We went to the Landmark Diner for lunch and had an amazing experience. I have been at the Landmark multiple times. In fact, I know that it is the only two story diner on Long Island. What made this trip special was our waitress. I had a pretty traditional meal, at least for me. I started with a bowl of Manhattan Clam Soup and then a Chicken Salad Sandwich. Both were tasting. In fact, they exceeded my expectations on the chicken salad since restaurants tend to put too much mayonnaise in the chicken and tuna salad offerings. I wanted to try to see how there was and it was very good.
Our waitress was what made this meal extraordinary. Our waitress was informative of what we should order and refreshingly transparent about items that would be extras. This is what separates our experience from being a number to being a valued customer.
One of the things that annoys me at a restaurant is when a waiter or waitress says everything’s good because that is ever true. I absolutely love someone offers a tailored suggestion based on my preferences. Unfortunately, this is becoming a lost art in the restaurant business. More and more, the waitstaff is becoming an order taker. You have to sit back and recognize someone when they are delivering a superior service.
Equally important to me is a server who is upfront and clear about anything that might add to the final bill. No one enjoys a surprise charge, especially when it feels avoidable. As an example, the last time I was at the Shed, they asked about what side I would like with my dish. The implication was that the side was included in the price of my meal. When the bill came, it became clear that the side was not included. They clearly upsold me but left me with a bad taste.
In an industry where service can often feel rushed or transactional, a server who genuinely invests in helping your dining experience creates a memorable experience. It’s a hallmark of true professionalism and, for that, I have to applaud the Landmark Diner for a great experience.