Kim G.
Yelp
Bannings is the closest I've come to a NJ Diner experience since I've moved to Portland! it's been 23 years, and I miss a good diner, a place that has comfy booths, good coffee, breakfast all day, a varied menu to please many different tastes, and home made desserts like 7 layer cakes and sky high pies! Bannings is legit! Elmers and Denny's are not.
While the menu is 5 pages, not 12, and they aren't open 24x7, Bannings serves hearty, well prepared food from 7am - 10pm, 11pm on Fridays and Saturday. The rotating pie shelf greats you as you enter, and I was mesmerized by the strawberry, key lime, marionberry and apple pies. The 7 layer berry and the chocolate cakes looked amazing as well.
Craving chicken and waffles, I knew going in what I was going to order. I was seated promptly, order taken, and food arrived fast and hot from the oven. The presentation reminded me of The Screen Door and I must say, the buttermilk waffle has them beat. It's slightly crisp on the outside and soft and pillowy inside with a wonderful hint of vanilla flavor. The chicken was crispy, and doesn't have as much coating as I prefer. The two large breasts were a bit over cooked but I still enjoyed my meal. One chicken breast was more than enough, along with half the waffle, so I brought the rest home for another meal.
I'll go back and give Bannings, and the fried chicken and waffle, another try for sure. Next time, I will also take a slice of cake or pie to go. You can even purchase an entire pie and the prices are very reasonable.
They have their own parking lot and if you are handicapped, definitely park in that area so you don't have to walk over curbs. I'm currently recovering from surgery and walking with a cane and it was challenging for me to get over the curb on the parking area right in front of the door.
Celebrating their 44th Anniversary, it's no suprise they have been around this long and loved by so many!