Recently I completed by Napa Diner tour with a stop at Emmy Lou’s Diner. It’s the local, small-town diner of the city of Napa. I’ve driven by a dozen times but hadn’t made the time to stop.
Emmy Lou’s Diner Atmosphere: B
Located in a shopping center, Emmy Lou’s Diner blends into the rest of the shops in the shopping center. If you look closely, you can find it. Since it’s located in a shopping center, it isn’t your big metallic retro diner.
There isn’t much if any outdoor seating but plenty of indoor seating with tables, booths, and a full-length bar. Most tables are evenly spaced, and the employees were all wearing masks. It’s your basic small-town diner. Although one thing I appreciate is the family photos near the bar area. How cute!
Emmy Lou’s Diner Coffee: B
The coffee was brewed hot and fresh with nothing much of note. They gave me the to-go cup in a drink up with a soda style lid, which I found comical.
Emmy Lou’s Diner Food: B
The Emmy Lou’s Diner menu has everything you can imagine for a small-town diner. Since it’s only until 2 pm, it serves both breakfast and lunch. There are breakfast options like steak and eggs, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy. For lunch, they have options like chicken fajitas, sandwiches like a BLT, and even items like chicken parmigiana. If you are looking for a classic diner meal, Emmy Lou’s Diner has it all. I wouldn’t come looking for healthy choices, although they do have a few salads including a chicken ceaser and Chinese chicken. When I got there, the soup special was lentil my favorite. I would have ordered that had I known! You can see the full menu here.
I was in the mood for biscuits and gravy, which I haven’t had for a while. It seems like a lot of NJ diners didn’t have them. The biscuits and gravy came with eggs, and I chose scrambled. I was impressed with the large portions of biscuits and gravy, but the gravy was a little thinner and more watery than I prefer. Other than that, the entire meal was good.
Emmy Lou’s Diner Service: A
Everyone at Emmy Lou’s Diner was wearing a mask, and I felt safe the entire time. The staff was extremely friendly and my food was ready when I got there. I have no complaints.
Cost: $$
For my coffee, biscuits and gravy, and eggs, it was $17.95. It was a lot more expensive than I was expecting.
Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back?
I liked Emmy Lou’s Diner, and it’s a good diner in Napa. It’s definitely on the more expensive side of meals, but it’s safe, and the food is good. I would love to try some of their lunch options too. I love the local feel to it.
Atmosphere B
Coffee: B
Food: B
Service: A
Cost: $10-20
Overall: B
You can see more diners here. Napa Valley Diners include Jax Diner and Butter Cream Diner and Bakery.
Questions for you:
Do you like biscuits and gravy?
What is your favorite diner meal?