The Big O in Coleraine

This has got to be the worst cafe experience I have ever had. On entering and sitting down I had to ask later if I could place an order as I was ignored up to that. On ordering I was told I had to pay in advance. From this it took 35 minutes before I got fed up and asked how much longer, the waitress who just looked like she was waiting for someone to complain so she could light on them, went down the back and rusted for everyone to hear "how much longer for table 3." I had to wait a further 10 minutes before the food arrived. 45 mins from order to eating, this was horrendous. The food itself was ok but the service was diabolical. Anyone with a few hours to waste go ahead other n that stay well clear. Never, ever again.

When in before 12 for lunch, handed a menu and order was taken shortly after, I ordered a fry from the menu, after about 40 mins I had to ask how much longer, it arrived about 5 minutes later, the food was fine, but waiting that long, won't be doing it again

I started going here for coffees when I was at school in the late 70's and early 80's. It was a less stuffy alternative to Dixons, for boarders desperate for a few hours normality. I started going again in my 20's whenever I was home. Because the cooked breakfasts were fried in dripping, so tasted fantastic and the quality filled you up for the rest of the day. The value was unbeatable. Some years ago, I was back again and it looked like the place had changed hands. The Ulster Fry wasn't a patch on the old ones and I think, if memory serves, some items were grilled and not fried. Sacrilege! The service was non existent, to match the taste of the food. I didn't return for a long time. Until just before Christmas. I went in and it was pretty empty, despite being lunchtime. I ordered with the unsmiling waitress and asked for my coffee to come with the meal. I was asked to pay as I ordered and wondered why. So far as I know, this has never been the case here. The cooked breakfast arrived and it looked okay. Okay as in so so. I asked for an extra fried egg instead of hash browns. Hash browns have no place anywhere outside of 'Murica. I had to ask where the eggs where. They were hidden under a heap of everything else. My second sensory disappointment was the chemical smell coming from the plate. Obviously it was washed in a dishwasher and dried, without anyone checking that it had been rinsed. I couldn't be bothered sending the plate back as I was hungry and the unsmiling waitress looked like she was spoiling for a fight. Sometimes, you just can't be bothered with the hassle of asserting your rights. Suffice to say. The food was bland. I think the carbs were fried, but couldn't be sure. They advertised black and white pudding. The black pudding was inedible. The white pudding was AWOL. Its as if the staff know the business is going to fail soon and just can't be bothered to make an effort. That's my overall impression. I also believe that the staff think that having taken your money, they can f**k you about at will. Apologies for the crudeness, but that's what it amounts to. Like others. The meal took so long to be served, I would've walked out. I did try the Sizzling Sausage some years ago and none of the cooked breakfast was fried. When I asked why it wasn't fried. I just got a blank look. So, won't go there again. So, time to search for a new café for my once in a few months treat.

We waited a hour and a half before getting our food. Only 1 lady was waiting on tables. Felt sorry for her. They make you pay first otherwise we would of left. Food was ok,bit cold as was the cafe itself, had to put my coat on again. They should concentrate on serving the customers out front rather then online orders. They dont seem well enough equipped to do both so one or the other if they want to keep their customers happy. Wont go back again.

The restaurant was very cold to sit in, had to put on our coats. Waited almost an hour for our food. When food arrived it was cold. When I said to the staff my food cold. I over hear her tell someone Apparently the foods cold. This in my opinion is not a good attitude when dealing with customers. We would have walked out but was asked for payment when ordering. It is needles to say. We will not be back noe will Disappointed be recommending to anyone.

Went in for lunch and were given menus straight away. Didn't see the very bored looking waitress again for 20 mins. Tried ordering on the app while we waited but it wasn't loading. Anyhow we eventually ordered and after receiving 3 drinks we waited another 50 MINS on our food. We had to ask how long it was going to be as our car parking was going to run out. Food came out and was OK apart from some of it seemed like it had been under the heat lamp for a while. The Big O is unfortunately a Big NO for us and we won't be back.

We visited here for Lunch. Pancakes x 2, French toast, and poached eggs. We waited 45 Minutes. Another couple beside us waited 70minutes and a mother with a young child waited 40mins. The food was OK but definitely not worth the wait. We would have left except that they take payment at the table at time of ordering.

Been going here for years and always loved it , near a hour for the food 2 arrive, my husband ordered veg soup which was cold , son order was mixed up and got food he never asked for!!! My salad was delicious but waited 15 mins for staff to find cutlery, have 2 pay when u order or we would off went somewhere else, not far off £30 .

Really gone down hill. Ate here with my family at the weekend. Waited nearly an hour to get our food. 3 or use recieved our food then waited another 10 mins for 2 of the children's meals to arrive. The table behind us had to struggle with their toddler as there was only one high chair available 😳 very disappointed as used to be great 😔 don't think we will be back

I was in the big o in coleraine for lunch and only ordered a toasty as I wasn't really hungry. I got the toasty and the bread on the toasty didn't smell nice plus the cheese in it wasn't that nice. The staff weren't very pleasant with us either. Will never ever be back in the big o as its an absolute disappointment

Had egg and chips egg was cold and chips were not good friend had a toasty and It was not good do not go near it and it cost a lot for it 11.05 cost

Went in here a few days ago and had the full fry. Have to say it was excellent wholesome food. Filled me up for the rest of the day. While my partners chips could have been hotter it was a good, very reasonably priced, feed.

I am really disappointed in the visit I had with family friends today, first of all the food was late coming in, it was quiet in the cafe, I orded a filled soda, the soda bread was really hard and cold the bacon and sausages weren't cooked properly, I had asked for mocha and they brought me a original coffee, I asked for dirty fries with bacon and chilli sauce, they destroyed it by 2 slabs of mayo it ruined the whole fries, I wasn't nice at all, poor listening skills and need to learn to bring down what we ask for. ( bare in mind I didn't ask for slabs of mayo) the presentation of the dish was not good, I WILL NOT BE BACK, wouldn't reccommed this, it has really changed menu layout and personality of the staff too. The waitress wasn't friendly either!!

Went today for lunch and the service was absolutely appalling. Never mind the fact that you have to pay for your food before you get it which I’ve never seen in any cafe/restaurant before. Took the waitresses 25 mins to take our order, we waited 45 mins for our drinks and 1hr 20 mins for our food whilst it was only our table and 2 other tables in the place. Just wondering what took them so long to cook 1 sausage a few chips and a chilli chicken wrap with 1 slice of chicken and 100 onions in it?? Disgrace will defo not be back.

Food was okay but takes a long time to come out, also one of the older waitresses with dark hair is very sharp, rude and unfriendly.

Was in the big o today service was a disgrace placed order 10 mins after being seated which was great but had to repeat order at least 4 times b4 they finally got it right then sat for a further 55minutes for our food when it came there was sweetcorn and exactly 2 pieces of chicken in the panini no butter on any of the sandwiches had my coffee 30 minutes b4 my food arrived so had to order a glass of water to have with my food which never arrived there were 5 other tables around us that never got any cutlery to eat with no cup for there pot of tea and another table that got there food after a hour and 5 minutes but never recieved any drinks at all plus we all paid for our food and drinks when we ordered so when we asked for a refund as we never touched our food the attitude of the Male staff member was down right rude and unprofessional needless to say we will never return

Absolutely ridiculous X one hour wait and food was rubbish X place wasn't even busy XX won't be back XX

When I entered The Big O, I saw that despite it being lunchtime,

A wonderful cafe I haven’t been in for many years. It’s been revamped since then. The food was delicious and home cooked. The chips were some the best I’ve had from a cafe. The sandwiches were well filled. Good portions and very reasonably priced. A nice selection on the menu covering many dishes. Staff were great and made for a super lunch. Was busy and they have an upstairs too. We will be back again!!

I wonder what the o stands for, maybe it’s the o long time we waited on a sausage and egg bap, we left after half hour wait and there were people there before us. Don’t be hungry if your going there and be prepared for a long long wait, zero points for this place

This place used to be have decent to go for something to eat, it has went down hill very fast. The food is rotten bad cheap quality and it's either overcooked or half raw. The place isn't that clean, salt and pepper pots have dirt caked on the sides of them, the tables are not properly clean and the cutlery isn't clean. The young waiter is more interested in his mobile phone than doing his job, we got someone else's orders then he picked them up and gave it to the table behind us, when I got my dinner my wife waited a further 10 minutes on hers arriving, poor table service and bad food we won't be back. Eat anywhere else in Coleraine except for this horrible place.

One of the last remaining cafes in Coleraine that serves food that doesn’t involve smashed avocado or kale!. Sometimes you just want an actual big fry, or a burger smothered in cheese and relish!. Staff are always friendly and accommodating, booths are somewhat private so you’re not sitting on some strangers knee at lunch. There is extra seating upstairs for when it’s busy. It’s recently undergone some “modern” changes but ultimately it’s still the Big O that we all know and love. It really is a great little cafe, and I hope it will continue to be around for a very long time yet.

Best place in the town The food has always been good staff are so nice and you can have a conversation with them

I've ate here before and was generally happy with the service and food. This visit however was extremely disappointing. Due to the downstairs being busy we went upstairs. There was a wait to get served which was fair enough if they are busy.We ordered different frys however when they arrived they weren't what was ordered. Due to the time we waited we decided just to make do. We then had to asked for our drinks as they hadn't come with the food. We also had to get our own napkins. The food itself fine however the service let them down.

While it's not the poshest place in town, the food is good and the portions are big. Very reasonably priced.They could do with a bit of redecoration, as it looks tired and dated. The toilets are up a couple of flights of stairs, making them not the easiest accessed. But it's clean and the staff are helpful and attentive.

Perfect for if you want a dutty fry up. The place isn't the most glamorous but it does the job! Came here for fries with friends, no big wait for the food and everything was cooked nicely.

Massive fry up... was not disappointed. Food was great and staff were friendly. Thank you, we will be back!

The food was rotten and waited ages on it. Other half order only got half of his order and rest was given to another table not to mention what the place looked like.

Really gone downhill, used to be much better :( food used to be alot better quality at a great price now the price has gone up and the food quality has gone down. A shame used to eat here alot.

Great big portions to fill anyone, lovely food and great prices! I mean who doesn’t want a pint of coke with a fry for next to nothing! Q

Where to begin? The place could benefit from some heating, the place was like sitting in a fridge- fantastic for hot food being served! The milk in the milkshake was warmer than the restaurant. And don’t get me started on the battered chicken- it was literally hard to swallow and the ‘champ’ could be ‘champed’ a bit more! Don’t waste your time, you’ll probably leave with the cold!

I had an odd conversation when I 'phoned to check that the Big O would be open at lunchtime; I eventually found out that it was and Christmas lunches were starting today. The venue is bigger than it looks from outside, but there were no menus on the tables and I had to ask for them. The choice is extensive and we knew that the portion size was extra large from what was left behind. The waitress adjusted both our orders as we wanted much less on our plates than the dishes advertised. We enjoyed the food, but both of us still left some of the meals and I am a fan of large plates of food. The prices were not adjusted much for our removing items, so we felt a little overcharged.

Went in for a quick lunch, took awhile but food was good and service was nice enough, ordered the Pancake Stack and it was delicious just far too much food.

Went here today for lunch with my girlfriend. It was our first time in The Big O. I got a toastie with a cappuccino and my girlfriend got paninis with tea. Food was top quality, nice and fresh. Noticed on door on way in they have a 5 out of 5 hygiene rating. Staff were pleasant and reasonable prices. It is a place I would return to.

Great selection of foodStaff is sooooo pleasant, nothing is a problemReasonably priced.Presentation of food is great. Portion sizes is SOOOO GOOD!.

Always great food. Great service. Big portions for good price. Huge menu . Just all you need is there. Always warm welcome from cheerful staff

Eat here all the time staff are so friendly and helpful food is always great there's one waitress in particular Deirdre who is fantastic her customer service skills are brilliant she makes everyone feel so welcome great place

Me encantaba venir aquí para el almuerzo cuando en Coleraine, pero la última vez que estuve no estaba tan buena como de costumbre, la comida estaba bien, pero he tenido comidas mejor fuera de aquí en el pasado no creo que regresaría.

Mi marido y yo llamado en un sábado muy lluvioso para un pequeño bocado. Ambos nos decidimos probar los especiales para ese día. Mi marido tenía el filete de cadera y yo tuvimos el cerdo relleno. El servicio era muy bueno y rápido. La comida fue excelente! Ambos cursos sólo 6.50 libras cada uno ... ¡Volveremos! ¡Gracias!

This is a great cafe and they do a brilliant fry. Staff very friendly and great service. Deirdre is absolutely fantastic with the customers and makes everyone feel at home, she has a great way with people.

Uno de los cafés más antiguos de Coleraine - esto habla por sí misma, la comida es buena y limpia y neutrinos, esto no es una cuchara de grasa. He comido aquí muchas veces y volveremos

He estado yendo a la Big O en los años desde que era un niño, y nunca he tenido ninguna queja. Si es una fría o un pescado con patatas fritas y una lata de coca-cola después, entonces este es el lugar para ti! Sin lujos, barata grub, llena tu vientre y dejará encantado!

Went to Big O for the first time today. Plenty of choice on the menu. I had the small breakfast and it was very tasty. Loved the fried pancake. Will definitely try this at home. Also has the choice of drink sizes which I liked as some restaurant's ony serve small glasses of milk. Will eat in Big O's the next time I'm in Coleraine. The lady who took our order was lovely and had a great personality. She is a great asset to the business.

As willowqueen also said, I was left wondering, what on earth has happened. Being an Ulster Scot, I love my Ulster Fry. I've tasted many frys over the years, in several countries. None ever come very close to the joy that is a well made Ulster Fry. Fewer places still, almost none to be exact, produce a taste treat like the Big O used to, at a price that was great value for money. The Big O used to and maybe still does, fry the food in beef dripping, giving an almost unique taste. The portions used to be generous and the service fast and a delight. Milky coffees were well made and a perfect accompaniment to the fry. I'm not sure, but I may have heard that the Big O changed hands a while ago. If so, this would go some way to explaining what's currently going badly wrong. Service is average, at best. The already mentioned, guy with the nicotine stained hands, has little clue about how to talk to customers. Tables are left uncleared and uncleaned more often now. The frys are still okay. Just. But they too, seem to be more carelessly made than before. My milky coffee barely tasted of coffee.The café itself looks a bit care worn.No matter where in the world I travelled to or worked, I used to wax lyrical about the Big O Ulster Fry. Coming 'home' every few or several months, was an excuse to indulge in a dying institution, the local greasy spoon. I was never disappointed. I always came away, feeling a lot better about life, than before I arrived. And, I usually didn't have to eat for at least twelve hours afterwards. Sadly, for whatever reason, the Big O, that institution that I've known and loved since I was at school in Coleraine many years ago, has badly lost its way. I hope, sincerely, that whoever's running the Big O these days, brings back the old staff, gets rid of the guy with the nicotine stained hands and gets the place back to the standard it kept for decades. If not, then I expect the Big O will soon close and a Coleraine institution will be lost for ever. That would be a very sad day indeed.

Well my husband and I have been coming here for years and loved the value for money and tasty home cooked feel but after a visit last week we will not be back, what rude in experienced disgusting staff that have employed, one fella with jogging bottoms and striped jumper, chunks cut out of his eyebrow, dirty finger nails, yellow stained dirty hands and a horrible personality to go along with his scruffy out of bed appearance, then the young girl who brings your food holds the plate and stares you out, no mention of what we are about to give you.... Just stands at the side of your table saying nothing, Bring the old hands back, Deirdre and Audrey I think it is also the watery gravy and flat Fanta orange were rough enough not to mention the fact my food was sent back 3 times before it was correct sort it out!

Excellent value for money. Food delicious and loads of it. Staff very friendly and extensive menu. Food served to your table with very little time to wait and piping hot. Love going here and would highly recommend.

Went here for an early morning breakfast with my young daughter,the guy serving was the most unfriendly person I have ever had the pleasure to face in an cafe,he needs to go to charm school.The place needs a good clean and a lick of paint,the fry up was average,filled a hole I suppose.

warm friendly staff, treat you like family. quick service,food hot and plenty of it . like to go when in town

Now if your after your artisan coffee and fancy foods this place is not for you!BUT - if you want a really tasty homecook meal this is most definitely the place to go. My kids love to go for the enormous pint glass sized milk shakes, the choice of skinny or fat chips. Call in on a cold morning for a fry and mug of coffee - simply the best. The staff are the most friendly and welcoming about and you will never feel as if you have been robbed. Prices are so reasonable. I have been visiting the Big O for along time and will continue to do so.

My husband introduced me to this gem of a café. It would be easy to miss as it is up a side street and inside it is small and the décor isn't great. But all that doesn't matter because the food is delicious and the waitresses are all so friendly. I highly recommend an all day breakfast :)

Fantastic food at really good prices, only thing I would advise is avoid going at peak times such as student lunch times as it is hard to get a seat. Otherwise I thoroughly recommend the Big O for food, friendliness of staff, value for money. 5 *************

The Ulster fry we had in here was epic, everything I expected and more and the host was really lots of fun and had a good laugh with us. Really felt very welcome indeed, a wonderful meal made better by amazing company. Thanks.