This Week's Counter: PJ's Luncheonette

Today we ventured downtown to the old Colonial Arcade to visit a little-known counter called PJ's Luncheonette.  This place is tucked inside a small space in the middle of the arcade and is very old-school.  A bunch of simple tables and a small counter directly facing the grill where you can see the short-order cook preparing the food.

Being a Saturday, there were some people around but it wasn't too crowded -- we got a couple seats at the counter right away.  The menu is simple -- nothing elaborate here, just classic diner breakfast food.  Cam chose French toast and bacon, and Ted had his standard (eggs, potatoes, bacon and toast).  Everything was good -- not outstanding, but solid.  The bacon was good enough that Cam had to add a second order.  And you can't beat this place on price -- full breakfast for two for $12!

It was also fun walking around the arcade afterward -- a bunch of interesting stores in there for browsing.  We'd recommend a visit to PJs if you need a simple place for breakfast downtown. Classic greasy-spoon diner in an interesting location.  

[Note: With this blog entry, we are revising our rating system to allow a little more detail and differentiation among counters.  It's now 1-10 frying pans!]

Cam says: "Cramped counter, but with great service, delicious bacon and tasty French toast.  I give this counter 7 pans."

  

Ted says: "A fun place to go because of the location. Decent food at ridiculously low prices. Old-school greasy spoon, with emphasis on greasy. 5 frying pans from me. "

This Week's Counter: Rise & Dine Cafe

Sunday morning we visited a counter we found on the Web -- the Rise & Dine Cafe in Chesterland.  We've driven by the intersection of 422 & 306 many times and never noticed this place, tucked away in a shopping plaza.  But apparently it's very popular in the area -- very crowded when we got there mid-morning, clearly lots of folks who were regulars.

Fortunately we scored two seats at the counter right away.  It was pretty jammed, not a lot of space to read the paper.  But that's the nature of this place -- lots of tables jammed close together as well.  Service was OK -- pretty prompt and fairly friendly.

As often happens, despite it being early in the day, Cam chose chicken and fries -- it looked excellent and he confirmed it was.  Ted had his usual benchmark breakfast -- eggs, potatoes, toast & coffee.  All was good and the potatoes were nicely crispy as requested, a solid meal all around.

If you are feeling REALLY hungry, try the Wolverine Challenge -- a 14-egg omelet with bacon, sausage, peppers and potatoes.  If you finish it in 30 minutes or less, it's free and you get your photo on the wall of fame!

Cam says: "Great food and service, although the counter was a little cramped.  Liked the atmosphere, I give this one 4 frying pans."

                                               

Ted says: "Good food quality and decent service - a bit too crowded and cramped at the counter, but definitely worth a visit.  3 frying pans."