Grumpy's Restaurant

Winter is a strange time on Cape Cod. All of the tourists have gone, a majority of the locals have fled to their winter homes in Florida, and often times businesses close, or partially close their doors. As such, we ended up driving to a total of four locations. Two were closed, one was super shady and reminded the lady of the nasty cafe she worked at for a time, so it was decided that today's breakfast would be at a location that has always been on the back burner, due to the fact that it is a favourite of Aaron's.

Address:  1408 Route 6A East Dennis, MA

Website: Grumpy's Restaurant

1. Initial impression of convenience, parking, and location.

• Two connected parking areas are available. In front is a paved lot and to the side is compressed dirt parking adjacent to a marsh.  Today there were ample spaces available although on a weekend or holiday one may have to take a couple spins around before settling.
• Located near the intersection of Route 6A and Route 134.

2. Wait time to be greeted, seated, and atmosphere.

• Once through the front doors we encountered the daily muffin selection. A quick glance and we were welcomed and seated immediately.
• The majority of seating options were wooden chair and table options. Two counter sections flanked the kitchen entrance. There was an aisle of half booth/half chair seating down the initial middle section of the restaurant.
• Seasonal lights hung from the cross beams.

3. Server introductions, impressions and attentiveness.

• We were greeted quickly with coffee.
• Our server kept us up-to-date with her time and when she will be back.
• Coffee refills, check-ins and offers for to-go boxes were on point.

4. Variety of menu options (too many/too little)

• The menu has three pages of items for breakfast, there are also chalk boards on the walls showing specials.
• There are all of your typical choices here, pancakes, eggs with toast, omelettes, French toast, waffles. However, there are numerous different types of these available for you to choose from.

5. Menu highlights of uncommon items.

• Oatmeal Waffles
• Meatloaf Benedict
• Chili Omelette

6. Speed of food delivery, and first impressions of plating, initial aroma.

• The food arrived fairly quickly. The meal arrived shortly after the delivery of the gents grilled muffin.
• The portions were large. The plates were full.

7. TASTE!

• The coffee was typical restaurant style, it was not watered down and actually had flavour. It was replenished at just the right times.

• The gentleman selected the chili and sour cream omelette with a corn muffin appetizer. A southern taste with a egg blanket. The chili was delicious. If there was one note to make it would be to go light on the sour cream or ask for it on the side. It masked the taste of the delicious chili. The corn muffin sopped up the meat juices and all was right.

• The lady decided on a Spanish Omelette, which contained bell peppers, onions, cheddar cheese and salsa. On the side, some raisin toast as a nice little treat. Now, often times salsa in restaurants is pretty well on the same level as tomato sauce. The salsa was surprisingly flavourful, and had a hint of spice to it (this lady can take some heat, and salsa is generally not served spicy anywhere) The omelette was ginormous. The lady would not be surprised if it had it’s own gravitational pull. It had the right amount of veggie to egg ratio, and the cheese was not overwhelming. Often times things can be smothered in cheese to a point where it is off putting. The raisin bread was your standard Pepperidge Farm with too much butter. The lady managed half-way through here omelette before she could not take another bite.

8. Value of product.

• The prices here are very fair for the amount of food that you receive. The portions are what one may consider to be “American”.

9. Payment options.

• All of them

Overall Rating: Grumpy’s is a staple for locals here on Cape, and is busy no matter what time of year it is. If there is nowhere to park, it is worth driving around until you find a spot.

We will be back. He will probably be back 30-40 times next year. Hold a parking place.