Starting Gate Restaurant

Customer service was great, and I think this is the main reason people return. You seat yourself when you first get there but someone was with us pretty fast afterwards. She was super sweet and welcoming. I got the lunch special, grilled ham and cheese, with clam chowder for $ 6.50 but I also added French fries. It was pretty good, the chowder could definitely use some work, probably won’t order that again. Will be back though, love their breakfast foods!

Horrible customer service from the old lady with glasses. While yes, we had a semi complicated order– a double cheeseburger no bun and no fries. I asked for them to sub a side salad or just extra lettuce and some tomatoes. Nope. They won’t do that without charging an extra $ 1.50. The burger was to come with bacon and came with two small strips. When we asked about the meal substitute the waitress pulled her glasses down and looked down on us and said «they won’t do that.» When we ordered and finally got her to write something down, and she rolled her eyes. WORST customer service and the food came and was frozen and came with a bun. FML.

It always puzzled me the group of people that come to this place. One day my husband and I decided to go inside and curious to find out what they can offer. We were greeted with a very friendly waitress and showed us their menu. We ordered omelets and after our meal we thought our food was great! They have the typical American food! You can order breakfast all day long! One thing I don’t like, they closed at 7pm.

This place doesn’t look much from the outside, but the minute I walked in, I immediately felt welcomed. The server that took very good care of us was super friendly. Food is simple, but the eggs were fresh and they used real eggs for scramble. Food is priced well. I recommend this place. This will be a local breakfast joint for us.

good little breakfast spot for me in Auburn. Classic selections and hot coffee.

Old school diner. Almost called the waitress Flo and expected to see a cigarette hanging from her mouth. But the food was steps above your franchise restaurants. Food was fast and coffee plentiful. Will be back.

I was looking for a good old fashion diner and i certainly found it here! This place was so lovely and welcoming i cant wait to go back. The staff knew people by name and what they order it was amazing. The food was so tasty and came on good time. Not to mention the cost is low with large amounts of food.

This is one of Auburn’s best casual places to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Very casual homey atmosphere with waitresses with delightful personalities. Homemade soups are delicious. There is always a special. You are only a stranger once. If you are looking for good food, with casual dining, and a homey atmosphere with reasonable prices, this is the place to eat.

This place is fantastic for breakfast. Hands down the best hashbrowns and everything is really cheap! Good quality food. Can get a full breakfast for under $ 20. Early morning you’re going to find a lot of retired older folks there, but its generally pretty quiet the 5 times I’ve been there thus far. The reason I like this place so much is how cheap it is compared to many other diners.
I’ve eaten there for lunch, they make a great chicken burger along with cod burger too. I haven’t tried dinner, but I normally only eat lunch and breakfast, and this place does an excellent job of providing it :) Also there hashbrowns and gravy is incredible.

Great, inexpensive breakfasts with friendly service! Classic old school diner with a counter and everything!!!

This was a great place to have breakfast. I would choose this over Denny’s or Villiage Inn.

Worst dining experience Ive ever had. Terrible service, food quality and cleanliness. It was quiet and awkward in there.

Good place for a ma and pa vibe. Affordable pricing too! Chicken fried steak is good. Pancakes, omelettes, and eggs benedict too!
Blue collar vibe, you can’t go wrong.

Read the negative reviews and decided to post my own. If you’re looking for that «good olé boys», old time, your grandpa’s café, this is it. The food is exactly what you expect; hearty portions, simple stylings, basic fare. It is a very long way from 5-​Star cuisine. However, it’s the atmosphere that fills the seats. My first time here today and I was so pleasantly surprised. Full of retired military, farmers and truckers, this place made me feel like home. The gents called the waitresses by their names with the comforting sense of long-​time acquaintance. Only half were eating, while the others sipped coffee from mugs I watched them bring in from their rigs. Maybe it’s the romance of days past, but my 31-​yr-​old self was charmed by this place. Was service slower for me, the newcomer? Yes it was. But I truly appreciated the relationship between their staff and long-​time customers. I enjoyed listening to their banter. This is not the place to go if you’re in a hurry. It’s a place for patience, lounging, eating, savoring your coffee, shootin the shit with your neighbor in the next booth or at the bar, and friends. I’m definitely making this a routine stop before work.

Came here last night with family. We had burgers and fries, I had salad with my burger on rye. Very crisp and fresh dinner salad, yummy. I didn’t order fries but they came with the burger. Hot crisp french fries, and a great burger. Good service too and far cheaper then Red Robin. First time I have been there, I will be back.

The omelet and hash browns were pretty greasy and had an overwhelming oil flavor. The prices were fair, but not a bargain of sorts. The atmosphere has a nice small town diner feel and the staff is nice and keeps the coffee coming.

First time here and it was ok. The server was quick but never really check back to me on my drinks. I have to ask for refill and I sat about 5 mins earlier then two men next to me and they both got their food first before I did. Perhaps because I look like a thug but it’s cold in the morning so I have sweats and a beanie on. Food was greasy and ok. I would not recommend my family & friends to come here or they’ll be stereotype as well. Very disappointed esp. I love mom & pops shop and big supporter of local & small businesses.

In a world of franchised mass produced food. It’s good to know there is at least one good place where you can have honest homemade soup and sandwich lunch for the price of fast food meal.
The breakfast are great and again are priced with the big franchised chains like IHOP and Denny’s.
I do not live in Auburn, but I get to go there often. The Starting Gate is the first choice for Breakfast and Lunch. Unless the other person must eat the chain restaurants.
People of Auburn: You have a gem here. Support a small business and have quality food at prices of the big guys.

The service here is absolutely amazing. I’m so thankful I didn’t pay attention to any negative reviews. It’s a shame the reviews are so poor because this is definitely a restaurant I will frequent. The portions are great and for a very good price! I had the taco omelette, while my boyfriend had the Denver omelette. The people were all very friendly, especially our waitress. She was sweet and upbeat the moment we walked in the door! She always checked up on us, and I really appreciate her making our first visit so welcoming! We felt like one of the regulars, already. We enjoyed our food, and I noticed the same waitress was making sure everyone in that diner was happy. We will come back soon to try their waffles, like recommended! The 10 minute drive here beats going to Beth’s in Seattle for the same amazing portions — at a GREAT price!

The first time I was here they were very nice with an allergy I have but the second I got a different lady… Not so nice. «No trading food out» she told me.
Either way. The food is consistently great and the portions are large for what you pay. I really like this place