Little Rooster Café

Loved the character of the old smaller bungalow. New place nice too but mostly like the staff and food.

As the owner operator of another diner in southern Vermont, I offer my critique as a peer, and not as the competition.

I walked into the Rooster Cafe on a moderately busy, late Sunday winter morning. I was seated at the counter almost immediately, but then waited close to 10 minutes before being acknowledged by the staff - several of whom were directly in front of me - or being offered even a menu or a cup of coffee. The menu was finally presented, and then 15 minutes in, a cup of coffee. The staff was busy trying to navigate a new “point of sale” system, and complaining bitterly, and loudly about it. In my opinion, it was incredibly poor form to broadcast a business failing in front of a customer(s). Even more of a failing to make me wait that long for even a modicum of service. Bickering was clearly the priority.

A couple (locals) then sat down at the counter, were acknowledged by name and immediately received menus and a beverage.

20 minutes in, my order was taken. I ordered the poached eggs, homemade corned beef hash combo. My neighbors at the counter subsequently received their order, and by the time my order arrived, (30 minutes in) they were ready for their check. They were on their way out by the time my fork hit the plate.

My breakfast was acceptable, but at a $14.00 price point, seemed a little skimpy. The “light bechamel” was so light as to be almost nonexistent, and the homemade hash browns were pretty uneventful.

In short, lackluster, absent-minded service, and a product that was on the pricey side, and did not reflect the appeal as described on the menu.

I’m on a mission to be familiar with all of my fellow diner-style establishments that are in an easy striking distance. I understand that everyone has a bad day, (my business is no exception) and I will certainly visit the other breakfast spots in Manchester, VT, but The Rooster Cafe will get a hard pass for the foreseeable future.

Stopped here for lunch. There was a short wait to be seated. Food was good and service was quick.

Food was okay but the waitress left much to be desired. Rude throughout our visit, I would have likely not left the review until she was rude to the table next to us as well.

Good place for breakfast and lunch. Dogs have to stay out since its a small place.

Cute little restaurant. Stopped in for breakfast, which was delicious. Great hospitality! The chairs are too cute!

Super nice, super tasty. I’ve yet to eat something I didn’t like there.

Excellent! Had perhaps the best omelette our lives, and the fluffiest pancakes ever (also delicious). All of the accompaniments (buttered toast, hash browns, etc) were made with care, and way above average.

One of the best places to eat. Food is fantastic and personal service. I liked the food so much I went two days in a row.

We have eaten here for the past two mornings and each meal has been amazing! I love the cheeses hash browns, the sausage was tasty and juicy. Choose Rooster for breakfast and you won’t go wrong!