Cousin Frankie’s USA Grill

I wanted to be  impressed by this quaint little diner, I really did.  I’m sorry to say that I was, in fact, pretty disappointed.

My daughter and I were looking for a quick lunch place to celebrate the 5th grade awards programs at school- I left the lunch restaurant choice up to her, and she really wanted to try Cousin  Frankie’s.  I’ve been wanting to try it, too, so we stopped by.

Parking is a bit dicey, but then again, almost any restaurant in that area during the weekday is kinda tough.  We parked behind the Salvation Army, and walked over.

It is a really cute place- someone put a lot of time and effort into their theme of “Americana”.  There are plenty of bar stools and counter space, and table service, too, as we were told by our waitress when she finally showed up.  I didn’t see any high chairs, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any.  I’m sure that this is exactly the type of place that kids would love!  Since there are steps going down into  the place, it isn’t handicapped accessible.

The menu is standard diner type fair, burgers, sandwiches, breakfasts, with daily specials that looks good.  I wasn’t hungry enough to try the “Cousin Frankie” - but it looked really interesting-”sauteed ground beef with a sweet BBQ sauce stuffed with potatoes and cheddar cheese”.- served on a roll, wedge or wrap.

We ordered a gorgonzola burger, medium, w/ff, ($6.95) an order of mozzarella sticks ($4.95) with fries ($1.95), a vanilla shake ($2.50) and a  soda. ($1.75) 

When I finally got my burger, it was just warm- it sat on the counter waiting  while the only  waitress  messed around with the  register with what looked like a new employee.  I know- I watched her, and kept trying to catch her eye.   After she figured out the problem with the register she brought the plate to me. Even though it was just warm, it was overcooked, definitely well done, not medium as requested.  My daughter’s cheese sticks came a few minutes later, and they, too were warm, not hot, as were the fries. Based on how long it took to the the waitresses attention to get a refill of soda (we unded up having to go to the counter and asking) they had sat around a while, too, and we didnt’ have time for a re-do.   Standard frozen fare, nothing to write home about.  The milkshake, however, was great- just thick enough to suck up the straw, and nicely flavored.

There are definately growing pains  in this darling little diner- perhaps more attention should be paid to the customers eating than the many family memebers who gather around the bar to lend their support.  The service leaves much to be desired, but again, I’m hoping it’s just a learning curve.

That being said, I can’t wait to try out this place for breakfast- I suspect this is where Cousin Frankie’s will shine!  Port Chester is in need of a good breakfast joint, and based on the menu, there is somethign here for everyone.  I’m looking forward to sampling the stuff french bread.

Cousin’ Frankie’s  has sit down service,  take out, and delivery available. Credit cards are accepted.

Hours ar Mon- Fri 6:30am- 3:30pm, Sat 7:30am- 2:30pm, Late night Fri & Sat night- 10:00pm -4:30 pm

www.cousinfrankiesusagrill.com 

In a nutshell,  lunch is mediorcre, but breakfast looks promising.   I’ll update as soon as I have breakfast at Cousin Frankie’s.