Breakfast for supper? Yes, please!
Diners are casual restaurants considered to be a staple of life. These establishments are known for their wide range of food offerings, predominantly American cuisine, served in relaxed atmospheres. Some state former roadside cafes and railroad food-related stops inspired many present-day diners.
From lunch wagons to stationary hasheries (1800s to early 1900s), historians typically credit Walter Scott's ingenious idea in 1872 of a horse-drawn lunch wagon parked outside newspaper offices in Providence, Rhode Island, as laying the foundation of what evolved into a special version of beloved eateries.
In quintessentially American fashion, diners typically serve sought-after 'greasy spoon' cuisine such as pancakes, eggs in all sorts of ways, omelets, hamburgers, French fries, onion rings, club sandwiches, chili, meatloaf, steak, hotdogs, sausage, coffee, hand-blended milkshakes, malts, pies, cake, ice cream and 'Blue Plate Specials.'
Some establishments expanded from their roots into other forms of hospitality, serving root beer, beer, wine, cocktails, mimosas, cheesecakes and regional delectables, such as breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, clam chowder, tacos, grits, gyros, avocado eggs Benedict, pizza, Hippie Hash and ham with beans. Some even incorporate other roadside activities: The Traveler Restaurant in Connecticut gives free books to customers. The DeCamp Station in Illinois offers a next-door volleyball court and softball field. The Iowa 80 Kitchen hosts an annual Truckers Jamboree.
Consider frequenting these interesting, local eateries this fall.
Shallos
Shallos is an antique restaurant and brew house located in Greenwood. Shallos offers a made-from-scratch menu, including their house signature potato chips and dip, Swamp Chicken or The Hot Brown. Shallos has one of the Midwest’s largest selections of imported beer (from 21 different countries), bottled beer, micro-brewed beer, draft beer plus rare and exotic beers, including 300-plus different bottled beers and 40 different draft beers.
317.882.7997
Shallos.com
Metro Diner Greenwood
Erik Marks, Metro Diner managing partner, says they're all about fresh takes on beloved classics. He cites their griddle-seared Iron City meatloaf recipe, fried chicken and waffles or mouthwatering biscuits and sausage gravy. He adds, "It’s no wonder Metro Diner wins the Best Breakfast award time and time again!" They also cater and deliver.
317.285.0149
MetroDiner.com/locations/Indiana/Greenwood
Friend's Diner
Happy cakes, sunshine platters, eggs in a basket, Mamaw's subs, buffalo chicken wraps, breakfast burritos with hash browns, fried catfish, Friends stroganoff, candied apples and cherry cobbler await customers at Friend's Diner in nearby Whiteland. This family-style restaurant also offers daily specials, and is known as a great place to "gather and catch up" with others.
317.530.2254
FriendsDinerWhiteland.com
Jimmy's Diner
How about hobo stew, country fried steaks, sloppy joes, tuna melt, BBQ pork or a Jimmy (named for Jimmy Bau) burger? Finish up, on select days, with banana pudding, blackberry shortcake, cherry crisp or applesauce cake. Guests can choose these and other selections, as announced on the famous blackboard at Jimmy's Diner in Indianapolis. The diner's friendly staff recently celebrated the eighth anniversary of the business.
317.784.3752
jimmysdineronshelbystreet@gmail.com
Diners often are places where menus honor history while still embracing future tastes or recipe updates, where visits are chances to indulge in the incredible spectrum of American culinary traditions. Where the toasts can be 'Salute to Delish!'