The ride from Boston to Riverside can be a long one, especially when there is snow on the tracks.
Fortunately, there is a place where you can get off, refuel, and make any commute (or just any day) better!
The Deluxe Station Diner in Newton Center (www.deluxedinerbrands.com) combines the classic car diner flavor and flavors of its older sibling in Watertown with the contemporary steampunk vibe that makes it (and its historic younger sister in Framingham) as appetizing to the eyes as it is to the mouth.
Designed as the Newton Centre train station by H.H. Richardson in 1870, the Diner keeps that Victorian whimsy and cranks it up a notch with both its décor and its delicious dining options, both of which ensure that, no matter how many times you visit, you will always discover something new.
From the illuminated sign that warns of impending trains to the planetary models in the Observatory to the flats creens flanking the brass-riveted bar and from the cinnamon apple babka French toast to the homemade pies, the sweet surprises offer something to savor no matter what your desires. The massive menu ranges from traditional “blue plates” like meatloaf and fish and chips to sirloin steak, home-style pot roast, and more progressive plates of quinoa and veggie tofu stir-fry. Among the sops are homemade chicken noodle and hearty chili. Salads range from Caesar to Cobb and even an authentic Asian noodle with chicken. Speaking of chicken, the Diner offers a panel of preparations including piccata, curried, fried, or broasted. The sandwich board is so extensive that it not only breaks itself down into sub-categories as breakfast, classic, deluxe, and grilled cheese, but there is even a separate bread menu featuring a fistful of freshly-made flavors. Among the bread-bedecked beauties are a big BLT (traditional or with salmon), tasty tuna salad, grilled chicken, salmon and egg, fresh and flavorful veggie wrap, the triple-decker breakfast club and the picante breakfast burrito, as well as burgers, dogs, and other favorites. No matter what you get, an order of eggplant fries is a must, but do not overlook such other succulent sides as sweet potato fries, mashed or baked potatoes, or hummus with olives. Even the kiddies get a big slate to plate that features a single egg, flapjack or slice of French toast, as well as burgers, mac and cheese, penne with sauce or a hummus plate. And as every table comes with its own bottles of real VT maple syrup and both red and green Tabasco, no matter what you eat, it is sure to be to your liking.
As befits a proper diner, breakfast is served all day and includes the lo-carb starter with eggs and meat or soy sausage, hash and eggs, Benedicts with salmon or crab, French toast made with challah or (worth mentioning again) babka, waffles made with sour cream, buttermilk or sweet potatoes, and the Diner’s famed roll call of flapjacks, made with blue corn, sweet potatoes, and other intriguing (and potentially gluten free) ingredients. For the particularly peckish, the Diner serves up an extra-large helping of flavor with its Hungry Person breakfast, featuring a flapjack or French toast, two eggs, meat, toast, coffee and optional fruit, hash and/or chocolate chips.
Not to be outdone, the drink list is also vast and satsifying- with a heaping handful of gourmet teas, thick milk and soy shakes, authentic egg creams, fresh fruit rickeys and ades, locally-sourced bottles and drafts, winsome wines, and even flavored coffees, cocoas, mimosas, and martinis. As for the desserts, if the piece run out, there is usually some fresh ice cream, pudding, cakes, or cobblers available, so never fear!
So whether you are late for work, coming home or just looking for a delicious meal served with family care and contemporary flair, the Deluxe Station Diner (or either of its sibling restaurants) is a great place to get off the third rail and enjoy!