Valley Inn Restaurant

After moving into the neighborhood, we were exhausted and didn't feel like cooking, so in our exploration of the Mom & Pops restaurants (we're boycotting corporate america, voting with our dollars) we stumbled on Valley Inn. Totally unimpressive exterior. A bit long in the tooth and I sure wasn't expecting much. Walked in and wasn't impressed with the interior. But then thngs changed. We collapsed in a booth and ordered our drinks and a brunch. Oh My. Flavor like I've not tasted since Mom fixed me something to eat. They smothered the dish with tasty mild green chile. I'm from NM and a bit of a chile snob, but this stuff, while not hot, tasted great. No vinegary jalapeno or tomatillo. Just nice green chile. Potatoes with a buttery crisp exterior. Pancakes that had a firm elastic exterior that held together on your fork and surprised you with a jolt of vanilla flavor, not like the mushy, fall-apart sugary cardboard things at IHOP. \r Told the waitress that their pancakes were the best I've tasted in the 5 years I""ve been in the area. \r \r 2 weeks later, stop in for dinner and the waitress remembers me, remembers what we drank, and that I liked their pancakes. She kept my Ice Tea glass full and when I needed more splenda, showed up moments later with the packets for my drink. \r \r Prices are really good. The place has a variety of foods including a strong greek menu. I'm no fan of greek food, but maybe I've not eaten at the right restaurants before. I'm willing to try Valley Inn's Greek specialties because their standard american fare is so tasty and well - prepared. \r \r Eating is about the food, so I can look past the unimpressive decor as long as they keep that cook!\r \r PS It's very rude to go to a restaurant and not order anything. I'd be mortified if someone in my party was boorish enough to not order after we sat down. I'd expect them to leave rather than waste the restaurant's time and space. \r \r Bottom Line: \r Great home-cooked style food. Comfort food. Good prices. Good service. And best of all, it's only a half dozen blocks from home!!! Pros: everything tastes so good! Cons: zero ambiance, but what does ambiance taste like? more

After being good customers for over 2 years (nearly every Sunday, between 4 and 10 people in my family would have breakfast here) we were told that EVERYONE in our group would need to place an order. The back of the menu states each person must order $5 minimum. While I do not usually order, our entire order has ALWAYS averaged more than $5 per person in our party. We also make sure to tip at least 25-30%. When we attempted to speak to the owner; she first ignored us, then changed to a rude attitude and stated that she could not have people come in especially on Sunday mornings and not all eat something. SHE LOST A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER RETURN TO SUCH A RUDE ESTABLISHMENT. more