Anthony & George's Steak House

Anthony & George's Steak House
7505 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, Virginia
(Check out their website)

I honestly did not expect a whole lot when I walked into Anthony and George's Steak House near the Staples Mill Road Amtrak Station outside of Richmond. It was a convenient location for someone just passing through and the sign outside said that they had lunches for under $5. The place looks like an old and perhaps somewhat worn down diner from the outside. But I was in for a real surprise because the food was great, fast, and cheap. This is one of the diners that you miss in the age of chain stores and trendy food. This is the sort of diner that you wish you had around the corner and could go to every day for their lunch specials and dinners. While I was there a bunch of regulars came through the doors and sat down. They were greeted by all the waitstaff and it really seemed like a nice place to hang out. Yes, the service was very nice and everyone was very friendly. Never judge a restaurant by how it looks outside.

They had a lot of lunch specials to choose from too. Being in a steak house, I tried to Delmonico. It was delicious. The beef was cooked perfectly and the cut had just the right amount of fat. The meal came with two sides. The broccoli was delicious and very well cooked. The beans were also good. I also have to say that the fried fish sandwich was wonderfully prepared. The fish was lightly battered and cooked very well. There are many ways to mess up a fish sandwich but these guys do not mess it up. It was probably one of the best fish sandwiches I've tasted.

And then there's the freezer full of desserts. Who serves pie and cake for under three bucks these days? These guys do and they have a rotating selection so there is no set dessert menu. I can testify that the carrot cake was very good though.

So, Anthony and George's Steak House, I apologize for underestimating you at the outset. You're great! I wish you were in my neighborhood. I will definitely stop there again if I'm back in that neck of the woods.

Grand City

Grand City
128 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME

Even if you’re not over 60, you can still enjoy the quick and cheap meals at this diner in downtown Brunswick. Part of an old general store, the cafeteria is open early and closes early. That should give you a sense of its regular crowd. The food isn’t necessarily healthy but it’s good for those who just aren’t sure what to get. They make good sandwiches and hearty, thick soups but the milkshakes are what come highly recommended. Order a plain vanilla one to go with almost any meal and you’re sure to leave happy. Don’t expect anything good from the vegetable menu as you’ll find rather pale lettuce and overly cooked steamed carrots but you’re at a diner for diner food so enjoy the sandwiches and the quick chopped steaks with extra gravy.

(Images by AG)

Athenian II

Athenian II
846 Washington Street
Middletown CT
(Try this or other locations!)

This chain of diners has kept Connecticut residents happy and full for years. Open 24 hours a day, the Athenian diners are great places to go for a late night breakfast. I’ve only been to the diner in Middletown so I will limit my review to that particular institution. Many Wesleyan students and graduates who have found themselves sitting in the 60s style booths may agree or disagree with my assessment.

Now, let’s be honest. There’s nothing particularly special about the place. The eggs are eggs and the bacon could be crispier. The prices are also a bit high but my some time traveling companion says that any eggs are overpriced. Still, the coffee is free flowing and you get the partially unhealthy breakfast that you expect and order. They know how to do eggs and their fried potatoes are pretty tasty, especially the ones that have been slightly burnt.

As you can tell by the picture, the cantaloupe is also a fine dish to order.

Like most diners they have lunch and dinner specials all day. These can be pricey and range from lamb to stuffed grape leaves. Again, like most diners, their vegetable choices could sure use some improvement. The lettuce looks like it’s pretty drained of any nutrients and the broiled broccoli looks like it might benefit more from the vitamins inside me. The cream of broccoli, on the other hand, is pretty good as is their cream of chicken.

Whatever the criticisms, the food is tasty and you have a good time there. The wait staff is friendly and many of them wander the aisles armed with hot coffee. The management might consider increasing the size of the water glasses though. The shot glass style probably saves on water but it just doesn’t quench the thirst.

If you’re in Middletown and you’re just not in the mood for anything special but want to have an enjoyable time, try the Athenian diner.

(Images by AG)