Recently I went to the Key City Diner in Phillipsburg. It came highly recommended so when the opportunity presented itself, I drove a bit out of my way to go.
I arrived around 5 pm. It wasn’t too crowded, and there was plenty of seating.
Atmosphere: A
You can’t miss the Key City Diner. When driving by, there is a giant Key Sign, and it looks like a stereotypical diner. It’s a big metallic, shiny, diner and is definitely everything you picture in a diner. If you’re looking to bring friends to a picture perfect NJ diner, this is your spot.
The inside feels as if you stepped into a time machine when diners were created. Interestingly enough, there was also a decently sized salad bar too which is something many now lack.
Service: B
The waitress was a bit awkward and either new or not comfortable. She did refill our beverages, and the food came out quickly, but every interaction was awkward.
For instance, I ordered a beef gyro, and she miscorrected me of how to pronounce gyro. Then later, she pronounced it a different way. Not a big deal, just many small awkward interactions.
Coffee: B
There was nothing unusual or unique about the coffee but it wasn’t bad either. The waitress brewed it hot and kept it refilled.
Food: B
The Key City Diner has everything you could picture in a diner. There is breakfast all day, multiple dinner meals, salads, and seafood. As I mentioned, it also has a salad bar too.
I opted for a beef Gyro with a Caesar salad. The gyro itself was good and had plenty of beef. It came with fries which they gave me an entire plate. The Caesar salad was filled, and I appreciated they already added the dressing.
Cost: $
For my gyro, salad, and coffee, the cost was $12.
Overall Summary/Would I come back?
I enjoyed the Key City Diner, and if I’m back in the area, I would come back. It’s above average, and in the middle of diners, I’ve been too
Atmosphere: A
Service: B
Coffee: B
Food: B
Cost: $8-$20
Overall: B
Nearby Diners I’ve Been: Red Rose Diner (Review to come)
PA Local Diners: Diner 248, Trivet, Jumbars
Questions for you:
What’s your favorite type of salad?
What is the coolest restaurant sign you’ve seen?
