This was, without question, the worst diner experience I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was chaotic and uncomfortable. There was no sign indicating that guests needed to wait to be seated, so we sat at an open table — only to be immediately scolded by a staff member in a rude and condescending tone.
The service throughout the visit was awful. The staff were openly yelling at each other across the diner, creating a tense and unpleasant environment. When we tried asking simple questions about the menu, the responses we received were sarcastic and dismissive. It felt as though customers were an inconvenience rather than guests.
The food was equally terrible. The toast wasn’t toasted, the corned beef hash was undercooked, greasy, and had a texture and appearance disturbingly similar to cat food. The coffee was bitter and unpleasant, and even the water had an odd, distinct taste. At one point, we were asked whether we wanted our pork chop cooked or “pink,” which is deeply concerning and potentially a health code issue.
Beyond the food and service, the diner itself was in poor condition. The staff appeared unkempt, and the entire facility felt dirty and poorly maintained — from sticky tables to visible grime on the floors. It’s clear that cleanliness and professionalism are not priorities here.
I left not only disappointed but honestly concerned about the food safety practices in place. I cannot understand how this establishment has nearly a five-star rating on Google, because my experience was the complete opposite of what those reviews suggest.
I would strongly discourage anyone from dining here. There are plenty of other local diners in Rhode Island that treat their customers with respect and take pride in their food — unfortunately, Hope Diner is not one of them.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Andy P
Best breakfast in Bristol and compared to everywhere else too! The atmosphere is great, the service is great, the food is great, everything is great and consistent. Highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen T
If you like a clean, cheery diner with gleaming chrome stools and fresh-faced waitresses, go elsewhere. Unappetizing was the word that came to mind when the waitress came over to wipe down our table, with a strongly scented wet wipe after telling is to sit anywhere and then scolding us for choosing the one that was cleared but not cleaned. The warm,flat Coke out of a 2 liter bottle with a few impotent ice cubes did not bode well so, while I suggested we pay for our drinks and leave, my companions were adventurous and wanted to stay, so I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich which I figured would be relatively safe. It was fine although when delivered, nearly slid off the bare plate. My husband enjoyed the chicken club and our god daughter said the burger was quite good. The reviews of the food were excellent and we were won over by the hometown feel. While we jokingly refer to it as the No Hope Diner, this place is the real deal.
Pat
What more can you ask for? Cant beat the breakfast! Service is spot on, everyone is friendly and it’s all around a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. As the tee shirt says, “ Don’t be a door. Eat at the Hope!”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire
My parents started coming here before I was born. I grew up coming here. The food is awesome, and the staff is family. This place sets the standard for everything a hometown diner should be. I get the Portuguese sweetbread French toast every time. I cannot overstate how special this diner is.
Carl Melidossian
I bike there eastbay bicycle path and always get a breakfast for ride back. 32 miles round trip. But it's a old school diner chef is awesome. Workers yell out orders.] Old school Mt style!!
Rhyanna Godwin
Authentic diner! Exactly what you want it to be. Will definitely go there again sometime
Nicole Esteves
Small town breakfast spot with good food
Amanda Nicole
my daughter loves this place!the pancakes & the hot coco are her fav 🤩
Trilla Villa (Daddy)
Dee is my favorite ❤️❤️ Lorraine is amazing ! Nathan is a culinary genius and a great person!!! The staff during the week and weekends are all nice welcoming and very courteous. Returning regular customers become like family a lot of local great people come in and enjoy a great meal at a great price which is the ultimate value , your a dope if you DONT eat at hope💯👍👍👍👍👍
Great hometown diner run by the daughter of the original owner. Homemade food, excellent service, and fair pricing. Don't be a dope, eat at the Hope!
ANTHONY GIAMPIETRO
Really good hash
Mimi Silva
Honestly, the food is pretty high end, those cooks know what there doing, and it's just a little diner, it's pretty awesome, most affordable and delicious in bristol
louisv54
great food made fast, and comforting atmosphere!
Steve Dowding
Old school atmosphere great people and food is great at a good price
This was, without question, the worst diner experience I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was chaotic and uncomfortable. There was no sign indicating that guests needed to wait to be seated, so we sat at an open table — only to be immediately scolded by a staff member in a rude and condescending tone.
The service throughout the visit was awful. The staff were openly yelling at each other across the diner, creating a tense and unpleasant environment. When we tried asking simple questions about the menu, the responses we received were sarcastic and dismissive. It felt as though customers were an inconvenience rather than guests.
The food was equally terrible. The toast wasn’t toasted, the corned beef hash was undercooked, greasy, and had a texture and appearance disturbingly similar to cat food. The coffee was bitter and unpleasant, and even the water had an odd, distinct taste. At one point, we were asked whether we wanted our pork chop cooked or “pink,” which is deeply concerning and potentially a health code issue.
Beyond the food and service, the diner itself was in poor condition. The staff appeared unkempt, and the entire facility felt dirty and poorly maintained — from sticky tables to visible grime on the floors. It’s clear that cleanliness and professionalism are not priorities here.
I left not only disappointed but honestly concerned about the food safety practices in place. I cannot understand how this establishment has nearly a five-star rating on Google, because my experience was the complete opposite of what those reviews suggest.
I would strongly discourage anyone from dining here. There are plenty of other local diners in Rhode Island that treat their customers with respect and take pride in their food — unfortunately, Hope Diner is not one of them.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Best breakfast in Bristol and compared to everywhere else too! The atmosphere is great, the service is great, the food is great, everything is great and consistent. Highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you like a clean, cheery diner with gleaming chrome stools and fresh-faced waitresses, go elsewhere. Unappetizing was the word that came to mind when the waitress came over to wipe down our table, with a strongly scented wet wipe after telling is to sit anywhere and then scolding us for choosing the one that was cleared but not cleaned. The warm,flat Coke out of a 2 liter bottle with a few impotent ice cubes did not bode well so, while I suggested we pay for our drinks and leave, my companions were adventurous and wanted to stay, so I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich which I figured would be relatively safe. It was fine although when delivered, nearly slid off the bare plate. My husband enjoyed the chicken club and our god daughter said the burger was quite good. The reviews of the food were excellent and we were won over by the hometown feel. While we jokingly refer to it as the No Hope Diner, this place is the real deal.
What more can you ask for? Cant beat the breakfast! Service is spot on, everyone is friendly and it’s all around a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. As the tee shirt says, “ Don’t be a door. Eat at the Hope!”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My parents started coming here before I was born. I grew up coming here. The food is awesome, and the staff is family. This place sets the standard for everything a hometown diner should be. I get the Portuguese sweetbread French toast every time. I cannot overstate how special this diner is.
I bike there eastbay bicycle path and always get a breakfast for ride back.
32 miles round trip.
But it's a old school diner chef is awesome.
Workers yell out orders.]
Old school Mt style!!
Authentic diner! Exactly what you want it to be. Will definitely go there again sometime
Small town breakfast spot with good food
my daughter loves this place!the pancakes & the hot coco are her fav 🤩
Dee is my favorite ❤️❤️
Lorraine is amazing !
Nathan is a culinary genius and a great person!!!
The staff during the week and weekends are all nice welcoming and very courteous.
Returning regular customers become like family a lot of local great people come in and enjoy a great meal at a great price which is the ultimate value , your a dope if you DONT eat at hope💯👍👍👍👍👍
Restaurantji Recommends
Great hometown diner run by the daughter of the original owner. Homemade food, excellent service, and fair pricing. Don't be a dope, eat at the Hope!
Really good hash
Honestly, the food is pretty high end, those cooks know what there doing, and it's just a little diner, it's pretty awesome, most affordable and delicious in bristol
great food made fast, and comforting atmosphere!
Old school atmosphere great people and food is great at a good price
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Blueberry Muffin, Veggie Omelette
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