This Week's Counter: Charlie's Dog House Diner

MILESTONE: 50TH COUNTER!!!

It's surprising we hadn't found Charlie's before -- it's not that far from home and we've been to other counters nearby.  We had to be over on the West side to get Bradley's car serviced (he's home for winter break and was able to join us) and found it in a Web search.  Very glad we did!  Charlie's is located in a small, old, stand-alone building at the corner of Brookpark and Broadview.  The outside is painted to look like a dog house, and the inside is all counter (except for 2 very small tables). Mid-morning on a weekday there were still plenty of seats.  This seems like the go-to place for people in the neighborhood -- everyone seemed to know everyone else.

The lone server was super friendly, and we quickly had menus and drinks and felt very welcome.  Coffee was great, in a nice heavy ceramic mug.  The menu has loads of omelettes, pancake and waffle variations, and a variety of other things -- very extensive.  Ted went with a western omelette, potatoes and toast.  Cam had a waffle and bacon.  And Bradley had a huge breakfast -- pancakes, bacon, potatoes, eggs and side of corned beef hash.  Everything was delicious (except the bacon got just average reviews) and not at all greasy -- really good.

The combination of the atmosphere (small place, all counter), great service and great food made this one really special -- perfect for the 50th counter milestone.  Go here -- it's pretty easy to get to from anywhere in town, and well worth the trip!

Cam says: "Incredible food quality and service, and a very cool restaurant. Conversation with employees and other customers was fun.  I'll give it 8 frying pans."

Ted says: "One of my favorites for sure!  Far exceeded my expectations for food quality, and service was great. A very strong 9 frying pans."



Bradley says: "Food was great, service was OK. Pancakes were especially awesome. Same with the CB hash. I'll give it 8 frying pans."

This Week's Counter: Steve's Family Restaurant

Steve's is in Old Brooklyn, just South of downtown. We weren't sure what to expect as we drove up, as the neighborhood looked a little sketchy -- some boarded-up houses, run down storefronts, etc.  But the fact that we couldn't find a place to park on the street in front or anywhere around the block should have been a clearly positive sign -- the place was really busy with large groups and families.

Steve's seems to be in parts of an old house -- weird jumble of doors and stairs and multiple rooms give it a really interesting atmosphere. The tiny counter (only 3 seats) was empty, so we quickly grabbed a spot.  All the women working there were extremely welcoming and friendly -- we had menus and drinks quickly.  

Really extensive menu for breakfast (and lunch), with all different kinds of pancakes and waffles, omelets, skillets and combinations of all the above. Cam had a waffle and a side of bacon.  Ted varied from his usual a bit had a eggs, chopped steak (sort of a cross between a burger and a minute steak, for those who remember what that is!), potatoes and toast. The food took awhile to come out, but it was well worth the wait -- big portions and cooked really nicely.  The potatoes could have been a little more crisp, but overall great!

We'd for sure go back -- strongly recommend it.  Don't be put off by the location.  It's worth going, and try to get there early, as it's really popular!

    

Cam says: "Food was fair, service was great. Strange atmosphere but an overall good experience. I'll give it 7 frying pans."

Ted says: "Really good!  Great selections, interesting place, very friendly.  And the food was excellent!  One of my favorites so far -- 9 frying pans!"

This Week's Counter: Steve's Diner

We've driven past Biddulph Plaza in Old Brooklyn many times, but never noticed what was there.  A search for diners turned up Steve's, a 24-hour joint that had good reviews.  We stopped in Saturday morning to give it a try.

The place was nearly empty at 10:00, which was both surprising and concerning.  But we got a very friendly welcome and quickly had coffee, etc while we looked at the menu.  This place has classic diner food, with an emphasis on various kinds of hot dogs -- that seems to be the specialty.

Since it was early, we both went with breakfast food.  Cam got the Belgian waffle and bacon, while Ted went with the usual.  Everything was excellent. Cam's waffle was loaded with whipped cream and chocolate. The bacon was cooked perfectly.  Decent coffee.  And finally, a place that knows what "very well-done" means when it comes to breakfast potatoes.  The only thing missing was that the food could have been a bit hotter.

Overall, this is a really good, clean, well-run place -- great breakfast, inexpensive and very friendly. Go here!

Cam says: "Great service with a comfortable counter. Great food and great deli/diner atmosphere. I give this one 9 frying pans."

Ted says: "Close to perfect -- service, food and classic greasy-spoon atmosphere (without the grease). Great place!  9 frying pans."