As American regional cooking captured our imaginations, interest grew in road food and down-home cooking - which brought the diner back into vogue.
But today's dressed-up diners sometimes bear little resemblance to their stainless-steel predecessors. They do share a casual character and family- style spontaneity.
Here is list of some diners in and around the city. (Credit-card symbols are: V for Visa, AX for American Express, MC for MasterCard and D for Diners.)
THE DINING CAR 8828 Frankford Ave 338-5113. The Torresdale Diner is long gone, but its owner designed this art-deco diner back in the early 1980s to take its place. Meatloaf, chicken croquettes, potato pancakes - the works. Also a takeout market for such meals as a bucket of spaghetti. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Open 24 hours. No credit cards.
THE AMERICAN DINER 4201 Chestnut St, 387-1451. The bill of fare here is home-cooked, regional American food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. From 7 a.m. to midnight Mons-Thus, 8 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Fris and Sats, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Suns. No credit cards.
BURLINGTON DINER Route 130 and High St, Burlington, 609-387-0658. If you like beef goulash or veal cutlets, this diner has years of experience making them. Greek spinach pies are another favorite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days. Open 24 hours except Mon. No credit cards.
CLUB HOUSE DINER 2495 Street Rd, Bensalem, 639-4287. Super food. Something for everyone - even those who long for the likes of grape leaves and moussaka. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days. Open 24 hours. All major cards.
COUNTRY CLUB RESTAURANT 1717 Cottman Ave, 722-0500. The line to dine is often endless. Specializes in Dining With Heart items, chicken and Jewish- style dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Open 24 hours. All major cards.
DIAMOND II DINER Blackwood-Clementon Rd, Gloucester Township, 609-627-9333. Good home-style cooking. Try the chicken wings and ask for lots of lemon wedges. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days. V, MC, AX.
DOWN HOME DINER Reading Terminal Market, 627-1955. Down-home vittles, from catfish to smothered chicken. Check out the boiled custard. Breakfast and lunch, Mons-Sats, dinner Weds-Sats. No credit cards.
LOUPE'S SOMERDALE DINER 9 White Horse Pike, Somerdale, 609-784-4224. Featured items include Italian dishes, fresh-daily seafood and lots of sauteed dishes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days. All major cards.
