Riga's Diner? (Charlotte: price, club, charge)

[lovesMountains]

So I ate at Riga's today

First of all, the place is really cute on the inside and very cozy - A+ for atmosphere and cleanliness.

The menu was surprisingly extensive and all food is made to order so it was very hot and fresh. I had a hard time deciding what to order with so much choice and will have to go back again to try a few things, like the chicken fried steak - yum. So, A+ for selection and variety.

The folks running the place could not have been nicer and there are already "regulars" coming in and out whose names they know. I liked that and the way everyone seemed to be able to join in the conversation no matter where you were sitting. The place has a nice vibe - so another A+.

I ordered breakfast items - which you can get all day long - another plus for me, so it's hard to rate the food. After all, it's hard to screw up eggs, lol. But what I had, while not being THE best breakfast I've ever had in my life (that honor goes to The Court of Two Sisters in the New Orleans French Quarter) was certainly enjoyable.

Bottom line, I'll go back at least once more to try some dinner items. I'd say it's worth a visit if you are in the area

[bs13690]

I guess I am picky most everyone else seems to like the place.

I've never understood the whole "how can you screw up eggs" philosphy. I like mine over medium to where the yolk is almost like a gelatin. Cooked too little and they are runny, cooked too much they are hard. My wife won't eat eggs unless they are scrambled well done. So in our case, eggs could easily be screwed up.

[pink caddy]

^FWIW--I think a diner screwing up eggs is akin to a Catholic priest screwing up serving communion.

[CharlotteGal]

I met a friend there for lunch last week, and I really enjoyed it! The service was VERY amateur, I think the waitress had not only been waiting tables a short time, but I think she probably hadn't eaten out that much, she had just general confusion about very easy questions, i.e, "Can I get that on a kaiser roll?" BUT she was sweet and kind, and that made up for that.

My friend was greeted by name, and they had his iced tea at the table before he sat down. As others have noted, a very friendly place.

They had an extensive menu, almost like The Landmark, but with fewer desserts. I'm planning on going back!

[cheesehead1]

Glad to see my thread revived, so thanks to those who've tried Riga's and reported back. Maybe we'll give it a shot this week for breakfast or lunch. Summer days can be loooooong.
And I totally agree...you gotta get the eggs right.

[bs13690]

Originally Posted by johne482

^FWIW--I think a diner screwing up eggs is akin to a Catholic priest screwing up serving communion.

This may be a stupid question but does that mean it is easy or hard to screw up eggs? Or just sacrilege?

[pink caddy]

Originally Posted by bs13690

This may be a stupid question but does that mean it is easy or hard to screw up eggs? Or just sacrilege?

Diners that can't make eggs get no rep points. LOL

The whole world goes to diners for eggs. You can't do eggs. . . hang up your apron.

[charlotte80]

I am a first-time poster who has eaten at Riga's several times since it opened. Yes, the owners are friendly and engaging, but the banter is constantly "New York this and New York that," which is annoying. Guys, you are now in Charlotte, and if life in New York is longed for and missed so much, find a way to return! That said, I have tried breakfast entrees at Rigas, including omelets, they are nothing to rave about, and I found the prices to be a bit high. I can get a much better omelet and sides at Jimmie's in Mint Hill for less money. Have also tried the hamburger with fries--again, o.k., but nothing compelling as far as ordering again in the future. With Five Guys located directly across the street from Riga's, Five Guys will win out on that count. As far as the dinner entrees, I have tried a chicken dish and open roast beef sandwich-- both of which were decent and both of which were served in sizable portions. As far as I am concerned, the open roast beef is about the best value to be found on the menu, from both price and portion standpoints. As far as the ice cream, stick with Bruster's, or, if you prefer custard, go across the street to Rita's. The waitresses at Riga's are basically friendly, but there have been some issues with basic etiquette and presentation that need to be remedied, such as don't tell me that you are out of an item ten minutes after an order has been placed. I live less than a mile from Riga's, and have basically gone there for the convenience aspect, but the owners need to understand that there are those of us from different parts of the country who are as proud of where we are from as they are! I sincerely hope they can get the kinks worked out. The concept is good (I do like the fact that the are open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights), but the execution is lagging somewhat, thus far.

[vindaloo]

For a good southern breakfast, the restaurant must be owned by southerners or Greeks. People from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and southern Pennsylvania may be used as substitutes.

P.S. New Yorkers (NYC) need not apply.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by vindaloo

For a good southern breakfast, the restaurant must be owned by southerners or Greeks. People from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and southern Pennsylvania may be used as substitutes.

P.S. New Yorkers (NYC) need not apply.

Actually, Riga's owners ARE Greek