Key City Diner

This Fourth of July was dreamily warm and sunny in the Lehigh Valley.  Huge puffs of clouds drifted across the blue sky.  Perfect weather for a road trip.  So, on a holiday outing to New Jersey, we stopped for breakfast at a noted area landmark – the Key City Diner in Phillipsburg.

The restaurant’s hostess showed us to an isolated corner booth in the half-filled restaurant.  (We would regret not asking for a more noticeable table.)  From the large menu of appealing breakfast entrees, we chose quickly then turned our attention to the morning newspaper.   Well over ten minutes had passed when we realized a waitress had not yet made an appearance.   We were about to go searching when a red-shirted young woman appeared.   In apology she said, “I didn’t know you were here.”  We asked for coffee and water then placed our orders.

As we waited for our drinks, M. continued skimming the newspaper while I glanced around at the classic diner decor.  Roomy and bright, Key City is surrounded by windows.   Established in 1955, it sparkles with mirrored walls, formica and shiny stainless.   An airy, traditional New Jersey diner.

Another five minutes passed before our water finally arrived, followed by our coffee.  Scattered across the dining room, two larger parties and several couples talked, laughed, and enjoyed their meals.  A more experienced waitress efficiently handled their orders.

When our food came – steak and eggs for M., scrambled eggs for me – our waitress said she forgot our toast and would bring it right away.  After she’d left, I realized she’d also forgotten the sausage links I had ordered.  Meanwhile, M. began eating.  The homefries were well browned, crisp and tasty.  M.’s large steak was juicy and medium rare, as he’d asked.   My sausage links, once they arrived, were superb.

Mid-way through our meal, our coffee cups were empty; we awaited a refill.  Through the mirrored wall, I spied our waitress gazing out the window.  I motioned but she wandered away.   Finally, we signaled to the other waitress for more coffee.  She left to call our server then returned with a coffee pot.  Just then our waitress also showed up, pot in hand.

The Key City has a fine reputation.  The atmosphere is appealing and our food was very good.  Based on past experience for lunch, service has generally been friendly and quick.  Whatever the reason on this visit, service was sufficiently lacking that I felt it should be commented on.

Our total bill for a large breakfast steak, two eggs, homefries and toast, and two scrambled eggs, homefries, two sausage links and toast, and two cups of coffee (one refill each), came to just under $22 (plus tip).

The Key City Diner & Restaurant is located at the junction of Routes 22 and 57 in Phillipsburg, NJ.  908-859-2373.  They offer take-out, and are open 24 hours.

Sara