Grata Diner

My recent experience with Grata Diner in Carrboro was so bad it has upset me all weekend. I will never go there again.My husband and I are an older couple in our seventies. We have eaten at Grata several times in the past and liked the food and location. However, all that changed yesterday (Saturday) when we were rudely ushered out of the restaurant by the owner for the reason of taking too long to eat. I kid you not. This happened.So yesterday we arrived at Grata for brunch, were seated and given menus. We went up to the counter to order. We waited about 20 minutes for the food to arrive. It came, we ate some of it, boxed the rest, and proceeded to drink our coffee. My husband finished his coffee first and decided to run over to Weaver Street to get two items while I finished my coffee. (I had about a half of cup left.) He was gone for about five minutes in all.Shortly after my husband left, the owner came over and in a very aggressive and unfriendly manner started cleaning up our coffee cups and napkins and said we had to go, now! My husband arrived back at this time. When I asked the Grata Diner owner why we had to leave, he said we had taken too long to eat. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Because the owner seemed so angry and to be safe, we said okay and my husband and I left without an argument. The other patrons were staring at us. I can only imagine what they must have thought.When I got home, I immediately sent the Grata Diner owner an email clearly stating how embarrassing this incident was, and also disturbing. I asked him if there was a written or posted policy as to the amount of time a paying customer is allowed to eat a meal. I also told him that the people at the table behind us were eating their food when we first arrived at our table, and were still there when we were told to leave.Well he replied back the next day, but not in a good way. He did not have the manners or common decency to apologize for the issue of embarrassing us in front of the other customers, and he completely ignored my question as to whether or not there is a written or posted policy on time limits to eat. He acknowledged that we were regular customers, but instead of thanking us for our business, he said that he had been timing our visits to Grata. This made me feel very creepy to realize that we were being observed in this way without our permission. He further stated that the time we spent at Grata this visit was "75 minutes to be exact." He said this was more than enough time to have lunch. Of course he said nothing about the time it took to be seated, deciding what to order, standing in line to order, and waiting 20 minutes for the food to arrive at our table. I can't believe he had the audacity to try to justify his actions with this argument. He said when he told us to leave there was a line at the door which was completely untrue. My husband and I also noticed there were large and small tables available. Lastly, as to my question of why the people behind us had not been asked to leave as they had clearly been there much longer than us, The Grata owner said, "they left minutes after you did after recognizing the need for the table so someone else could enjoy a meal." So according to him, this whole thing was on us. We were the thoughtless people. Such outright insensitivity in a restaurant owner completely baffles me. I have obviously kept a copy of his email. I hope this review will save others the terrible experience we had at Grata Diner. There are several other restaurants at Carr Mill Mall. Please enjoy one of those.

A great experience. The service was the highlight. It was both friendly and low pressure, in that they pay a living wage and do not offer the option to tip additionally. IN this time where you are constantly asked to tip for everything and even places that have a living wage pressure you to tip, it was nice knowing the staff was taken care of and I could focus on the food. The prices were also quite reasonable, even with the fact it included service. I had a Grata omelette, which was big and robust on fillings, but the flavor fell a little flat. I'd go again, nice menu with lots of options, and while I didn't dislike the omelette, I would try one of their other dishes.

On the hunt for a quick lunch, we found this place after striking out at three other places that either didn't have food or didn't have indoor seating. I got the grata club which was a good sandwich. For my side I got a watermelon, jalapeño, and mint gazpacho, and it was so good that I will forever be thinking of that gazpacho. They also had lemon infused water, which I really appreciated. This diner is located at the end of a mall and has plenty of parking. The inside has the classic diner seats and tables with the exposed brick of the building. They also had some outdoor seating. When you go to the restaurant, they will seat you and then you order from the counter.

My wife is dairy free and has gluten allergy - I have Alpha Gal, am diabetic and have a tree nut allergy. We are not easy restaurant guests!!LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!You sit down with menus, decide what you want , go to counter to order, get your own drinks, then they deliver to your table. Lots of gluten free choices and other choices for those with dietary restrictions. Food is always cooked correctly , staff is friendly. On Chapel Hill game days and perhaps others, it gets crowded. I highly recommend a reservation (even for breakfast) if you have your heart set on it. We've seen 45 minutes waits and days when several tables were available. Kids are fine here. Ambiance is good for what it is. Highly recommended.

Surprised this place doesn't have higher reviews, I had a wonderful experience here and would definitely recommend trying out. We met the owner and he was super friendly! Our food was incredible! Boozy Bourbon French toast is to die forrrrr (my mouth is watering just thinking about it now). Then, we also got the breakfast sandwich with tots - again AMAZING! You do order at the counter but service was excellent and food arrived quick, hot, and fresh!! They have a cute little outdoor seating area and the inside was clean and spacious (options for large groups too). I will def be back here soon!!

After taking a long walk, this was the perfect lunch spot. Stopped in about an hour before it closed on Black Friday and was pleasantly surprised.The restaurant is an "order at the counter" spot with quick and wonderful service.I got a turkey Rueben with vegan tomato soup, and we also got a "The Veggie" bowl with various veggies, tofu, and lemon basil vinaigrette on the side.We split a cold brew and a "Radiate" kombucha in the Piña Caliente flavor- delicious!Everything was very yummy and the location was also fantastic.

First time here and it did not disappoint! The biscuits and gravy were amazing and the blueberry pancakes were delicious! We will return again to try their lunch options!

Located in the Carr Mill Mall, this diner has a menu full of classic breakfast and lunch options and is open daily. I ordered the huevos rancheros at the counter, received a water glass, and paid without an option for leaving a tip. The food arrived beautifully plated. Fresh flavors, all well cooked ingredients. The health food score was 100! Eat with Gratitude - motto of restaurant.

Waited 30 minutes for our food to be served. I asked the older lady server to check on the order but walked around in circles and never got back to us. On top of that waiting, my wife and I are now dealing with severe food poisoning from the grits bowl. Both of us have thrown up and continue to feel fatigue/discomfort. Horrible experience for first time in NC. Shame.

Good gluten free choices and the food is very good. The atmosphere is good and I enjoyed it