James L.
Yelp
Here's the little secret that most folks who regularly write reviews on Yelp don't want to admit: sometimes when it comes to our dining options, we're BASIC. There I said it. I mean:
* Do I occasionally eat McDonalds? - YES
* Have I gotten my morning coffee at a Dunkin Donuts as opposed to a locally operated microroaster? - YES
* And do I enjoy visiting my local Silver Diner when I have a craving for consistent and good old diner fare? Absolutely!
Silver Diner is a local chain which started way back in 1989 with their first location in Rockville, MD (https://www.silverdiner.com/our-story). Over the next 30 years, the company has grown to 23 locations across three states and the District of Columbia. Silver Diner's "recipe" has been a simple, yet successful one: Quality food at a reasonable price with a healthy side of nostalgia for America's diner culture.
Of late, I've been coming to this location off King Street since this newer location has many desirable attributes. While there is limited street parking, there is underground parking with the nearby attached garage...and (for the time being) the parking is FREE!!!
There is also a good-sized patio if you choose to dine outdoors, and this area is very thoughtfully designed since it is enclosed so diners don't have to worry about all the smoke and exhaust from the cars driving along busy Rt. 7. This location is also much larger than other Silver Diner locations. High ceilings, a long bar area, and plentiful seating really make this a comfortable space for diners.
I dined here recently with my sister's family, since as she puts it, "the place is kid approved by my niece and nephew," so they eat there often. Some of the adults got the "breakfast for dinner" option which was the buttermilk pancakes platter. Pancakes were prepared on a flat top grill to give them a rice slightly crispy exterior, while remaining fluffy inside. Paired with a side of extra crispy bacon and eggs (any way you want them) and it's a hearty filling meal.
While I didn't think the Southwest Turkey Sandwich was particularly reminiscent of cuisine from that part of the country, it was still a substantial meal. Piles of smoked turkey were layered with sliced tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pepper jack cheese, guacamole, and "southwest ranch" sauce (which honestly tasted like pesto) within a ciabatta bun. My only suggestion is to pop the sandwich in the oven for a few minutes to heat it up.
The classic BLT might be one of the best deal around. For $10, generous amounts of smoky bacon are piled between toasted sourdough bread with lettuce and sliced tomatoes; I usually ask for mayo on the side which the kitchen gladly obliges. Paired with a small ramekin of Cole slaw, and their French fries (which I actually think tastes BETTER than McDonalds) and this is a gut busting meal. I often will just eat 1/2 at the restaurant and the other 1/2 for lunch the next day since the portion sizes are generous.
Service was also good and a team of servers did an excellent job of delivering the food within 10-15 minutes of ordering and ensuring that plates got cleared and drinks refilled.
Since one of my doctors is located nearby, I will definitely be adding this Silver Diner location to my rotation of places to eat when I'm in the area.