50’s Diner: Is It Worth The Try?

I’ve always been interested in fascinated about the American diner culture. The retro feel and its all American menu has always been familiar to my palate. A few years back I’ve heard from a friend who had a holiday in Baguio city about 50’s Diner. A, like what I said, 50’s diner themed restaurant that serves my favorite dishes.

 

I’m not the person who easily caves into fads and hype about something, but since I was traveling and a bunch of people I know have tried it and was pleased with the experience I decided to give it a try. Albeit, I lowered my expectations. I mean they serve an american menu, fries, burgers and shakes. How different can one restaurant make it without keeping their prices from sky rocketing. Yes, 50’s Diner does have a reasonable and affordable price range. Their burger starts at about ₱110 (+/- $2) and their servings are big.

It was raining really bad, but I wanted to have a good meal so I thought that walking a few hundred meters down the road isn’t a bad idea since I didn’t want to go down town. As soon as I stepped up the stairs on to their main doors, I was welcomed by their manager/supervisor (I am just assuming here, he looked like he was in charge anyways) and he took care of my dripping umbrella that I was having trouble collapsing into place.

I got in a sat at the left corner thinking that I could do some sort of food review video. Here’s how I started to get disappointed.

I asked the waiter specifics about the burgers and what can he recommend for something that I described I wanted. He gave me a smirk/smile with a look as if it was the first time he was asked like that or as if I was asking something impossible. Not getting a comprehensible response I just asked if they can put more greens into the burger and maybe some tomato. Again he just smiled and said no as if it was a ridiculous request.

To be honest the burger was good while the ice cream shake can be better. The thing I was disappointed about is that I was expecting an experience and not just some good food. I know the prices are cheap for a burger that big and good, but I was promised of an experience and I did not get it. Also, a little flexibility on the menu wouldn’t hurt.

So there I am not saying not to go to 50’s Dinner. They have good, affordable food and yes they are yummy! But manage your expectations. Quite possibly also, it may just be the branch that I went to. So maybe try the main branch or just a different one.