50's Diner

WENDY AND TOM DINE OUT

After hearing about this place for many years, we decided to try it. When we go by on our way elsewhere we frequently see a long line to get in. Luckily, there was only a short, fast moving line on the day we chose. It was a little early for the lunch crowd. Greeted at the door by some 50's music, we thought we were in for a nostalgic treat. The first item we noticed upon entering was a sign that read, "No checks or credit cards accepted." That didn't bother us, perhaps it would keep the cost of the food down. The diner is bigger than it appears from the outside since its depth is deceptive from the exterior. The ceilings are low and the walls are covered with classic signs and posters of the 50's. We saw some of our favorites like Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, and Popeye on the walls along with advertising signs for Cocoa Cola and gas companies. Counter seating is available for 7 diners. Although the waitress had washed our pink Formica table top, it was sticky. The pink place mats could not cover all the syrupy spots. The overall cleanliness of the place was disturbing to us. The floor had French fries strewn about, there were napkins and bits of food under several tables and the venetian blinds at the side of our table were thickly coated with dust. No matter how appetizing the food is at restaurants, this type of lapse in cleanliness will influence us heavily. The color scheme of the diner is 50ish with pinks and turquoise throughout. The banquette across from where we sat looked like it had been used since the 50's. It had a long gash in the seat and its heavily soiled stuffing was coming out. The restaurant is noisy because there are no partitions and sounds from one section filter into the other. The servers move quickly, a positive thing, but they do add to the slightly frenetic atmosphere.

The Diner serves breakfast all day. Along with the usual breakfast dishes, it also has offerings of salads, sandwich wraps, etc. There is a 50's feel to the fountain beverages like flavored cola (raspberry, strawberry, chocolate) but overall, the 50's theme is mainly seen in the furnishings. Restaurant hours are Monday - Friday 10 AM - 3 PM and Sunday 11:30 AM - 3 PM.

RESTAURANT:

50'S DINER

5 Comercial Circle, Dedham, MA

DATE:

July 2007

MEAL:

Lunch

DECOR:

BREAD:

SALAD:

APPETIZER:

ENTREE:

Belgian waffle - Just okay! Although it looked nice and appetizing, the outside was not crisp as the menu suggested it would be. It was also not hot but we wouldn't say it was cold either, somewhere in between would be more accurate. The syrup bottle on the table was sticky and needed to be refilled.

Greek Salad ($8.40) Average at best - A large portion but a bit pricey. Loads of kalamata olives and plenty of Feta cheese. Accompanying pita bread was so dry that it was inedible.

DESSERT:

OTHER:

A reasonable amount of parking at the front door

Dress is very casual

Portion size is pretty good

Beverage glasses are oversized and made of glass, not the usual plastic

OVERALL:

C-
We will not return here even to try some of the breakfast platters. Although they looked like a better choice than what we had selected, the atmosphere and lack of cleanliness would prevent us from trying this restaurant again.

Back To Restaurant Index

RESTAURANT:	50'S DINER
	5 Comercial Circle, Dedham, MA
DATE:	July 2007
MEAL:	Lunch
DECOR:
BREAD:

SALAD:
APPETIZER:

ENTREE:	Belgian waffle - Just okay! Although it looked nice and appetizing, the outside was not crisp as the menu suggested it would be. It was also not hot but we wouldn't say it was cold either, somewhere in between would be more accurate. The syrup bottle on the table was sticky and needed to be refilled.
	Greek Salad ($8.40) Average at best - A large portion but a bit pricey. Loads of kalamata olives and plenty of Feta cheese. Accompanying pita bread was so dry that it was inedible.

DESSERT:
OTHER:	A reasonable amount of parking at the front door
	Dress is very casual
	Portion size is pretty good
	Beverage glasses are oversized and made of glass, not the usual plastic
OVERALL:	C- We will not return here even to try some of the breakfast platters. Although they looked like a better choice than what we had selected, the atmosphere and lack of cleanliness would prevent us from trying this restaurant again.