Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, 2089 Atwood Ave., is a popular neighborhood gathering spot where patrons can indulge in inventive American diner fare in a fun 1950s-themed atmosphere.
Converted from an old gas station to a sleek diner that features comfort food, Monty’s creates a sense of nostalgia. Although Monty’s is not within walking distance for students, it’s perfect for grabbing a sandwich before a show at the Barrymore Theatre, which is right across the street.
The first thing diners will notice when they arrive at Monty’s is the display of homemade desserts. Various teakettles are on display, and Louis Armstrong photographs, Life Magazine covers and other tidbits of nostalgia decorate the walls.
Fancy light fixtures, blue illumination, a large counter for seating and the red and yellow ketchup and mustard dispensers enhance the vintage ambiance.
Most impressive is that breakfast is served all day; Monty’s offers a decent sized breakfast menu. Omelet choices are wide and varied: spinach and feta, pesto and mushrooms or the southwestern.
The waitress allowed the substitution of mushrooms for ham of the Ham and Cheese Omelet ($5.99). The omelet was made from three eggs and of reasonable size. The envelope of egg was infused with melted grated cheddar and cooked mushrooms. It tastes very good, but is not overly impressive.
The Pancakes ($4.29) were enormous, about the size of the blue plate it was served on. My waitress recommended the Potato Zucchini Pancakes ($4.89), but I decided to pass.
The Reuben ($6.79) was a little disappointing. The sandwich was missing the Swiss cheese, a fundamental ingredient to every true Reuben. The sandwich was quite small and not overly stuffed with meat, like one would expect from a deli or diner. The overall taste was delicious, but lacking the cheese and size was an obvious shortcoming.
Vegetarians will have no trouble finding something on the menu, as an entire section is dedicated to vegetarian dishes. They offer the Artichoke Sandwich ($6.69), Vegan BBQ Pork ($6.69) and the Tastes Like Chicken Tofu Wrap ($6.59) to name a few.
The diner doesn’t disappoint with the soul food. Chicken in a Pie ($8.99), Meatloaf of the Gods ($9.39) and Vegetarian Chili ($4.59) with cornbread will certainly warm the insides or at least the spirit.
If the simple diner fare doesn’t lure you in, the dessert menu will. Old-fashioned malts and shakes ($3.39) are made with Chocolate Shoppe ice cream. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, coffee, Oreo and Dreamsicle. They even bring the extras in the metal mixing cup. Served with fresh whipped cream and a wafer cookie, the chocolate milkshake is delicious.
Banana splits, hot fudge brownie sundaes, floats, cheesecakes and pies are also worth mentioning. Every dessert is homemade and tastes amazing.
If you have a chance to make it to Atwood Street, don’t hesitate to try Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. The restaurant is a welcoming place with an exciting aura, but a little short staffed. Diners can also opt to sit outside at a collection of tables when the weather warms up.
A few drawbacks but an overall satisfying meal, Monty’s breakfast menu is definitely the way to go.
Until next week, happy dining!