food took an hour to come out after we ordered) and as i was leaving, i tore my jeans on their siding...there was a piece sticking out or a nail i dont know...but my jeans we ripped from it. I went inside, told Sergio the manager i had a big hole in my jeans from their building. He looked at me and said "ok." ....large pause just looking at me...."what would you me to do about it." i said "uhhhh replace my jeans?!?! They didnt have a hole in them when i came here today." He said he doesnt make those decisions and to write my name and number down. He also stated he knew exactly where and what i ripped them on (so this is a known problem theyve just neglected to fix.) A month goes by and i hear nothing from lake effect diner. I call to speak with Sergio. He tells me they are refusing to replace my jeans but will sew them. Im sorry, but you cant sew jeans. They would look terrible. Whenever i tried talking, Sergio spoke over me. Im just disgusted. I am 8 months pregnant and maternity wear is expensive. Comfortable pieces are hard to come by. The customer service and how this was handled was horrendous. What if i was wearing shorts that day? Would they have cared my skin was tore open? Terrible customer service and unfortunately will never eat here again.

DO

Donna James

My partner and I were looking for a decent clean diner to have a salad and a quick bite to eat and decided upon Lake Effect Diner because it always looked like an interesting and fun place from the outside. We were seated quickly and the restaurant appeared to be clean and the staff was friendly. I ordered a large salad and my friend only ordered a stack of pancakes as the prices on the menu were quite high for a diner. My salad was priced at $14! We were told they didnt have Coke or Pepsi products but rather Johnny Ryan... I opted for water and my friend got the cola. Horrible! The fact that all the cups they use were Coke cups was interesting seeing as they dont even offer it. We waited. And waited. Went outside for a cigarette. Waited longer.... The waitress never came back to let us know it just might be a little wait for some reason or aother. I would have been understanding had anyone came back to our table or if the restaurant was busy. There were 8 tables that I counted seated. 4 servers and one person seating people. The table next to us got their meals and 10 minutes later the waitress brought out a meal for one of the guests at their table after everyone else was done eating. Thats when we decided to leave. We wont be back. The atmosphere was nice but xonsidering the prices and length of time we waited it wasnt worth ourr time.