I visited the River Oaks location on New Year's Day. As a native Houstonian, Avalon Diner and Pharmacy held a special place in my childhood memories. I enjoyed going with my grandparents, sitting at the counter and dining on the best grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate shakes. I'm sad to report that this diner could not be more different from that fond memory. First thing I notice is how filthy the place is. Food remained on the floor underneath tables from who knows what previous customers. And the manner in which tables are cleared is to roll the dish tub, dripping with whatever liquids have been emptied into it, through the diner. And since too many tables are crammed into a space better set-up for fewer, the dirty dish tub is now resting beside my table, less than 12"" from my face. After a couple of minutes, our waitress approaches and asks what we would like. However, we haven't yet looked over the menu because we haven't been offered one. She retreats to get two menus seeming annoyed. We can only assume that this is because we aren't regular customers? I order oatmeal and a small OJ. She returns to inform me the diner is out of OJ, so offers other juices (apple, tomato, etc.). I say no thank you, I'll have ice water. This does't sit well with her, so she continues to try to sell me on other juices. Once my order arrived I noticed the spoon was greasy. After wiping it off with the sad little thin paper napkin, I took a bite. My bowl of oatmeal was hideous, gummy, cold. Three bites and I pushed the bowl away. The waitress never returned to ask how things were. My fiance had to refill his own soda. The ultimate insult to injury was when we were paying, the gentleman behind the register asked how everything was. We both shared our experiences. No credit was offered. I'll never return. I don't understand the draw.
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