Seth T.
Yelp
When I say "diner," all of us get a picture in our head of a certain kind of eatery. It's an American institution, with lore that stretches back over generations. What exactly, though, makes some place a great, classic diner? Your list of criteria may vary, but I argue you need four things:
1. Decor from at least 30 years ago.
2. Breakfast just like Grandma used to make.
3. PIE.
4. At some point during your visit the waitress has to call you "Sweetie" ("Hon" or "Honey" are also acceptable).
Enter Blue Jay Restaurant, and you can immediately check the first item off the list. There's 1970's wood paneling everywhere. Booths to sit in. Pictures of days gone by on the wall. All is exactly as it should be.
I must confess that I made a slight faux pas in regards to the second item on my checklist. I ordered a turkey burger and fries, getting the latter well done. The burger was fine, but I still blame myself for this improper choice. The fries, however, were excellent. Golden crinkle style, they were perfectly crispy on the outside with fluffy interiors.
A lunch companion made up for my error getting biscuits and gravy. While I'm not a biscuits and gravy man myself, he reported them excellent. I trust his judgement on this topic.
I did redeem myself, however, by doing what is Good and Proper ordering pie. Of all the aspects of what makes a diner a true, great eating establishment, pie is the most sacrosanct. I can deal with remodeling, satisfy myself with a greasy burger and fries instead of bacon and eggs, and I can even come to terms with a surly waitstaff. However, I can not abide inferior pie from any place that lays claim to the mantle of "diner."
My filled crust of choice this go around was key lime. It tasted exactly as I expected: A sublime green custard atop a moist graham cracker crust in the proper ratio, with just enough graham cracker crumbs clinging to the bottom and edge to cut the tang of the key lime. I wanted to order a second slice, but did not. We all have our regrets in life. This is one of mine.
Blue Jay Restaurant is the quintessential American Diner. Call it a "greasy spoon" if you want to engage in slander, but this is a place that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. If you want fresh, organic, vegan cuisine that satisfies your inner flower child, try going up the street to Melt. You'll find none of that here. Nor should you.
Instead, if you want a time warp, a place with food just like the country grandma you never had would make, and perfect pie, which reassures you the classic American diner isn't dead, you want Blue Jay.
Or, as the waitress asked us, "You want some more coffee, Sweetie?"
