Eateries known as "Mom & Pop" "Out of this World" "Landmark" WHERE YOU ARE TREATED LIKE S*%#

[Libertas1776]

Just some mind droppings...
ever been to a local (or not local) restaurant, cafe, diner, food stand, pizzeria, hell, even a bakery or ice cream shoppe, basically any food related establishment that is described as being a landmark, been there for ages, or run by a mom and pop management, or the food is so damn good so sayeth the locals and critics.....and you are treated like utter shit?

I am talking about the sort of places where you as a customer being there is almost an inconvenience to the proprietor.

I know there are fast food stands famous in Philly and Chicago (Cheese steaks and Hot Dogs respectively) where getting berated and degraded as a human being are standard and are actually part of the "fun." But I guess I am more curious of places in your neck of the woods that only you would know about where they treat ya like crapola, and the out of this world food is usually an overpriced let down. I got loads of stories in my lifetime, but I'd like to hear some of yours.

(PS: I am a huge supporter of local businesses, Mom & Pop establishments etc over big chains, and even prefer places that are a lil rough around the edges. Thats what makes them unique. However, there are plenty of places that are just plain jagged around the edges and don't deserve anyone's custom, despite what some critic says).

[geardaddy]

1. Nothing really like that around here

except some dive bars.

[RebelOne]

2. I have not seen anything like that in my area of North Georgia.

In fact, most businesses around here have ultra-helpful employees.

[Denninmi]

3. Sort of a similar bad experience, great service, food was bad.

A very, very upscale restaurant on the lake, enormous, immaculate, very professional. Entrees in the $30-$50 range. Server was great, very personable and knowledgeable young man. Salad was ok, nothing special, mesclun mix with dried tart cherries, filberts, Granny Smith apple shoestrings, sharp white cheddar, cherry dressing. My entree was a truffle and wild mushroom lasagna florentine in a white sauce with rosemary and roasted pine nuts on top, served with steamed haricots verts - reminded me an awful lot of a Stouffer's TV dinner entree. I suspect it was made ahead and then just microwaved to heat.

[Tom Ripley]

4. No soup for you!

Hey, someone had to say it.

[kurtzapril4]

5. Marie's Riptide Lounge

in Chicago. Been there forever and a day. Cheap but horrible drinks, and the proprietess was a stone bitch.