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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
Café Verde resides in a quaint two-story row house in Phillipsburg, NJ, on the banks of the Delaware River.
Over time, several readers have recommended it. This morning, just as we were discussing where to go for breakfast, I received an amiable email from yet another reader noting Café Verde as a favorite. Providence. So, on this blustery April morn, my husband and I drove across the bridge to New Jersey. It was worth the drive. The restaurant delivered on all we’d heard.
The downstairs dining room looked quite cozy. We would have gladly taken a seat there, but I’d heard that the upstairs had a view of the river. We chose a table on the second floor, overlooking the Delaware. In addition to the pleasant view, the room was comfortable and pretty, painted in soft greens and blues. Attractive art work from area artists adorned the walls. A homey feeling enveloped us.
Our friendly waitress soon brought glasses of water, and large mugs of black coffee with creamers. She then disappeared to give us time to look through the menu. The café offers a good selection of omelets, French Toast, pancakes, and sides. We both chose the French Toast, made from thick Challah Bread.
When we first arrived we’d been alone upstairs but, while there, a family arrived, then a few other couples and friends. It struck me as the perfect sort of restaurant to bring friends from out-of-town for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Quiet and comfortable but with a unique local flair.
We were just finishing our first mug of (sensational!) coffee when our meals arrived. M. had ordered French Toast Deluxe
– three pieces of Challah French Toast, two eggs, a slice of ham, bacon, and one piece of sausage. He also asked for a side of toast for his eggs. I chose two pieces of French Toast and a side order of bacon. We agreed that the French Toast was among the best we’d eaten. Light, thick, rich. M. said the ham, sausage, and bacon were all choice quality, and well-prepared. His eggs were large and poached just as he likes them, hot and runny. Our coffee mugs were refilled at just at the right time. The waitresses were friendly and attentive. All in all, a perfect meal in a gracious setting.
The total bill came to $24.50 (plus tip). We ordered too much, though, and the portions were large. For the first time – ever – we brought home leftovers from breakfast. 
Still, it re-heated well, and was as scrumptious for a late lunch as it had been this morning.
As a final aside, I found this You Tube video about the restaurant. (Click in center to run. )
Café Verde is located at 60 S. Main Street in Phillipsburg, NJ.
My sincere thanks to Carol, and to other readers, for directing us to this charming café. I hope you will comment with your experiences.
Sara
