Restaurant Review: Media Family Diner & Restaurant

Restaurant:

Address: 8 S. Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063

Rating: (out of 5 stars): ★★★1/2
Style: Sit-down diner, take-out available
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner selections
Atmosphere: Colorful ambiance with typical diner decor
Parking: Mid-size lot
Service: Friendly, quick and casual
Price Range: Inexpensive
Unique Features: Open 24/7; Breakfast served all day; Special kids’ meals

I have a soft spot for the all-American diner. There’s nothing better than home-cooked comfort foods and juicy burgers to fill a hungry tummy and brighten a day. Pull up a seat at Media Family Diner & Restaurant.

Chances are you might not even know it’s there. Last August, this eatery took over the Denny’s located at Routes 1 and 352, right behind Cambio Salon and Spa. While it may be a little difficult to see from the major roadways, it’s worth checking out for round-the-clock meals, snacks, or even just coffee and dessert.

Feeling a bit on the hungrier side during my visit, I decided to go for one of my favorite diner staples, the hot open-faced turkey sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes. My lunch entrée was accompanied by soup or a side salad. I chose the greens, which was a mix of fresh romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic croutons and a light Italian dressing. It was pretty standard for a side salad, but fresh nonetheless.

I was pleased to find the turkey was fresh, hand-carved turkey (as opposed to the overly-processed, fake stuff). The creamy, well-seasoned mashed potatoes and gravy reminded me of Thanksgiving, and there is enough in a side order for three people. For $10.25, it was a pretty good deal for a complete meal, though I felt like a side of cranberry sauce would’ve been a perfect accompaniment.

My dining partner, a.k.a. my husband, also went for his choice starter, a bowl of the New England Clam Chowder soup. It was a decent size bowl of the hearty favorite, but needed a dash of pepper to spice it up a bit more.

He then went for a good old-fashioned cheeseburger. The half pound creation is made-to-order and after taking a big bite, I’ll say it’s mouth-watering. All the burgers are served on a soft sesame seed bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion, homemade coleslaw, Kosher pickle and crispy steak fries, cooked just right.

The menu features a special burger section, which is definitely fun for the sports-minded diner. “Burger Stadium” offers choices like the “Eagles Burger,” with bacon, cheese, fried onions and mushrooms, or the “Phillies Burger,” with Taylor Pork Roll and cheese. There’s certainly something for all different carnivore tastes.

The lunch and dinner menus include a wide variety of appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, panini’s, a special Italian section, and early bird dinners. For $5.95, there are complete kids’ meals with choices like the “Donald Duck” chicken fingers and fries, and “Tasmanian Devil” meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Kids’ meals include a beverage and dessert. There is a wide dessert selection for the adults with a sweet tooth too, like chocolate cake, homemade pies, ice cream and puddings.

For the hungry breakfast guest, the menu is vast. There are a variety of omelets, steak and eggs, Virginia ham and eggs, Nova lox and bagels, waffles, pancakes, French toast, breakfast sandwiches and muffins.

The service is friendly and fast. We were greeted immediately, and didn’t wait long for our drinks, starters or entrees. Media Family Diner and Restaurant, as the name indicates, is a great place to bring the family, or just head over by yourself for a decent, inexpensive meal.