My Visit to the Award-Winning Metro Diner
Over the years, I've heard chatter about Metro Diner, the restaurant chain known for its delicious, home-style comfort food. They've racked up awards left and right, garnering a reputation for treating every customer like a VIP. Their culinary delights must have caught the attention of Chef Guy Fieri, as they've been featured on his Food Network show.
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From firsthand experience, I can tell you that the rumors about their famous iron city meatloaf and fried chicken served with homemade strawberry butter are all true - it's beyond delicious.
Where Can You Find a Metro Diner?
With locations in states like South Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Virginia, Metro Diner's footprint is larger than I anticipated. I learned that the first restaurant opened in Jacksonville, Florida, before the brand expanded across the US, amassing 67 locations - 57 company-owned and 10 franchised.
The buzz doesn't stop at US borders, though. The team at Metro Diner seems to have true growth on their minds, with plans to expand into other countries. I have to applaud their ambition to create a global Metro family.
Just What Sets Metro Diner Apart?
At its heart, Metro Diner is all about providing a variety of delicious foods in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Most branches deliver a homely, vintage diner vibe with their long sit-down counters and cozy booths served by attentive staff. Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you're guaranteed a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Their fried chicken and waffles have even featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' on The Food Network. Today, they're cranking out more than 1300 orders every single day. In 2019, they shattered records by selling 485,000 pieces of their signature dish, adding up to an astounding two million pieces of chicken. Each serving was just as generous as the other. Even with my bottomless pit of a stomach, I found myself waving the white flag and requesting a takeout box.
The secret to their famous chicken? A 48-hour brine and marinate process that gives the meat an incredible depth of flavor and juiciness.
On top of this, it warmed my heart to find out that Metro Diner offers discounts to veterans. Their price range is catered to every class, with their attractive prices surely appealing to middle-class and low-income individuals too.
Is Metro Diner Really Affordable?
I was shocked at how affordable my meal was at Metro Diner given the generously sized portions. I found most items priced under $15, making it a great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And can I just say - the staff members I encountered were extremely cheerful, and the service was phenomenal.
The price for a hearty breakfast usually ranges from $8 to $13. It amazed me how they managed to keep their prices so reasonable without compromising on quality or quantity. In terms of price value, the Metro Diner is simply unparalleled.
And for all you social butterflies out there, the restaurant offers a range of catering packages for any at-home gathering!
Metro Diner is all about celebrating American cuisine, elevating beloved breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch classics to new heights. Dig in to French fries, hamburgers, or that delicious meatloaf to start your day with a full stomach.
Glancing at the menu, I noticed their signature fried chicken and waffle immediately. It comes topped with powdered sugar and served with their exclusive sweet strawberry sauce. Other breakfast favorites include an avocado bacon scramble bowl, oatmeal, biscuits & sausage, and huevos rancheros.
I didn't deny my sweet tooth and succumbed to the temptation of their cinnamon rolls pancakes. Other tempting options include Belgium waffles, metro pancakes, fruity waffles, or croissant French toast. If you prefer something lighter, they offer a Lemon Dill dish that pairs wonderfully with their green beans and tomato basil quinoa.
Their menu is impressively extensive, with options like assorted eggs, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, and an array of sides like home fries, hash browns, cheesiest grits, biscuits, and fresh seasonal fruits. They also cater to dessert lovers with their moist chocolate cake.
Post meal, wash it all down with a refreshing drink. They provide a range of choices like soft drinks, coffee, freshly brewed white tea, milk, and Iced tea.
Got Kids? They're Sorted Too!
Easily overlooked, child menus are essential, especially for family dinners or brunches. Metro Diner takes care of their little patrons with a kids' platter comprising of 2 slices of bacon, 1 scrambled egg, a slice of toast, and grits. Chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and mac & cheese are also up for grabs.
Your Order From Metro Diner: A Click Away
From burgers for breakfast to chicken and waffles for lunch, Metro Diner has got you covered. You can have them bring the food right to your doorstep. Catering to groups too, with their catering order.
In the age of digital dining, Metro Diner has certainly kept up with the times:
- Ordering through the website
- Several food delivery partners including Uber Eats, Doordash, and Grubhub
- Curbside pickup
Considering the recent surge in off-premise orders, it's no surprise that Metro Diner has decided to streamline their delivery operations with to-go-only kitchens. Now, you can place an order online, input your zip code, and sit back as the catering team delivers your meal. If you prefer curb-side pickup, those options exist too!
When is Metro Diner Open?
Contrary to a few of the high-street diners I know, Metro Diner restaurants are open from Monday to Thursday from 6.30 am to 8.00 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, operating hours are extended till 9.00 pm. This place is even open on most holidays. But it's always smart to confirm the exact opening and closing hours with your local diner to avoid disappointment.
Do Metro Diner Deliver?
Yes, they do. You can visit the company website, or use their app to place your order. An added convenience is delivery through their partners like Uber, Doordash, and Grubhub. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy your meal once it arrives at your doorstep!
My Pros and Cons at Metro Diner
Pros:
- Delicious and hearty meals at affordable prices
- Large and diverse menu with a host of options
- Great customer service with friendly and cheerful staff
- Relaxed and welcoming dining atmosphere
- Convenient online ordering system with home delivery and curbside pickup options
Cons:
- Large portion sizes could lead to potential food waste for diners with smaller appetites
- If you're focused on healthy eating, menu options could be limited.
- Depending on the location, there could be potential wait times during peak dining hours