(SEE REVIEW OF WHAT WE ATE & ON THE SERVICE QUALITY BENEATH PICTURE AS SEEN BELOW)
Many in the Valley remember Mearle's Drive In on Mooney Blvd. In Visalia California.
According to news archives I found, , the restaurant (that had served the Valley for 65 years), , closed in approx. 2006 due to some legal and financial issues.
On Sept. 7th, 2011, , this old landmark, that has stood deserted, and lonely across from College Of The Sequoia's re-opened with a new look, new name, and new ownership. (New name mentioned in video above)
I've noticed since that opening date, this place has been crazy busy!
My thinking is, , the food must be pretty darn good!, or local residents are just very happy to see this landmark alive and kicking once again.
(SEE THE REVIEW OF WHAT WE ATE, THE ATMOSPHERE, AND SERVICE BELOW PICTURE)
(image added by 3rd party provided permissible embedded code)
THE REVIEW!
First of all, , the place is BUSY! It Appears to be very popular with folks of all ages, and walks of life.
THE ATMOSPHERE: is very high paced, and on the noisier side (which makes sense given that it's a fast-paced, fast food diner)
ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 (ten being best) In my personal opinion, I give this place at least an 8 for creating a wholesome, take you back in time, feeling with it's decor reminiscent of the original diner. You just feel good in this place.
SERVICE: I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the level of service we received for such a fast-paced, busy fast-food restaurant! We were greeted with a very friendly smile, thorough ordering process with all options explained to us, and we got our food in less than 10 minutes! I expected more of a wait considering how busy this place was.
They appeared to be adequately staffed, which I'm sure helps with the overall moral of the employees, and their ability to do their given job well. My kids and I ate in the outside table area, and an employee came out at least twice to check on us as well as other customers who were outside. We were asked if we needed anything, how our food was. Our tray and trash was even picked up for us when they noticed that were were finished eating.
ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 (ten being best) In my personal opinion, I have to give this place a 10! I know they're new, and working hard to impress, but if they keep their level of service high, and don't allow themselves to become under-staffed, I will definitely return!
MENU: The menu is what you might expect for a diner/burger place, ~ (pleasing, with just enough options to keep most mouths happy).
BONUS: They include a calorie count next to most items behind the register!
I ordered ~ the "Grilled Chicken Salad" - cost $6.75
DESCRIPTION: Fresh romaine, iceberg and red leaf lettuces, Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, carrots and croutons, topped with a grilled chicken breast.
MY PERSONAL OPINION: The salad seemed very fresh, the chicken was more salty than I prefer.
ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 (ten being best) - I'd give this salad my personal opinion rating of 6 for freshness, and hunger satisfaction)
My Son Ordered - the "Charburger" - cost $2.95 (and fries one size available only @$1.80)
DESCRIPTION: Mayonnaise, pickle, fresh tomato, lettuce and carmelized onions on a toasted bun.
MY SON'S PERSONAL OPINION & RATING: "I guess the burger was just ok, but the fries were very good!"
ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 (ten being best) My son's personal opinion rating for the burger was a 5, and he gave the fries a 9.
My Daughter Ordered - the "Chicken Sandwich" - cost $5.45 (and fries one size avaialable only @$1.80)
DESCRIPTION: Hand filleted chicken breast, melted Swiss, crisp lettuce, tomato, mayo and your choice of BBQ or teriyaki sauce.
MY DAUGHTER'S PERSONAL OPINION & RATING: "the sandwich is good, and the fries are really good!"
ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10 (ten being best) My daughter's personal opinion rating for the chicken sandwich was a 6, and she gave the fries an 8.
Will we return? Likely so!
SAVE MONEY ON LOCAL VALLEY DINING GIFT CERTIFICATES BY CLICKING ON A RESTAURANT NAME BELOW!
Main St. Cafe
Visalia Tea Garden Restaurant
El Rosal Mexican Food & Bar
