Mickey's Diner ... An Iconic St. Paul 'Experience'
Last night we were headed off for dinner to one of our regular healthy dining spot...which simply did not work out...so we said "to hell with healthy" and stopped at Mickey's Diner in downtown St. Paul. We're going to be right up front about this. It's as much about the experience as about the food.
Established in 1939, Mickey's has been open 24x7 for almost 80 years. John has been a Twin Cities resident for 40+ years and has eaten at Mickey's three times, twice with Linda. Everyone should eat there once and maybe again a few decades later when you cannot remember the last time you were there.
We've always referred to this destination as Mickey's Diner; looking at the official website and photos it's actually Mickey's Dining Car. If you are looking for it you can simply ask anyone in St. Paul how to get to Mickey's.
Mickey's: The Food
This is classic diner food. Burgers, fries and breakfast all day. This is not a heart-healthy or vegan destination.
Fry 2, two eggs and toast was Linda's choice. The eggs were cold and the toast was burnt.
John choice the O'Brian Special comprised of two eggs, toast and O'Brian potatoes. Ordered over medium the eggs were over runny. The raisin toast was not quite as burnt as Linda's.We shared the O'Brian potatoes (ham, onion, pepper) and they were OK, but sort of a mix of raw and really fried.
The food at diners always depends on who is cooking and how short of sleep they are. At Mickey's you always leave with a story.
Mickey's: The Experience
Constructed long before ADA requirements, access and seating is tight. Being open non-stop for decades does not allow much time for decor upgrades. The legacy of dining and other adventures is reflected in the interior.The service is aways great. Our waiter was wonderful with a good sense of humor and knowlege of the history.
The people-watching is good: a combination of people living downtown, those on their way to the Excel Energy Center, those in need of food and coffee before driving and those with nowhere else to go.There are a few other diners around town but there is only one Mickey's. Put it on your 'experience' bucket list.
No comments:
Post a Comment