Lambert's Café In M - Martinsburg

We've always loved going to Lambert's Cafe over the past 30+ years that we've been married. It's usually a special occasion when we go, as it's nearly a three hour trip one way. We even got to meet Norm Lambert on one of our first visits. It felt like meeting a celebrity in a premier entertainment venue of the Midwest. He was one of the most kind and reportedly generous people you would ever meet, and he certainly lived up to that acclaim when we met him. His Cafe was truly special. Fast Forward almost 30 years and my, how times have changed. Norm is gone but his restaurant lives on, except it feels like just another restaurant these days. Yes, they still throw the rolls, but not nearly as often and certainly without the enthusiasm or customer participation that we remember experiencing in the past. The spectacle seems to be gone, as does the prompt service. We waited over 15 minutes after being seated to be greeted by a waitress. Meanwhile, the pass alongs which are so prominently noted in their fewer promotions were also fewer and farther between, as we remember them of the past. Worse, we couldn't partake of anything but fried okra as we waited, and waited, and waited for a plate. And yes, the prices are much higher and are not as justifiable as they might have been in the past. Food was mediocre, as the baked potato which I ordered with my meal was hardly cooked impossible to eat. It was dutifully replaced, however, when I complained. We also all finally got knives for spreading the butter on the rolls (first roll received about 30 minutes after arrival), once we got a server's attention. In short, the 2024 Lambert's is unfortunately a far cry from years ago, which is sad. Being almost just another theme restaurant in the Midwest makes it harder for us to really want to make a special trip for just an average eating experience.

We have dined here several times. Homestyle food has all been good, and the pass arounds are exceptional. Very good prices. If you leave here hungry it is your on fault. Well worth the price. When we got take out we also received a serving of all the pass arounds. Absolutely fantastic.

Amazing atmosphere.... I was barely seated and they were bringing fresh fried okra ..and fried potatoes !.. I had chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and gravy... all so yummy. Great thanks to my msin server Kerry and the whole team

Well treated my family to dinner, we drove two hours from Illinois. We had a wonderful time but there was something that was not so great. 1. When we got to our tables I understood that this is a family restaurant but the staff didn't seem so happy to be there the guy that took us to our tables wasn't very friendly at all the tables were all the way cleaned off and up under it. When it came around to passing out the table food only one of the servers had a wonderful greeting to us while he passed out the food, When it came to certain items coming around we were passed up at least three times. I know the shift had changed but the one young lady with the fried potatoes passed our table up three times, We kept on asking for her to stop but kept going by and me and my family weren't very happy. I will come back to eat there I like the place and the food. I hope next time we come there it will be a better attitude with the staff. The guy that was throwing the rolls was having a great time but one of them was crazy complaining about doing that job but he kept on going.

This place is huge, and I know it's very well-known and popular. But I just don't get all the hype. It's crowded and noisy. The food is pretty good, but by no means noteworthy.