I feel like I totally just got ripped off by The Shack in Waterford. No seasoning or flavor in my omelette and got charged extra for cheese in my omelette. Not really understanding cuz I'd assume cheese is the whole part of an omelette like it's an automatic staple of an omelette so like it should be already included, I don't know. All I do know is I got charged $16.99 for trash and I'm not impressed. Probably will never go there again. read more

This review applies to carry-out orders only. I have been a dine-in customer at both locations in CT, and have enjoyed the food and service. We also order for carry-out often and though the staff have been very pleasant, there are always problems with our order; the orders are often wrong, and/or missing something. Relocating from NYC, we enjoy supporting smaller, local restaurants. We ordered breakfast (egg) sandwiches today, one with cheese, one with bacon.. not a tricky order. Given our history with take-outs, I asked Nick if I could repeat the order. He promptly said no, he got it. Once home, a town away, we realize the order was wrong; both of the sandwiches were wrong. I called back, and yes, I was frustrated, as this could have been avoided had I been granted the 10 seconds to repeat the order. I was disinvited to continue to be a customer. I was also admonished for the way I speak. I hadn't raised my voice, no bad/poor language, but definitely a tone of frustration, which seemed appropriate under the circumstances. We do not live in the immediate area and could not make the trip back in to pick up a new order just then. He suggested there is always a problem, and I asked why that was? Again, no raised voice, nor poor language, just trying to understand why this happens so often, and waiting for some level of accountability. Instead, from Nick's view, the problem is on my side....that The Shack cannot meet our expectations. Again, we're talking egg sandwiches. I am super disappointed by the way this was handled, and per Nick, there is no need to return as a customer. read more

This is one of my absolute favorite breakfast spots. (We rotate restaurants for breakfast on the weekends.) My dear husband particularly loves their Neptune Benny, Eggs Benefict with lobster, and I've pretty much settled into the Texas French Toast with fresh fruit. Everything is yummy! Staff is super nice, and since Covid-19 reopening, I feel very safe there, everyone is masked, area is disinfected after each customer, and tables are all distanced. Shout out for their delicious clam chowder for lunch as well! read more

Good breakfast spot. Prices are fair. I had the kitchen sink which the waiter said was a "customer favorite". It consists of potatoes, eggs, ham, bacon, biscuits and smothered in sausage gravy. It was good, but definitely not great or mind blowing like other places i've tried. I always ask myself when trying new places, "would I ever come back here?" My answer to this is restaurant is yes. read more

Don't order online. Very inconsistent quality day by day. The may not change but what you may receive is a crapshoot. The surly staff working the pick up window rarely have any idea of who is waiting or what an order contains. I've been asked to pay extra for my order depending on who is working. Honestly it's very confusing and disheartening. After 2 years of ordering food 2+ times a week, I'm no longer wasting my money or time with people who don't want to be doing what they are. read more

Great local diner. The food is consistent; the staff is friendly and accommodating. If there is ever an issue, they make it right. Breakfast is served all day and there's a good variety for lunch and dinner, including three daily soup choices and daily specials. Take out and counter service are available as well as seating option for groups of 10. read more

I've given the shack about 4 visits before putting in my 2¢ On each occasion, I brought my daughter who loves their milkshakes (but $4.25?!). Wanting to grab a bite while out running errands we'd stop by either Waterford or east Lyme. The service has always been great but the prices??!! I've read several other reviews to see if anyone thought the prices were way too high for the food/atmosphere quality but have been pretty surprised they're none. Dinner for 2 at a diner should NOT cost $50. If don't care if the fries are dipped in 24k gold. $2.50 for a side of mashed?! I was also charged $11.98 for 4 pancakes, the menu stated '$6.99' and when I pointed that out, it was corrected on my bill but told to 'hang on' to my copy in case I was charged double, WTF?! I'm all for supporting local businesses but not for frozen foods. Not going back & pay prices like that for food I could create better and WAY cheaper at home. Silly me. read more

I gave the Shack 3 stars, but that is very misleading..let me explain... 9 times out of 10, the service (in any of the locations, although honestly we haven't been to the Groton one) is TERRIBLY lacking...that 1 time in 10 it's GREAT... I have never been impressed by (or even liked) the food off of the lunch/dinner menu..frozen crap served by a crappy server. Breakfast (which they serve all day) is another story! Best breakfast dishes in the area! If I could give the Shack stars on just tasty breakfast, I'd give them 6! So if you go to the Shack and luck out with a good server for breakfast, it's an amazing experience! Otherwise, not so much. I should note that we go there about twice a month (again, today was awesome, last time not so much)..so good luck and I hope you have an awesome experience there! read more

At first glance you might think you mistakenly walked into an AARP meeting. Don't let the customer demographic deter you, this place is a great little eatery. I see some negative reviews about the service, which is bothersome. Jr's Shack is an adorable DINER!! Do you expect your eggs to come with a butler? In my experience the service was great, our coffees were never empty and we left with our bellies full (what more can you ask for?). The food is delicious and reasonably priced. No complaints here! read more

The Shack - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

I come here on occasion when we're visiting my boyfriend's family. It's an old standby and for good reason. They can serve an astonishing number of people at quite a pace. There is generally an obvious line at the front and they tend to it as frequently as they can. From what I can tell there is no designated hostess so a little patience goes a long way. The staff are friendly and charming, and I always expect them to call me darling or sweetheart. It's a great, and expansive, diner style menu. They do their eggs superbly and their toast is deliciously overly buttered just the way you expect. My boyfriend loves their hashbrowns, and I'm pretty sure they deep-fry their bacon. So unnecessary but so welcome. You get a huge meal at a great price and super friendly service. It's a great down home diner, so don't expect city service or you'll be greatly disappointed. read more

This is the epitome of classic New England food. The Shack has been around for a long time and it a classic staple, especially with classics like 'The Mess.' And don't shy away from any other their seafood dishes, lobster rolls with butter or their Eggs Benedict with lobster meat read more

"I want to cry tears of joy" just came out of my cousins mouth and I couldn't describe it better. This place is adorable and the food is amazing! I had the Popeye scramble and my cousins got the mess and eggs Benedict. All were amazing!!! I don't agree with the other reviews bashing the service. The service was great! As a added plus, they serve bfast all day!!!! I will definitely be coming back here!! read more

The Shack - It's called the mess and you NEED to get it here! At the Shack!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Twice I've left this restaurant because of rude staff, usually before we've seated. If I'm a paying customer then I would expect to be treated like they actually wanted my business. Food is subpar from visits from years past read more

Let's see where do I start after fianlly meaning seated we were sat right next the to bathroom after waiting about 10 minutes for a waitress my gf went to use the bathroom when she came out she was laughing in disgust she sat down and told me the floor was covered in what she identified to be hot diarrhea so we told the waitress she then went to the back and severed minutes later a male kitchen staff went in several minutes laters I could taste a mouthful of tasty Frabreeze nearly burning our eyes we got up immediately as we both became sick and decided to go to sweeties in new London on bank street get out my review on sweeties if u would like an actual pleasant experience read more

Great restaurant, great people! Gave the Clark lane middle school orchestra free ice cream. Great breakfast as always. The shack for #1 in Waterford!! read more

This is my favorite place to go for breakfast! I love their French toast if I could give 6 stars I would.

I've been here quite often on the weekends. The wait in line is usually quick for us which is about 15 min. It's diner food with typical diner service (not that this is bad). We never had issues with service. It was usually prompted unless they're really busy. Breakfast is always consistent and that's a plus. The toast is never burnt and the eggs comes out the way you requested it. Coffee is frequently being refilled in your mug without being asked. I'd definite recommend for breakfast/brunch. (I haven't had lunch or dinner here yet.) read more

Jr's Shack is diner style cooking done well and generous. You will never leave hungry. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable. Watch out for the "mountain" dishes. They take generosity to the next level, literally. (Is it any wonder that the maker of Lipitor (tm) is just down the road?) The wait staff is excellent. Jr's Shack serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I've never gotten past breakfast. Everything I've tried is excellent.This is one of the few places in Connecticut where you can get southern style biscuits and gravy. The coffee, however, is disappointingly weak. Great home fries. Sept 6 08 Update. Forget the "mountain" dishes. The term has been removed for the current menu. The dishes are still there. they just have more descriptive names that don't imply gluttony. read more

Excellent service..large portions. We went for breakfast and walked away very full and happy! Will try the shack again for dinner sometime. read more

The Shack - Delicious breakfast for the hungry people! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Decent food at a decent price. Not as cheap as some diners, but it's the sides where it can get expensive. Meals themselves are reasonably priced. Food is typical diner fare & quality. French toast & home fries were good. Wasn't crazy about the scrambled eggs. Coffee was decent. Servers were all very friendly and attentive. read more

I came here on a Thursday morning for breakfast before work and was really looking forward to a great breakfast! I don't have the opportunity to go out to breakfast often, so I was pretty excited! While it was not completely packed, we did have to wait about 5 minutes for someone to come over, greet, and seat us. After this, I could not have been more pleased with the service that we received! Our order was quickly taken, and our coffee was constantly refilled. I had two scrambled eggs and bacon with rye toast, and while it was simple, it was all cooked well, not greasy, and delicious! I will absolutely be back - it was wonderful! read more

We ordered delivery from The Shack and the food was excellent. The food arrived hot, earlier than they said, and delicious. The driver respected the no contact delivery too. My inlaws have been eating here for years and loved it in person too. They've taken my kids here a couple of times (pre-covid) too, and the restaurant always makes the kids welcome and special. Thanks so much, The Shack! read more

Good food, HORRIBLE service!!!! We've been to the Shack about a dozen times. EVERY SINGLE time we go, we manage to have the worst service possible. From being completely ignored at the door to being forgotten at the table, we have yet to have a positive experience. Twice now, we've called in for carryout, because we can't deal with the service, but the waitress who takes our order over the phone "Forgets" to put it in, and we're left standing their waiting for the order to be entered and made. On one occasion, we were ignored after being seated for 45 minutes until the manager finally had to come over to apologize. On another occasion, we were given someone else's order and they were given ours, and again on another occasion, the waitress NEVER returned to the table after we placed our order. Just today, our carryout order was "forgotten" to be put in again, but we couldn't wait around this time. The waitress smiled and said "oh..sorry!" but it doesn't do any good for me because I'm simply tired of the excuses and sorry doesn't make up for continued idiocracy. We WON'T ever be back and we will definitely be letting our friends and family know just how awful the service here is. read more

Great eggs benedict,full breakfast served all day. Fast and friendly waitstaff. Good food and a pleasant experience, reasonably priced.

I'm a little bit torn giving the Shack in Waterford 2 stars. It does not reflect the food, for sure. The food is done very well and is always tasty and filling. The reason why this place gets only 2 stars is because of the service. To put it very bluntly, if you are not white, service is awful. I have now observed this on 4 separate occasions. And it's not just one waitress, it's at least 3 of them. However, if you go to the Shack in the other locations, service is spectacular. Such a shame - I live very close to the Waterford restaurant and it is more convenient to go there. However, my last few experiences have just been so awful, that I will not be going back. And not only that, I will direct my friends elsewhere. No one should ever be ignored like that. read more

I gave the Shack 2 stars. The breakfast food is very good, ample portions, in fact generous portions, and the prices are reasonable. However the service just is NOT good. It seems to a trained observer, the servers are all over the restaurant, splitting the counter. The servers obviously take care of booth patrons because of the high check/tip than the joe shmoe sitting at the counter. So if you go to the Shack and luck out with a good server for breakfast, it's an amazing experience! If they would simply fix the service concern, this would be consistent four start place. The service truly is a concern as pointed out numerous times here on Yelp. read more

Definite a diner, two of the waitresses were loud and abrupt which I considered rude. I lived in California for 15 years so it might be a cultural thing. The food was good, had a cheeseburger, not bad considering it is a diner. read more

Great place for brunch! It gets busy but the wait time is not that long! I love their food and the staff is great! I wish they had espresso though! read more

Terrible service. Went today with my daughter at 3pm. I stood and waited 3-4 mins before even acknowledged.and was the only one waiting. Then, she said to just "pick a clean table". I clearly had a toddler in my arms and had to seek and find a highchair. So, after we got ourselves settled at a table, it was another full 5 mins before the server came to the table at all. We had no menus, no water...it was dead...not busy. I've eaten here 4 times and the food is always good. Two times out of four the service was very good. It was so terribly bad today, even after the server knew I was irritated and was met with an apathetic excuse, I picked my daughter up and we LEFT without eating. I called and asked for the owner to call me at his/her convenience. I was given a manager instead. He said "Im sorry" without as much as asking the first detail of what happened. I was trying to let the owner know this was the second time I received ridiculously bad service but it seems as if this place is staffed with people who just really don't care. Go somewhere else where they want your business. Greasy spoons are a dime a dozen anyway. read more

Nothing great about their food and their waitresses are either bitter and snotty or completely untrained. I have been there a couple times and was never impressed with anything and would surely not go back read more

Me, my girlfriend and her son went for dinner here one night- LOVED the service. This woman knew her stuff, was sassy, and fun! She was super attentive and went out of her way to accommodate my (excessive lol) requests. Thanksgiving meal was great, the side of French toast perfect, and her sons pancakes had a wonderful buttermilk flavor with crispy edges but soft inside! Love this spot read more

Every time we come we receive great service. I love coming here to eat for breakfast, I highly suggest the shack for a nice homey breakfast

So disappointed. I routinely get buffalo chicken salads from East Lyme and it is a large salad with a good portion of chicken (several ounces), freshly chopped vegatables, shredded cheese and blue cheese crumbles. Today I ordered the same from Waterford but what I received was about 7 chopped pieces of celery accompanied by the same amount of tomato, a tray full of lettuce and perhaps 2 ounces of chicken covered in buffalo sauce for $11. read more

Your typical hometown diner with all the normal menu items. Breakfast is served all day, and they are only open for Breakfast on Sundays. Reminds me of New Jersey diners with the home fries and the greasy spoon feel. Hometown fare with a slightly cracker-barrel vibe going on with the decor inside. Make sure that your whole party is present when you are ready to be seated, if they arent you will have to wait in fairness to other patrons! read more

The one in Niantic is much better quality, service, and experience.

My girlfriend and I absolutely love this place. The service is wonderful, and there is lots of local charm. During brunch time, there is almost always a line, but the food is absolutely worth it. My favorite breakfast place, period. read more

Best breakfast in town! Everyone's always been very friendly towards me with good service. French toast is delicious!!

Great place for Sunday brunch. There is usually a line, but it usually moves quickly. The service is great and food always good and reasonably priced. I get my weekend pancake fix here! read more

Literally the BEST breakfast in CT. family friendly and great waitstaff. :) they have great traditional diner food. Love this place.

Absolutely love this place. It's always clean, the staff if friendly and the breakfast menu is my all time favorite. What is in the waffle to make it taste so good. I'm so sad I moved half an hour away. Now we have to make it a special occasion. read more