Diner, Drive-in or Dive #6: Bayway Diner

According to 50 States Facts and Trivia, New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as "the diner capital of the world." It was only fitting that we would have lunch at one that made Guy Fieri's Triple D list.

The Bayway Diner is located in an industrial area (a refinery is across the street) in Linden, New Jersey and makes good food fast for the working folks.

(In the top photo, the area on the right is a covered patio area for outside dining... look at the snow!)

The inside isn't any fancier than the outside. There is counter seating for NINE with room for one person to walk on the other side of the counter. All food preparation is done on the other side of the counter. Tito, the cook (chef?), recognized that we hadn't been in before and talked to us as he prepared our food. Our server, Kim, was also friendly in that no-nonsense diner fashion. Mike, the owner, recognized us as "new faces" and chatted with us. The other customers, all regulars, were equally friendly. It is the kind of place where you feel right at home when you walk in the door. But what about the food?

We both had the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich and fries... a tasty trio of chopped steak, peppers and onions covered with melted American cheese on an Italian roll. The large crinkle-cut fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside... the kind that melt in your mouth. All I can say is...YUMMY!

As we enjoyed our lunch at a diner favored by locals, we wondered why anyone would prefer national chain fast food to the fast, friendly service and food we've experienced at the "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives" we've tried. They take a little more work to find (google is my new best friend!) but are well worth the effort!