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The blacktop in front of the diner glistened from an early morning rain. 
Overhead, a light breeze puffed away the clouds, changing the sky from soft gray to powder blue. A few Saturday morning errands with my son included a stop at Jiffy Lube for an oil change. While the car was being serviced, the Palmer Diner seemed convenient for some hot coffee and a bite to eat.
My son stops in occasionally but it had been a while since I’d been there. The restaurant looked refreshed since then – the floor tiled, the booths newer.
We took a booth next to the window. The lone waitress, a sweet looking girl, brought over two menus. While she left to bring our coffees and water, we reviewed the offerings of standard breakfast fare. The coffee was delivered in a stainless steel carafe (by now, you may know how I love carafes!) then took our orders.
As we waited for our meals, we caught up on each others’ lives – school, work, and outside interests.
Eating out for breakfast, however infrequent, allows a mom to catch up with her adult child’s life. Sitting captive in a diner forces conversations one might not otherwise have. 
Our food didn’t take long. Soon our friendly waitress was setting our rectangular plates in front of us. My son had ordered a standard for him – eggs, bacon, homefries, and wheat toast. I’d ordered one of my usual favorites – French Toast with a side order of bacon.
The plates were new looking. More important, they were hot, assuring us of warm food. 
Our bacon was crispy and flavorful. His eggs were nicely scrambled. My French Toast was average, a little drier than I normally like, but still tasty. Nice presentation.
Service was excellent with our waitress stopping back as needed to check on us. The interesting metal coffee carafe held ample refills of fresh-brewed coffee. Tables were cleaned promptly. Overall, our visit to Palmer Diner provided what we wanted – friendly service, decent food, and a clean and friendly atmosphere to visit.
Our bill came to just under $12 (plus tip) for 2 eggs, homefries, bacon, and toast, and 2 slices of French Toast with a side order of bacon, plus two coffees. Reasonably priced in today’s economy.
The Palmer Diner is located at 2913 Old Nazareth Road, Palmer Township, PA (across from Palmer Mall and just behind Jiffy Lube). 610-252-0164. They are open 6 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week. Their business card says they specialize in homemade food, and they provide a Senior Citizen Discount.
Sara
Some of our breakfasts out just happen. Others are planned. M. arranged yesterday morning’s trip, but didn’t at first reveal our destination. He had his reason. Through the gray drizzles we drove 
northeast, up through Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, and Bangor. Soon we were driving into Portland.
From the road, the blue, white, and silver siding of the Portland Family Restaurant seemed to sparkle, particularly in the dreary summer rain. The fact that it was mid-morning and neither of us had yet gulped down any coffee made it doubly welcoming. As we entered the diner, we could already smell the aroma. We were greeted by a smiling hostess, and a round dessert case filled with appealing pastries. We asked for a booth and were escorted into the larger of two rooms where we were seated at the last available window booth. At a table nearby, a mom and dad with their four sons happily enjoyed pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
Over cups of steaming coffee, we scanned the plastic-covered menus. 
The Portland Diner has a broad selection of breakfast foods and specials – omelettes, French Toast, pancakes, corned beef hash, Delmonico steak and eggs, and even blintzes. An item called Holly French Toast caught my eye. “It’s a thicker French Toast,” said our waitress. How could I resist? M. ordered his much favored Eggs Benedict.
As we waited for our food, we chatted idly over the newspaper. Our anniversary is coming up soon, within a month. Being married for as many years as we have, there’s a comfort factor in conversation. We catch each others’ subtleties and hidden quips almost telepathically. 
It’s scary sometimes. And yet, amazingly, he can still surprise me.
The pleasant family of six at the table next to us were finishing their meals when our food arrived. I was awed by the sight of the three huge pieces of Holly French Toast dusted lightly with powdered sugar and surrounded by crispy browned bacon. After a quick click with my camera, I opened the syrup for dipping. Light, luscious, and flavorful! The saltiness of the bacon was a perfect complement. M.’s Eggs Benedict looked almost too perfect. The dish proved to be as good as it looked, he said. Our waitress kept our coffee cups and water glasses filled. Her friendly smile added to the homey atmosphere.
Our total bill came to less than $14 (plus tip) 
for M’s order of Eggs Benedict, homefries and juice, my Holly French Toast with a side order of bacon, and our two coffees. Quite reasonable, especially given the excellent quality of the food and service.
We walked out into the steamy August heat, got into our car, and left the parking lot. M. drove up the street to Duckloe Brothers’ Furniture, his purpose for the trip. Since we first visited their showroom some twenty years ago, we’ve talked of the exquisite simplicity of their New England Windsor Arm Chairs. And our anniversary is on the horizon.
The Portland Family Restaurant is located at 398 Delaware Avenue in Portland, PA. 570-897-5600. Stop by for an enjoyable meal. And afterward, wander over to Duckloe’s to see true American craftmanship.
Sara
Today the Borough of Palmerton held Summer Sidewalk Sales, but we didn’t know that when we decided to go to Bert’s Steakhouse. We’d planned a visit since May when a reader, Steve, 
recommended it. This morning seemed a nice one for our first visit to Palmerton. M. was pleased the minute we started driving down Delaware Avenue and into town. “Look,” he said. “Angled parking.” We both smiled. Angled parking just makes sense!
When we entered the ’60′s themed restaurant it looked full. Booths and tables were all occupied with only a few counter seats open. Then we realized there was a large adjoining dining room. It’s homey, country-style welcomed us and a sign told us to seat ourselves. A waitress brought menus along with our requested coffee and water. When I heard Gerry & the Pacemakers singing “Ferry Cross the Mersey,” I felt like I’d stepped back to a more pleasant place in time. Always loved that song!
A featured item across the top of my menu was Cinnamon Raisin French Toast with Vanilla Sauce. Too good to pass up. 
M. ordered bacon and poached eggs. Our food was soon brought by a warm and friendly waitress. I found the vanilla sauce to be a perfect complement to the French Toast. Too often I think syrup drowns the flavor of French Toast or pancakes. This was light and lovely. I’d also asked for a side order of bacon, browned and crisp when it arrived, with a delectable salty flavor. Throughout the meal, our waitress kept our coffee cups filled in a thoroughly pleasant, non-intrusive way.
Our total bill was under $12 (plus tip) for 2 eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice, and Cinnamon Raisin French Toast with vanilla sauce, a generous side order of bacon, and 2 coffees with ample refills. Quite reasonable. We wholeheartily recommend Bert’s for its quality of food, pleasant atmosphere, and excellent service!
After our meal, we strolled up Delaware Avenue. We were pleased to discover the 
Palmerton Library on the corner and took a self-guided tour. The First National Bank, built in 1926, donated the building to the library in the early 1970′s. It is well-maintained with a broad selection of books, DVDs, and an incredibly helpful librarian. A large round table holds several computers, all occupied today. There’s a sizeable childrens’ section in the rear and a young adults’ section downstairs. Upstairs are more books and a large conference room. Special Note: The Palmerton Library is currently holding a basket auction with many nice baskets on display. If you’re from the area and haven’t been there lately, go buy a few tickets and bid!
Across the street from the Palmerton Library 
is the municipal building with a small park next to it. The park features an antique clock and one of the many wonderfully painted mules from Miles of Mules. Charming! We continued our stroll. M. bought some clothing (really good sales!) and we picked up some locally grown fresh produce at a corner market.
Although we hadn’t planned on touring Palmerton, we really enjoyed seeing the community. This borough carries a lot of charm and flavor, not the least of which is found at Bert’s Steakhouse! Thank you, Steve, for a great recommendation!
Bert’s Steakhouse is located at 416 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA. 610-826-9921. They are open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, and on Sunday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Sara
On this pleasant Sunday morning, my husband and I visited the Top Diner in Allentown for breakfast. Our son, a diner devotee,
recommended we try it. “It’s reasonably priced,” he said. “Great service!” As always, his assessment was accurate.
We arrived late morning. The diner was crowded but we were quickly shown to a vacant window booth. Immediately I noticed the well-installed translucent window shades that blocked the bright sun, yet still allowed light and a sense of view. In fact, decor throughout the restaurant appeared fresh and tasteful. Our son later told us they’d redecorated a year or two ago.
An efficient young waitress delivered our requested coffee and glasses of water then gave us time to look over the menu – a nice offering of breakfast entrees and sides. My attention was drawn to the French Toast. 
Interesting that they offer both thin and thick French Toast (for a few pennies more). M. ordered his favorite, Eggs Benedict.
Once we ordered, we turned to the morning newspaper. An article titled School Districts Going Cyber caught my eye. This fall, East Penn and Parkland School Districts will join forces to implement a cyber school pilot program in the hope of preventing students from leaving public schools to attend cyber charter schools. I wondered – why are they leaving? Is education better in a cyber charter school? Unless schools implement a program that addresses better quality, will the program succeed? And, at what cost to the taxpayers?
Our meals arrived. I’d ordered a short stack of thick French Toast with maple syrup and three slices of crisp bacon. 
Quite tasty, and the perfect amount. M.’s Eggs Benedict were well prepared with nicely poached eggs, and a good quality Hollandaise sauce. The lone drawback, quite minor, was that his home fries were more buttery and less crisp than he likes. Otherwise our meals, and the atmosphere, were fine in every way.
Service was outstanding! Our smiling waitress returned often to discreetly check on our needs and those of the surrounding booths. At one point, a bus boy came around with the coffee pot. We found the entire staff very friendly.
Our total bill with tax came to just over $14 (less tip) for 2 slices of thick French Toast, 3 slices of bacon, Eggs Benedict, an extra order of wheat toast, and two cups of coffee with abundant refills. As our son said, “reasonable.” I recommend you try the Top Diner soon for a satisfying breakfast in a pleasant environment.
The Top Diner is located at 1019 Union Blvd., Allentown, PA, just east of Airport Road. 610-432-9821.
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
The first day of 2009 took us on a drive north to the Pocono Mountains. The air was a 
crisp 14 degrees and the sky that vibrant shade of blue that often partners with such a biting cold. We decided to stop for breakfast at the Snydersville Family Diner. It was our first visit but will not be our last. Despite the frigid weather, we couldn’t have chosen a warmer, more friendly spot to eat.
As we entered the attractive brick building, a line extended into the outer vestibule. Still, our wait there was a short one. After only a few minutes we were seated at a window booth on the south side of the restaurant. Bright yellow sunlight streamed across the table providing a warm feeling in the brown paneled dining room.
The diner’s menu offered traditional breakfast options including assorted omelets, French Toast, pancakes, and many other good foods. Our waitress, a motherly sort garbed in a pretty print uniform top, brought us glasses of water followed by two cups of deliciously strong coffee. Hungry after our drive, we quickly placed our orders.
Voices buzzed around us. It was apparent from the easy conversation with the staff that many guests were regulars in the restaurant. The familiarity made us feel comfortable and gave a homey feel as we skimmed through pages of the day’s newspapers. We discussed recent movie reviews and a few of the news stories from 2008.
Soon our kindly waitress was delivering our orders. My husband had requested corned beef hash with poached eggs, wheat toast, and a side order of bacon. I’d asked for a favorite. Neither of us was disappointed. He described his corned beef hash and eggs as “delicious.” The same word described my French Toast. Nicely battered and browned, the flavor was just as hoped for. And although our cups looked small, our efficient waitress kept them well-filled with steaming black coffee.
Our bill for an order of corned beef hash with two eggs and toast, a side order of bacon, French Toast with bacon, and two cups of coffee came to just under $17 (plus tip). Delicious food, superb service and friendly atmosphere. I heartily recommend a visit! For us, it provided a most pleasant start to the New Year.
Please click Comments near top to share your experiences.
The Snydersville Family Diner is located on Business 209 in Snydersville, PA. Its actual street address for Mapquest is 3200 Hamilton East, Stroudsburg, PA. They are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Sara
The Golden View Diner seemed the perfect name for a diner this morning. As we drove through the countryside, nature blazed with vibrant fall colors – greens, reds, oranges, rich browns, and brilliant golds. The sky was clear and the temperature comfortable, a cool 63 degrees with whispers of a soft breeze. A jacket was nice, but not necessary. Not yet thinking of winter’s cold fury, we basked in the beauty of a Pennsylvania autumn.
It had been a while since we’d last visited the Golden View. The diner sits a mile or so north of Highway 22, almost at the intersection Highway 512 and Hanoverville Road. Since our last visit a large CVS Pharmacy and a Turkey Hill Minit Market had been constructed just north of the restaurant. They’re not yet open, but soon will be. The fields and open spaces of the Lehigh Valley are changing, filling in. A few more conveniences, a little less natural beauty.
On this morning’s visit to the Golden View Diner, my husband and I were greeted by the hostess and shown to a booth in the greenhouse section, a sunny room surrounded by glass. Our smiling waitress soon brought iced water and strong, black coffee. The breakfast menu had much to offer, including some interesting seafood selections featuring crab. I almost ordered an asparagus and cheese omelet, but decided instead on one of my favorites – Raisin French Toast.
The restaurant was busy, not quite full but the waitresses and the rest of the staff were bustling. As we waited for our food, we talked and scanned sections of the newspaper, 
including some political cartoons. A few made me wince. Between the economy and the elections, it seems there’s not much cheerful news these days, although there are always a few rewarding stories. And suddenly our food was there.
I’d ordered a short stack of Raisin French Toast and a side of bacon. Delicious! He ordered poached eggs, home fries, bacon and toast. After a minute or so, he saw that his toast was missing. As soon as we caught our waitress, she rushed into the kitchen and brought out two slices of hot whole wheat toast. Overall our waitress was attentive and cheerful, refilling our coffee as often as wanted. A satisfying, wholesome breakfast with good service in a bright and friendly setting. What more can one ask?
Our bill came to just under $11 (plus tip) for a short stack of Raisin French Toast with bacon, and two eggs, home fries, bacon, and toast, and two black coffees. Reasonable.
The Golden View Diner & Family Restaurant is located at 5090 Bath Pike (Highway 512) in Bethlehem, PA. Stop by for a tasty meal, and let me know how you like it.
Sara
The Nazareth Diner is an institution in the Nazareth Borough. We’ve seldom driven by it when the large parking lot wasn’t at least half full; more often it’s packed. It’s a popular gathering spot for old and young, families and singles. The Diner is where we first ate after our move here (years ago) and is a dependable regular on our list of weekend breakfast sites.
When we arrived shortly after 9 o’clock this morning, the sky was already gray and heavy in anticipation of Hanna’s coming rain. On entering, we weren’t asked whether we wanted smoking or non-smoking. The restaurant went smoke-free a few months ago, in advance of the new Pennsylvania smoking ban that will take effect September 11, 2008.
We were seated in the main dining room, mid-way along the back wall. The room was crowded with only a few empty tables. Although the sky outside was darkening, inside was cheerful and bright with the light from the many chandeliers. Waitresses and busboys bustled efficiently around the room – taking and delivering orders, clearing tables. Soon a pleasant young waitress set glasses of iced water, two cups of coffee, and a carafe for refills in front of us then took our order.
As we waited for our food, my husband and I sipped our coffee and skimmed sections of The Express-Times and The Morning Call. We discussed a few of the articles. A sad story on mortgages and the nationwide foreclosures caught our eyes. Too much money easily available, too many willing to loan it out. Many excuses, few reasons. A gloomy topic for a gloomy day. We moved on.
Within minutes, our kindly waitress was setting our food in front of us – 
eggs, bacon, homefries and whole wheat toast for him, French Toast and bacon for me. As always our food arrived hot and filled with flavor. It’s strange how such a basic food as French Toast, bread dipped in egg batter, can so vary between restaurants yet still be so good. The Diner’s version is on thick bread, lightly dipped and grilled. Quite tasty. The bacon was more fatty than usual, but still good. All in all our meal was satisfying. The service was superb.
While we ate the staff started to fill the lunch buffet with iced salads and veggies. The steam tables were turned on. Our waitress checked on us now and then, unobtrusive and pleasant.
Our bill came to a total of $13 (plus tip) for eggs, bacon, homefries, toast and an order of French Toast and bacon, plus coffee. Reasonable. When we left the restaurant, Hanna’s rain had started to fall, but we walked away with a homey feeling inside.
The Nazareth Diner & Restaurant is located at the intersection of Highway 248 and South Broad Street in Nazareth, PA. It is open 24 hours a day.
Have you eaten breakfast at The Nazareth Diner? What was your experience? Please go to the top of the article and click Comments.
Sara
Okay, so most people don’t go out for breakfast every day. Sometimes it just feels right to cook a wholesome breakfast at home.
I’ve found the perfect method of making French Toast for a perfect at-home breakfast. (Click below to start the video.)
Thank you, Chef John from Food Wishes!
Enjoy!!!
Sara
