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| - The Normal Diner makes 'normal' exquisite. Features homely, simple meals, cooked to perfection, and presented beautifully. It may just be eggs and potatoes, but it is one of the best variations of eggs and potatoes you can find, A.K.A. 'The Minimum Wage' breakfast.
Two flawless eggs over easy, crispy potatoes with herbs, spices, and sauteed poblanos add a small kick. Topped off with thick bacon, and toast of your choice. Portions are just right, even for an American restaurant. At first glance it seemed small but by the end of the meal I was left full with little on my plate. My roommate whom I dined with ate a dish with braised beef short rib, that was extremely tender. He even compared it to his mothers own cooking!
The atmosphere and staff made the experience that more pleasant. The restuarants dress is spacious, retro, impeccably clean, and feels like a hodge-podge of decades past, featuring a wall decorated with 8 tracks, and leaving checks attached to dated paperback novels. All of the staff was amiable, and I had a few conversations with some of the waiters. The two waiters I chatted with were ASU students along with the majority of the staff that also appeared rather young. It makes me feel good, knowing I can leave a nice tip, for a waiter who absolutely deserved it, but for a waiter who is also a student. I am currently a graduate student at ASU, and it wasn't that long ago that I remember living off tips from strangers. It pleases me to see Normal Diner employing students, I remember the nightmare of an ihop that preceded Normal Diner. Not only was it bad for an ihop, but their staff was rather crotchety and old, certainly not employing Tempe's younger work force.
Normal Diner, is far from 'normal'. I plan on returning frequently, next time I'll have to try their espresso!
UPDATE: Their espresso is delicious and comes from a big beautiful pink espresso machine
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