Reggie’s Diner

I had driven by Reggie’s, people had told me about Reggie’s and I knew it was located inside of the Lakeview Bowling Center. Odd spot for a diner, I thought. I mustered up my courage to go and pulled in to the parking lot. I had to suppress the thoughts and images of Al Bundy before I got out of my car. I have felt less embarrassment going into an Adult Bookstore.
Once I was in, I thought I would walk out. How could I eat in peace with people in rented bowling shoes throwing balls, knocking down pins and making noise? Don’t they know I am about to eat? I quickly changed my perspective and thought to myself that this is something completely different and I should try it. So, I did. And it was good !
This is no chrome clad Greek temple of the famous NJ diners on Rt 3, 9, 17 etc… This is Syracuse style: a simple large rectangular room with tables adorned with vinyl tablecloths, a hodgepodge of different style chairs and, yes, a good view of the bowling alley.
I entered, chose a table and as I was removing my coat, I was cheerfully and politely greeted and asked if I wanted something to drink. I asked for coffee and it appeared in a large mug moments later. Menus were already on each table when I arrived so, there was no wait or delay to impede my decision process. I looked at their breakfast selections. They were extensive and offered the standard offerings so, there were no surprises except for the prices.
Their breakfast specials are served everyday from 6:00AM to 10:00AM. The daily specials are about 10 or so of their regular breakfast menu items simply sold at a lower price. Since I was there at around noon time, I asked for the Reggie’s Breakfast combo breakfast from the regular menu. This offered two eggs, two pancakes or french toast, hash browns, choice of meat, toast and coffee for only $ 7.50 ! That is a surprise to find a complete breakfast meal for such an inexpensive price.
As I enjoyed my coffee while my meal was being prepared, I noticed the sounds of the bowling alley had simply become a slight, non intrusive background noise. It wasn’t a distraction or problem what so ever.
My meal arrived within a few minutes on two large overflowing plates and the food was looking very good. My eggs were prepared over easy as I like them, the bacon was fresh, hot and mildly crispy and slightly chewy and tasty. The home fries were larger than average fresh chunks of potatoes (skin on) cooked slightly browned and full of potato flavor. The rye toast was good, but not special. The pancakes were perfectly round, cooked to a beautiful even light brown color and were hot fluffy and tasty. I tasted the pancakes before applying the syrup so I would know what they really tasted like. They were nicely flavored on their own and just with some butter. The syrup was of the artificial kind and could use improvement but, still nice.
The service was excellent. My coffee was refilled, I was checked on adequately without being bothered, and I must say the waitress was very pleasant, well spoken and polite. There was none of this gum chewing, dish tossing «what’ll youz have», check slapping on the table attitude at all.
For $ 8.10 with tax, I got a lot of what I wanted: very good food, excellent service and no attitude from the staff. You know where I will be going to again real soon !