Scott B.
Yelp
There's no better way to begin describing this place other than as a, "trip back in time", a slower, gentler, maybe happier time. How many places in North America can you find that specialize in things like "Mashed Turnips" to accompany their amazing Roast Pork Loin?
The ambiance immediately transports you back to the 1950s -- real Knotty Pine paneling, glass "pie-towers" sitting on a Formica counter with a few stools, a friendly staff of ladies bustling about behind the counter and in the dining room, colorful period-type signs advertising today's specials and a menu that has strong throwback to the comfort food of days of yore.
My visit was on the day before Thanksgiving, as we were there to pick up some of their marvelous pies to serve the next day. There were two lines out the door, one for pies, one for the dining room, and lots of folks finished picking up their pies and then got in line to dine. (The staff told me that over 2000 pies are baked for Thanksgiving, right there in their kitchen.)
I saw a plate of roasted Pork Loin with mashed potatoes, gravy and red cabbage delivered to the table next to mine, and I was so tempted that I nearly shifted my order from the 1/4 Long Island Duckling I had already settled on. When our cheery waitress informed me that there were at least 5 vegetable choices (including the Mashed Turnips and Red Cabbage) that I could pair with any entrée', I dived in on the duck.
After a basket of white dinner roles and packaged breadsticks was delivered (so very 50s), my plate of golden brown duck arrived, with the portion covering a generous helping of stuffing. Beside it was a pile of smooth and tasty mashed potatoes swimming in brown gravy, and next to this was my dish of tangy red cabbage, the perfect complement. Every bite was a tasty delight.
If you're not a big fan of big meat, you could order an amazing vegetable plate of locally grown and freshly prepared delights! Try this place if you want to remember (or see for the first time if you're younger) the way it USED to be...because it STILL IS here at the Modern Snack Bar. I'll be back for that Pork Loin...you can BET on it! Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!