Main Street Diner

For years, this was Alsop's Grill.  Often, there was a sign in the window for short order cook.  I figured I'd be able to work there because I was short and I could cook.  My parents and I never ventured into the place, nor did we go to Elizabeth Parker's a few doors down.

Times change and Elizabeth Parker's is gone and Alsop's Grill is now the Main Street Diner.  I loved diners in Philly because we'd be out doing something and we could stop in a diner any time of night and get good food.  I also remember when I was small, the stools at the counter were the most wonderful place to sit.

It was a few months (and degrees) ago when I stopped at the Manoa Diner outside Philadelphia and I ordered the chipped beef on toast.  Guess what the special at Main Street Diner was today?  Chipped Beef on Toast with 2 sides for $5.00 was the special and that seems a bargain.

The waitress was friendly and it felt like being somewhere I wanted to be when my junior high school buddy Kent Baxter popped out of the kitchen.  He and his wife own the place now.  At a little after 11, we were able to have a short conversation but it seemed to be getting ready to have a lunch rush.  That's great because too many Wayne County businesses have closed.

The chipped beef was okay, but I was making comparisons to my own mother's recipe where she used condensed milk as the base.  I'm not sure whether they were on a health kick or it was just the recipe--nothing seemed to be salted, either.  I would have paid for extra meat.  The fries were good, but needed salt.  The apple sauce was good as well.  They have Coca-Cola products but no Mello Yello, if that makes a difference to anyone else.

While I was checking out the place, I noticed the sign proclaiming their use of local products--good for everyone.

They had a good variety of items on the menu, so I'll have to try something different another time.

One of my favorite spots for breakfast. (I have never eaten here for any other meals, and I think most days they close around noon)

This is an older style dinner, about 8 booths, and seating for 8-12 at the bar seating area.

Food is always great for a dinner, and the staff is normally friendly as well.

I know that the owners have been looking to retire, and not 100% sure that it doesn't have new owners now, if so I hope the possible replacements only look to make things better, and not look how to make the food cheaper.

For some reason it say they are good for groups, but they have no way to seat more than 4 people together. It also says wheelchair frendly, and from what I seen, there is no wheelchair entance.

I love this place. First of all, it's cute. And everyone who works here is so friendly. The food would be typical diner fare, but it is made well and with very fresh ingredients. I've only been for breakfast, which is always delicious. (The homemade hash makes my morning.) They serve dinner on Sundays too, and though I've never been, I hear good things.