We can all appreciate a good blast from the past, and boy, is there ever one right here in Arizona. Diner 50 is a charming Phoenix restaurant that'll whisk you back to the good ol' days with its checkered floors, glass bottles, and — of course — homemade meals just like mom used to make.
Not everyone knows this, but Phoenix harbors a portal that takes you straight back to the days of poodle skirts, sock hops, and Friday night trips to the local soda fountain. Charming as can be, Diner 50 is a locally-owned, mom-and-pop restaurant where times are simple again.
Black-and-white checkered floors and a kitchen that Lucille Ball would be proud of evoke an uncannily realistic atmosphere. Friendly waitstaff gets to know customers while taking orders and refilling coffee mugs, treating everyone like a regular even if it's their first time dining in.
Vintage records and other memorabilia are plastered all over the walls, imparting a deep sense of nostalgia for an iconic era many wish could resurge. There's even a jukebox that plays retro tunes we all know and love!
As far as the food, expect all the down-home classics that could be found in every 1950s kitchen. For breakfast, massive plates of eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes, and biscuits with the creamiest sausage gravy taste like comfort and love.
If starting your day off with a little something sweet helps set the tone, go for pancakes or French toast. Topped with fresh fruit, real maple syrup, and pillowy whipped cream clouds, it's basically dessert — just disguised as something more socially acceptable to eat in the morning.
The diner is also open for lunch (and dinner on Fridays!), so make an afternoon pit stop for some hearty grub. Stick-to-your-ribs meals like classic cheeseburgers, chicken-fried steak, and French dip sandwiches are reminiscent of childhood Sunday suppers.
Did you even eat at a diner if you don't order a shake or sundae? Spun and churned in-house, these decadent treats are the cherry on top (pun intended) of your experience.
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Visit the restaurant's Facebook page to learn more.
Have you ever eaten at Diner 50? If so, what's your favorite menu item? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more old-school places to check out: 12 Retro Places In Arizona That Will Take You Back In Time.
Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Arizona you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
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