I didn’t think you were one for understating things.
Because of Tigerman’s remark and 4 emoticons (dead giveaway, he’s never used that many) I journeyed across town tonight to try out the Diner. The eggs benedict posts had appeal, but a comment of a “very nice” burger was a clincher.
the Diner was opened on May 8th by Amy and Dean (owners and operators), a late 20’s – early 30’s local couple. The interior is newly remodeled with a clean layout and seats 45-50 people. Non-smoking but there is a table outside. The menu options, light alternative rock music playing, and the customers/staff make it feel like you are in a diner in a college town but better.
They follow the KISS principle and it works. The menu consists mainly of breakfast classics (eggs, breakfast burrito, salmon hash, and the eggs benedict, etc.) which are $150-280, Omelettes/Omelets (Denver, vegetarian, cheese and bacon, etc.) $180-240, burgers/sandwiches (hamburger, gardenburger, mushroom & Swiss cheese burger, and the Jumbo Burger) $120-230. The basic hamburger is $120 but you can add cheese and/or bacon for $30 each.
They also have other options such as Philly steak, tuna melt, club sandwich, country fried steak, meatloaf, etc. As well, they have desserts (apple pie, pecan pie, cheese cake, strawberry shortcake, ice cream sundae, etc.)
The beverage selection includes A&W root beer, Coke, and others. Beers that are available include the usual suspects (Heineken, Budweiser, Boddingtons, and San Miguel).
Now that I’ve got the basics out of the way, on to the good parts.
the Diner’s catch-phrase is “Comfort on a Plate” and boy they got that right.
I immediately spied the “Jumbo Burger” which is a double patty, double cheese, and double bacon hamburger. Fans of In and Out’s double-double beware. This is the real deal. Two thick handmade all-beef patties with each patty topped with a slice of cheese and two strips of bacon. Note that the bacon is on each patty not just on the top patty. Therefore, the Jumbo Burger is a double-double-double.
I’ll go on record as saying that the Jumbo Burger I had at the Diner tonight was the best burger/cheeseburger/bacon cheeseburger that I have ever had in Taiwan (outside my own bbq special burger). The patty is all beef meaning no garlic, no onions, no filler or other spices mixed in with the meat. We just found out the answer to “Where’s the beef?”.
I’ll definitely be back to try the breakfast/brunch items. They said they are working on a corned beef hash!
A couple of notes:
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The burger comes medium well by default meaning that it is still pink inside. This is how I like it, but if you like it well done be sure to tell them first.
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The bacon is also medium well so if you like it crispy or well done, tell them. It isn’t bacon sashimi like Mei-Er-Mei but it isn’t brown either.
A special note:
One customer next to me ordered a hamburger and when it came he asked if it was all beef. Amy told him that it was. He looked again at the burger. Amy immediately asked him if he wanted to change his order! (I’m sitting there incredulously as the burger with Swiss cheese that he ordered looked great. Did he want the beef “watered down” with soy filler?) He said no that it was okay. She asked him at least 5 more times if he wanted to change to something else. Now I know you might say it was a face thing, but it wasn’t (well maybe on the customer’s side). She was truly sincere. This type of service should be applauded. I left before I saw whether or not he changed his order. However, I did overhear the reason for the confusion. It appears he thought a hamburger was made from pork. (I hadn’t thought of that before, maybe we should all check to see if this is a common misconception.)
Service was prompt and friendly.
After one try, I probably won’t consider ordering a burger anywhere else in town.
Richardm your cheeseburger thread can now be lock. Go right now and have the Jumbo Burger.
They are right across the street from Gusto Hot Dogs.
the Diner
145 Rui-an Street
2700-1680
Closed Mondays
English menu and English speaking staff
Thanks Tigerman! Next time I see you (or should I say Tigerboy) a pint (or two) is on me.
and if I had more thumbs I’d add another thumbsup or two.