Route 38 Restaurant in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

This has been demolished which is a real shame. No doubt to make room for another franchise “nothing special” . A really devastating and unexpected blow that this place was closed we we had been going for years and years. Huge portions of American style grub and lovely decor. A real loss

We visited this restaurant on 1st October 2022 as we have always enjoyed our visits whenever we visit Cornwall and I must say we were not disappointed this time, the staff were all very lovely, friendly and helpful, we all enjoyed our meal and look forward to visiting again.

Decided to end our week’s holiday with a meal at Route 38 restaurant. They like many other businesses are struggling with a lack of staff, but those working was putting in a good effort to keep their customers happy. All staff where happy and keen to please. Even bring a bowl of water out for our dog to drink. The food was good and at a very good price and large proportions. All in all a great evening out was had.

Food was very good we went with our aunt an uncle ,service was very slow staff were more interested in chatting than clearing our plates an asking us if we wanted dessert

Visited route 38 today and left after 30 minutes, took 10 minutes just to be seated and waited another 20 minutes before leaving as nobody came to take our order and we we’re fed up by then. When i asked the waitress why it was taking so long she said they were short staffed. Unless you’ve got all day to wait around I would say avoid this place

Visited here on a Wednesday evening around 7pm with family pre booked. Got there around 5 minutes early and had to wait at the lobby area for around 10 minutes but nobody came to seat us so we went to find someone who did seat us on the table that had been set aside. Drinks came very quickly and main meal order was taken quickly with food arriving not long afterwards Food was very nice and the portions were a decent size along with the waitress coming back to check everything was well with our food. once we finished our food we were going to order puddings however nobody arrived to take any further orders so we ended up going to the cooking area and asking for some take away doughnuts. A couple arrived around 8.30 and was sat down by a very nice lady who advised that the kitchen closed at 8.45 but they were still seated and orders were so very taken from this couple so a good service. The table behind us also finished around the same time however instead of acknowledging the restaurant was short staffed managed to keep the waitress around 10 minutes chatting about personal things that the waitress was being polite but could not escape this chatter. I have read the notice on the door about being short staffed however see that reviews 3 weeks ago they had notices up about being short staffed so I dont blame the staff that are doing there best but do think some recruitment and training needs a bit of a hurry up before business drops off due to the situation and poor reviews. Overall good food nice staff however slow service due to staffing issues

American type diner, with an overtly Americana theme that's probably a long way outside of the American diner...of America! That said it was quirky, slow service but not in a rush and a breakfast that whilst tasty housed the cheapest sausage cooked to within an inch of its life and bacon barely shown the griddle! Pleasant enough experience.

We were driving to Devon and were looking for some breakfast when we came across Route 38 Diner.We pulled in without hesitation,it is a nice looking diner from outside.It was the same inside,very clean very pleasant staff who greeted us and showed us to our table.Our server took our order and it wasn't long before we were eating and drinking our breakfast.The breakfast was amazing and there was plenty of it,and very well priced.We can fully recommend this diner and would definitely go back again. Carol & Maurice.

We waited 10 minutes to be greeted and shown to a table, the waitress didn’t say a word to us and threw the menus on the table. We then waited, waited and waited for our order to be taken. Various members of staff walked past , ignoring us and not making any acknowledgment towards us. We overheard a waitress tell a customer that is was a 30 minute wait for food. As our rude waitress that showed us to the table didn’t even speak to us we thought that’s ok we aren’t in a rush we are happy to wait for the food. One staff member seemed more interested in clearing the few tables that customers had just vacated, rather than acknowledging customers and taking their orders. The restaurant wasn’t even full at this point, probably 5 tables of customers. After 20 minutes of sitting at the table waiting for someone to take our order my husband asked a waitress in the distance what we needed to do for our order to be taken. She shouted I’m just on my way to take your order. She then said we are short staffed, there is a notice in the window, there was no such notice in the window. I can totally empathise with them if there was a staff shortage but for it to give a lack of customer satisfaction is inexcusable. We decided to leave as the service and the way we were treated was below par, we have visited here before and the food and service were excellent, after today’s fiasco we will never return.

Me and hubs had planned the day to end with a meal here, we had been before and had wanted to come back for a good few years. So with great anticipation we stopped off to eat. A warm reception to our seats, all clean and a lovely atmosphere. We ordered scampi chips and peas,pulled pork chip and half a cob. Plus a side of coleslaw. Sadly the peas were cold, the chips were limp and cheap. Hubs were just all ends and the pulled pork portion size for £13.95 a disappointment. The coleslaw side portion was huge. Probably because it was watery. We were going to order puddings, but thought better of it, plus both waitresses didn't seem in any hurry to clear the table or take the order, even after several attempts to get their attention Off to a supermarket to get food. Sadly won't go back.

We were told the wait 40mins max which was fine, but this then went to over 1hr 20 mins which was pushing it a bit.. Got our starter of onions rings after a 40 mins wait - which was fine as we were aware they were busy. The onion rings were tasty and hot, the waiter cleared away our starters and then we waited, and waited and waited. After 1hr 20mins I asked him where our mains were -to be told that we were up next as it was busy that was why it was taking so long…..and yet others who were seated after us we’re already receiving their mains. We didn’t order anything special just ribs, chicken and wedges. Wedges were over cooked, oily and stuck together, we were told that’s how they come. Chicken breast tough and unable to cut through so unfortunately had to send this back to the kitchen. The supervisor then came out to say that as we had a starter that’s why we had to wait for our mains - yes but not over an hour!! Apparently the waiter should have asked us if we were ready for our mains, but didn’t!! This was our first and last time using this restaurant, we drove from quite far to experience this restaurant - sadly which I had stayed local instead. Got a refund on the chicken…sadly one of our party had no food to enjoy. Awful experience!!! No disabled loos either had to take my disabled son into the ladies toilet.

First of all let me state that as with most places in hospitality Route 38 was understaffed and the staff they had did a superb job. We were a table of 11. We were asked to pre order, which I totally get for a big table. When we arrived we were seated quickly and drinks taken. The pre order was read out and correct. Food did take its time to arrive, but they were busy and it was worth the wait. The reason it's a 4 and not a 5 is the little corrections (e.g. no mushrooms etc) were forgotten. Didn't ruin the meal at all, just a shame to waste things. One dish (ordered three times) had a small problem but a quiet word with the staff and this was quickly rectified other than that everyone was over the moon with their meal. The Staff did a sterling job and we will re-patronise the establishment whenever in the area... Hoping to watch PAFC a bit this season so will be calling in!

Just passing in the caravan, and managed to park it in the car park. They have a designated area so you can bring dogs. My partner is coeliac and the menu is clearly marked and they said they would try to adapt any meal. The staff were lovely and friendly. Food was really reasonable……I wish we lived near to call again. My partner said it was the best meal we’d had all holiday.

Milkshake horrendous! Watery, curdled cream, never again. Don’t be fooled by the picture on the poster…that isn’t what you get. Admittedly we were getting them to takeaway. I know we are still living in “Covid times”, staff shortages etc…but really not difficult to get a couple of milkshakes right. Staff however were lovely, and service was fast, so some positives to share.

Called in whilst passing and had to wait a couple of minutes for a table to be cleared. Waitress (mature lady) was very friendly and apologetic about our wait. Both of us had The Big One @ £9.95 ( 3 bacon, 3 sausage, 3 eggs, 3 hash browns, 3 half tomatoes, baked beans, 1 toast) and pot of tea @ £2.75 Almost £13 for breakfast may seem a lot but it left me full all day! Nothing wrong with any of the food, waiting time, cleanliness or servers like others have reported so will have no qwarms about returning

Long wait to be seated - yes...I know they are understaffed...the big sign on the door said so - but even so. Once seated the staff were friendly and helpful and the food was good

Waited 30 minutes to place a order then waited another 30 minutes for the starter to be brought out to then be immediately followed by the main meal of which we asked for a starter then a main and not all at once, and was...

Thought we would stop off here on our way back from camping in Cornwall and kids wanted pancakes. Arrived at 12pm and there were maybe 3 other tables seated. Waitress came to take our order fairly quickly. Sat and waited, and waited and waited. After...

We booked here today following a camping trip. Fantastic, friendly service and welcomed are dog bringing her water straight away.

Waited to be seated with no queue in front of us for 10mins Directed to a table without a word from the waitress No menu given to us. Not asked if we’d like a drink. Only to be told the spare ribs we had come...

Authentic American food, with generous size portions. Menu is marked for gluten free and there’s also a very good version of the menu showing all the allergens in a manner that’s easy to navigate. Staff are clued up and happy to help. Dogs are welcome...

Table covers were wiped clean but its been a long time since its had a good thorough clean. Dust and hair on window sills and around the items they have sat on them. Food or drinks sprayed on windows. Food was just ok no better...

Felt like I was having an overpriced Wetherspoons. Ignorant and rude staff. Rude management and incredibly long waiting times.

dropped in on the way home today and as usual service was spot on and the food excellent as always ignore the negative reviews don't think they would know a good burger if it hit them in the face

Went in for lunch. It was fairly busy when we arrived however was seated promptly. Service was good and our server was polite and attended to us well. Food was as expected when eating here and myself and my wife enjoyed every bite we had....

Took a while to be seated and then a while before the waitress finally came over, the waitress was miserable and rude. Our drinks arrived and my coke was completely flat and tasted very strange. Tables were sticky and dirty. When our food arrived you...

Cheap ingredients, not appetising. The service was good. It was Thursday evening. And the food was cooked ok. It just tasted awful.

Waited to be seated and waited and waited then shown to a two table near the till where staff frequently stood and gossiped long wait on food and not that good watched it sit on the pass for ages hadn't been here for ages and...

The place was fairly quiet for a Saturday lunchtime. The food was served quite quickly, it was hot and most of it was okay although the chicken strips were more or less inedible, completely overcooked. The staff were polite enough though. Just as an aside,...

After a disappointing try to eat in 3 other places, we found ourselves at Route 38, where we have eaten previously. On entering, we were pleasantly greeted by a young cheerful lady who said that she could offer us a window table and informed us...

Not that there will be another viset but if there is ill make sure I bring a packed lunch as a 45 minute wait for two small fry ups when there was a total of 5 tables isent good enough Left and went else where,

Popped in here for the second time in two weeks as we live locally. I have to say that I've had my criticisms of Route 38 in the past but it is now vastly improved and is fulfilling the potential it always appeared to have....

I thought I would give this another chance however it really hasn't got any better. You are now expected to wait immediately as you come in the door, in itself not a problem. But it is when you are stood there like a lemon for...

We had a meal last night and the chip were like if they had been cooked morning my little great daughter feel a sleep the waiting staff were good I will take along time before we go again.

Food not good. Burger was bland and the chicken was tough and chewy (it wasn't chicken) to be fair staff plesent enough but wouldn't go back as put off by the food

4 of us visited last night as it was my birthday meal with friends. I dont know where to start...... The food was delicious The food was hot The food was massive I had the chicken burrito which was 2 huge burritos with salad, salsa,...

Received a frosty reception from waitress upon arrival , no hello straight to asking how many of us there were. Sighing whilst reaching for our menus . Took a while to come over and take our order despite it not being busy . Despite this...

Always new staff here, which cannot be a good thing. Maybe a bit of customer service training would be good. Visited for a family meal with our parents from up country. They said the food was bland and not worth the price. Will go to...

Decided to stop here for breakfast on the way to Plymouth. The restaurant was lovely and clean, the staff were all really welcoming, friendly and efficient and the food was yum. Would definitely recommend.

Visited on 18th December. Very disappointed in the past l found this restaurant to be a pleasure to visit unfortunately this occasion it did not live up to its reputation. The burger was okay but the fries had been refried and where cold. Will not...

We've just visited after a long break due to the terrible service we received in the other two Route restaurants in Devon. Very happy to say that Route 38 is as good as it ever was. Prompt seating and excellent service, and the food was...

Went here as a last minute stop off. Not been here in years and was very excited. We were very disappointed. The milkshakes were thin and were milk and syrup, really wasn’t nice. We ordered a starter, the waitress said she would be back with...

Very poor service had to wait a very long time to be served Would not go back again. Was sitting as you come inside the door

We had to walk into the restaurant past the 'wait here to be seated 'sign to get someone's attention. Service was painfully slow. We had to get up and go to the kitchen to get served after our main course. One of the mains was...

Truly appalling service . . . We entered the foyer, sanitised our hands, looked around and talked amongst ourselves. . . Anyway, after three or four minutes, one of our party walked into the restaurant, just to check we were still expected to be “waiting...

So today me the hubby decided to take out our little munchkins as a treat for lunch since they had done so well at their parents’ evening 🥰. But there are a few things I should probably mention… The food came in unreasonably large portions!...

We called at Route 38 on our way home from Cornwall and were impressed by the great variety of food and drink choices, value for money and the helpfulness of the staff. They also went to a great deal of trouble to find and return...

Terrible. Took 10 mins for someone to respond to our entering. Had dirty black leggings and jumper on and no sign of being a staff member. When sat down 4 plates of breakfasts were waiting on the servery area to be served. Probably these were...

We were excited to find this place on our journey, waitress polite and seated us, took our order. A sign going into the toilet said they were proud of their clean toilets (something to that effect) well they were far from clean, toilet brush holders...

Came here for breakfast and enjoyed it. Thank you to the friendly staff... you can see that they are a little short staffed but they made the best of it and served the customers well.

Haven’t been here in ages as previously had bad experiences. We popped in last minute on the way home from a trip. The waitress at the front desk was very accommodating as we hadn’t booked. She found a table for us and we were seated....

Like all food outlets there is a shortage of staff, we were given a waiting time so no problem. And the staff were FAB; attentive, made time for a quick chat and were patient with the 'little ones'. When first seated we were put next...

This is the first review I have ever written, but felt it was necessary to prevent someone experiencing the same. I have visited Route 38 before Covid and it was amazing then. I know that times are hard, but there has to be a line...

Only ever stop for breakfast which is all ways great apart from the cheap and nasty sausages. Shame really as staff are great and service too at normal times. Heres hoping you switch sausage suppliers. Pat.

We had been for a drive and decided to pop in for lunch. We waited a few minutes for a table to be free which wasn’t a problem. Everywhere was clean and table all sanitised ready for us. I had the Caribbean burger and hubby...

Always wanted to stop here and when we did was disappointed. Staff not helpful at all. Ordered our meals kids pizza was one of those Chicago Town Pizza u can buy in a supermarket and one slice of garlic bread. Burgers not great at all...

Family visit cosisiting of 6 of us. We booked, but when we got there, no staff were about to greet/seat us and then when we found someone they said we had no reservation. However she did seat us. We ordered our food and it arrived...

We have visited here several times over the years and had great food and great service. We booked for 7.30 and upon arrival we were told it was a half hour wait for food. There was a long wait for our main course even though...

But route 5 is better!! Ordered the smothered chicken and while it tasted good, the chicken was dry - a bit like when you've cooked it and then heated it back up in a microwave. Didn't get the great customer service you get at Route...

Flies worked quicker than staff, at least they tried👍🏼 Do not recommend what so ever. Had better food in hospital.

Table booked for 7pm told there was a 45 minute delay for food. Starters arrived after 1hour and 10 minutes,. Food followed at 9.10 Despite the delay the food was hot , very tasty and plenty of it. when we complained about the delay our...

This restaurant is best avoided. We waited an hour and 15mins for our mains, which isn’t too much of an issue but when it arrived it was cold. The rib were tough, cheap coleslaw and wedges. The restaurant and the bathrooms are filthy, but the...

Slow service. Got confused by big order. Meat was dry and tough. Very disappointing Birthday meal. I will not be eating there again.

Waited an hour and had no service, not even drinks orders were taken. Complained and the staff didn't seem to care. We left without eating or drinking anything. Food smelt great though but no idea how it tastes.

The place itself is lovely. The meal was cold. A member of staff was very rude to me. Could do with some customer care training. More care less attitude. No staff around to clear plates away or get another drink. Clearly badly managed and not...

Went for a spot a dinner here last night and hadn’t booked in advance but was seated within 5 minutes. The waitress advised there would be approximately 25 minute wait due to it being busy and when the food came out it was lovely and...

Although we tend to love visiting the lovely fish and seafood restaurants in Cornwall, we thought we have one dinner in the American diner as I do like the vibe of a diner and sometimes the food in these places is quite nice for a...

Hate to write negative reviews on an especially on a local place we've been to many many times before with outstanding service but tonight was shocking!! Having booked table in advance and arriving to be told we're short staffed so wait on food of 1/2hr...

Booked here as the American menu looked good whilst we are on holiday. All I can say is don’t waste your money, nothing American about the food here. We ordered our food and drinks and the drinks came after about 10 minutes which is fine....

It looks and sounds better then this is. The food is cheep dry tasteless , American pancakes are nothing like I got today. They where thin dry and just bad. Real bad. Don’t eat here.

Came here for breakfast before leaving Cornwall after a beautiful week. We were a party of eight. The staff were friendly and accommodating, the service was fast and efficient and the food was delicious and so so much! Would totally recommend!

We visited here for a simple birthday lunch and it was probably less than half full, so not busy. We ordered our meals and were served our drinks. After 35 minutes I asked if we had to wait much longer and was told that it...

Stopped here with my partner on our way home from a lovely few days in Plymouth. We fancied a good breakfast and burger. The restaurant wasn’t busy. Greeted by a pleasant efficient young girl and shown to a table. I ordered the West Coast breakfast...

Booked this on the way back for a day out. Always find the service to be excellent, the food to be plentiful and the price to be reasonable. Yesterday's meal out did not disappoint. I love this chain of restaurant!

Saw this diner on the way back from Looe so we thought we would give it a go. Well placed between Saltash, Looe and Liskeard it was a great find. The food was plentiful, tasted really nice and the service given by Debbie and Monika...

Amazing service amazing staff very friendly and accommodating amazing food thank you 😁👍highly recommend

I’ve eaten here twice this week with a friend and my daughter and I highly recommend it. We had a great time. The restaurant was clean and tidy, the service was lovely, a lady checked in a couple of times to make sure we were...

American diner my eye there was nothing American about it … the food was terrible , poor quality . The kids ordered pancakes they can hard and stale definitely not freshly cooked !! The second ones came and the were not much better . £38...

Attended restaurant on a Monday morning. Got in easily as the place was almost empty. Checked the menu and decided on American pancakes for both of us. Wife had blueberry and I had apple cinnamon. Despite the place being empty we waited 30 minutes for...

Really let down,Roast veg lasagna frozen in the middle, Bottled drinks warm, drain in the carpark overflowing grey water and stinking, definitely not comming back S.B you should be ashamed of your self.

This place is clearly struggling. The waitress was like something from the waking dead, the toilets were blocked, entire courses were forgotten and worst of all my son, who has severe allergies found 3 sesame seeds in his chicken wrap. Apparently the chef had toasted...

Huge menu, with a lot of good options. Portions are huge, wait times not too bad. The pancakes were good, and my wife’s pulled pork nachos were stacked nicely and very nice. Good service from the staff, and overall was very good.

Stopped for dinner after a trip to the cinema. Good processes in place for Covid-19. Service was prompt & friendly. Portions are huge. We had starters of calamari & 3 skewers of king prawns. Both very nice although salad with the prawns could be a...

A quick stop on the way to our holiday stay in St Austell. Great chips, large menu and friendly staff

For years, our family has dined at route 38. This evening, we left our allotment when we decided to have a take away! We arrived around half 7, ordered paid our bill: 31.06. When I arrived to the car to give my wife our drink,...

Seated quickly, ordered via app and PayPal. Tables that stick to your arms with residue food/drinks. Not wiped and sanitised properly. Waited 35 mins still not even a drink! Food came after about 40 mins but 2 breakfasts short as apparently they printed off a...

Visited here on a whim after a day out to a local beach. Staff were super friendly, we aren't the easiest family to accommodate but nothing was too much trouble. Debbie was amazing with the children. They gave us take away boxes when we couldn't...

Seriously slow, waiting time from when we ordered our food to when it arrived at our table was an hour!!! Either the establishment is under staffed or the staff they do have need a rocket up their backsides. Definitely don't go here if you're hungry.

This is not a place to go for a quick bite to eat! Taken to table, then waited another 20 mins before our Oder was taken, drinks then took another 15 mins to arrive! Our breakfast arrived an hour after we ordered it! Standard breakfast...

booked a table for 3pm which is day menu, I was hoping for the double rack of rib meal though (which is evening menu) our server Debbie went above and beyond to cater to our wishes, she was polite, professional and lovely from start to...

I visited for breakfast on the 19th May for breakfast.Ordering a breakfast sub, what appeared was a greasy, undercooked bacon, eggs dripping in fat and sausages which were debatably animal meat.I’m not sure what was worse the digusting taste or the appearance. Upon leaving the manager had instructed the waitress to charge me as “there was nothing wrong with the food” despite not even bothering to speak with me. If your hungry or thirsty skip this hole, the shell next door is a far better bet.

Stopped here for breakfast, wish we had driven a few more miles instead. I had the full breakfast, looked ok when it eventually arrived, unfortunately did not taste half as good as it looked, overly greasy, poor taste a big let down. My wife had the pancakes with bacon, pancakes were soft in the middle and hard around the edges, I suspect they had spent some time in the microwave. We would not recommend.

Lovely breakfast and milkshake! Came here with a friend when lockdown restrictions lifted. Booked a table in advance as they are always busy. Great experience and food again!

Myself and my husband stopped off at this restaurant due to the fact we had to leave our hotel breckfast behind due to the actions of the staff .. we were met by a nice lady who asked for our details for track and trace all the staff were wearing facemasks so they should we were shown to a table and given a few minutes to look at menu we then gave our order we didn't have to wait to long for food was hot and tasty the restaurant was quiet playing Christmas songs which was nice top marks all round

6 family members went to have a pre Christmas meal. An error was admitted by a staff member who had forgotten a meal. However they served up in various stages meals leaving one member without. They then served extras far too late to be enjoyed. There was another party of 6 who was told the chef was running 2o mins late and anther guy in take away who waited 30 mins for his. The food was of poor quality and spoilt the evening. I was also unwell in the night. Poor management and they really need to employ a good chef. The menu we chose was varied. However , it was on the menu. A family Pre Christmas meal totally ruined

6 of us went to enjoy a family meal. Food took along time to come despite being relatively quiet. When food started to arrive they realised they had not processed the order for one of the 6. Half way through the mains the side dishes ordered arrived, we asked for them to be returned Just as people finished mains the waitress came and asked if we still wanted the 6th dish! We declined as shared the mains we had with 6th person. The very poorly trained so called manager was happy to inform us we wouldn’t be charged for the sides or the 6th dish that never came!! The fajitas wraps were old and hard. Wedges arrived were chips were requested and the cheesy chips were over cooked and one big clump of burnt cheese. It’s basic food, but no excuses for the poor service and lack of management given the circumstances. Glad we didn’t get to see the kitchen, dread to think: tables around us also having many apologies for lateness or poor quality. Avoid this place at all costs.

We go here quite often and once again it didn’t fail, great breakfast, freshly cooked, tasty, plentiful, friendly staff. Good selection on the menu.

Ordered a takeaway online for our mums birthday, the food was ready exactly on time and was delicious!

Very sad to report on here that after many years of scrumptious dining experiences, this restaurant has gone rapidly downhill. This evening’s experience was horrible. Having ordered the blue cheese burger off the re-vamped menu, my husband and I were presented with our meals on a large plate which was 3/4 full of undercooked thin chips, not the nice chunky ones they used to serve there. The ‘Blue Cheese burger’ was overcooked and the blue cheese was pretty much non existent. It appeared to have been mixed in with Monterey Jack cheese in a tiny puddle in the middle. The miniature pot of coleslaw tasted like cheap low fat supermarket coleslaw and not the creamy coleslaw that you would have received in previous years. No salad either, or onion rings - which once upon a time world have been included. My son in law had the spicy chicken wings in batter. They were 90% soggy batter and barely any chicken.The restaurant seem to be focusing more on their merchandise now as all that seems to have developed since it’s refurbishment, but the meals have dropped to a very poor standard. I would be interested to know if Route 38 are ‘under new management’ as well since all the staff have changed and are nowhere near as friendly as they used to be.The tomato ketchup was brought to the table in a Heinz bottle but tasted like it had been watered down with vinegar. Not Heinz that’s for sure. The small pot of mayonnaise I was given was also very vinegary and tasted cheap. At those prices I expected much better and at least on a par with the previous quality.Wetherspoons it is for us from now on as their food is better and cheaper! Or the Chequered Flag just down the road Poor. Very poor.

Stopped by chance here and am so happy we did. Waitress was fantastic so friendly, we could not believe the dinner ! A giant plate of food. The steak was huge and honestly the best I have ever had , no exaggeration it was cooked to perfection. We live a long long way from here as we were on holiday. If was closer to home I would genuinely be a regular as the whole place was great ! Loved the music , the American theme, everything was perfect