We spent some time researching additional counter locations, both on the East side and elsewhere around town. Surprisingly, we came up with a list of about 15 new ones, so we have plenty more to hit now.
First up on the list, mostly because it was closest, was a new place called Hot Grillz Diner in Walton Hills. We drove Cameron's new (old) Miata over there shortly after they opened on a weekday morning. It's on a busy industrial section of Northfield Rd, and appears to be in a remodeled building that might have been a used car dealer or mechanic in the past. That's fitting because the interior is complete car-themed -- from muscle car art on the walls to the names of menu items, everything seems to relate to cars.
The place was totally empty when we arrived, so we had our pick of seats at the shiny chrome counter and had complete attention of the (small) staff. Our server said the place had been open just 5 or 6 weeks, and they were still trying to build awareness. It's definitely a work in progress, although by 8:30 there might have been 3 or 4 tables of people.
We got drinks and ordered pretty quickly, and with it being so quiet the food come out fast as well. Cam had a breakfast sandwich on a bagel -- eggs, bacon and cheese -- and home fries. Ted had eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast. The coffee was good, served in a sturdy mug. The food was good and portions were big, good value for the money.
Overall, a friendly place in a somewhat unusual area that you normally wouldn't go unless you happened to work over that way. But we enjoyed the breakfast and hope they do well and continue build a following.
Ted says: "Too new and modern, so not my kind of place atmosphere-wise But the food and service were good and it was filling. I think it deserves 6 pans."
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