Phinley's Diner - Stratford

I have visited this restaurant several times and consistently find the food to be decent for the price. The service is usually good, but at times the atmosphere can feel somewhat unwelcoming.

Last night, we decided to check out the new restaurant, Phinley's. The prices seemed quite reasonable, possibly even lower than other similar establishments in Charlottetown. The menu was diverse, offering a little bit of everything. The restaurant itself was lovely and the food was delicious, but the standout was our waitress, Emily. She was a delightful surprise compared to other wait staff we have encountered in Charlottetown in recent years. Emily was extremely dedicated and knowledgeable about the menu. When I requested a change to my order, she not only communicated this to the kitchen but also took the time to explain how the change would be implemented. Despite the restaurant being quiet, Emily checked in on us multiple times without disrupting our meal. She struck the perfect balance of attentiveness. Emily was proactive in meeting our needs and we truly felt taken care of. Our first experience with the new owners was a success and we will definitely be returning.

The once impressive and acclaimed restaurant now under new ownership has taken a turn for the worse. Opening hours now begin at 11 a.m. and the breakfast menu has been removed Monday through Friday, which was a highly sought after option for late morning meals in Stratford. This decision is seen as a big mistake by many patrons, and it is hoped that the new owners will reconsider their choices.

We went to this restaurant to taste their award-winning burgers. While all ingredients were present on the menu, there is NO WAY they won every award with this meat. The stuff we got was like the bags of frozen patties you get on the cheap. You can't describe it as prize-winning if you don't offer the same. Of course not if you calculate a premium price. Shame!

The breakfast is mediocre. The radio playing on the overhead speakers is too loud. Every time I ate there I asked them to turn it down. Today it took 10 minutes for them to turn down the radio.