The 50’s Diner was originally part of the Maid-Rite Chain. If you’ve followed my blogs, you’ll know I’m no fan of boring, generic chain stores and restaurants, so I was pleased to learn that when Maid-Rite told the owners of this Metro Centre eatery that they couldn’t serve breakfast and had to shut the gift shop down, they told them to take their chain and shove it and they reopened as the local diner, The 50’s Diner. I like that kind of attitude and I heard that the loose hamburger sandwich they call The Loosey Sammich is even better than the ones that are served at Maid-Rite. So let’s go have a taste and find out.
Here we are at the 50's Diner in the Metro Centre. I remember going to the first incarnation of this restaurant when it was a Maid-Rite off Glen Avenue, years ago in the 70's.
This place has been at this location for over 21 years and I've never been inside of it. Time to change all that now!
Nice and spacious in here!
Let's do as the sign says and find a seat, I'm starvin' like Marvin over here!
There's lots of tables and booths up front to sit at.
And there's more booths lining the walls as well.
But since I'm by myself, I think I'll snag a stool at the marble-topped counter in front of the kitchen area.
Jackie's one of the pretty and friendly waitresses on duty and she happily took my order. Let's wander around while the food is being prepared.
Two symbols of the 50's hang on the wall, a classic Pepsi clock and Marilyn Monroe.
Speaking of Marilyn, here's a classic shot of her on the side wall of the restaurant.
Not far away from Marilyn, Elvis is dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.
I love the vintage signs in here!
The 50's Diner is the only place where Viva Las Vegas intersects with Abbey Road.
James, Elvis and Audrey live on at the 50's Diner.
There's a fully stocked jukebox for your listening pleasure!
Ya gotta love the back of the waitresses t-shirts in here, too funny!
In my travels I ran into the Senti family, who own and operate the 50's Diner. From left: daughter Kelly, Scott and Scott's wife, Tammy. They gained national fame in 2005 when they were the winners on the NBC show, The Biggest Loser.
Meanwhile, back at the counter, I think my order is up!
And here it is, the signature sandwich at The 50's Diner, The Loosey Sandwich!
Tangy and seasoned loose hamburger swimming in melted cheese and onions on a bakery fresh steamed bun. Delicious, I haven't had one of these sandwiches in years and it brought back tasty memories!
And it's served with a spoon, so you can scoop up every delicious bite that's fallen out of the bun. I also had the mini corndogs and one of their homemade vanilla shakes, but accidentally deleted those photos, so you'll have to visit the diner to get a look at those items, and I highly suggest you do! The shake is probably the best milkshake I've ever had. Great food to be had here!
There's a large gift shop opposite the dining area filled with fun stuff, let's take a look and walk off lunch.
If you've ever wanted to take Marilyn Monroe home with you, here's your chance!
These wooden hand painted signs are cool.
For years I've been working on a theory that Albert Einstein, John Wayne and Michael Jackson were the same person because you never saw the three of them in one place. Well, this shoots that theory all to shit and shinola!
Nice to see I'm not the only one stuffed in here!
And I couldn't leave without one obligatory gift shop mirror shot. Thanks to the Senti's and the friendly staff of The 50's Diner for a fun, tasty and hospitable lunch! Sneeze ya tomorrow!
The 50’s Diner—Metro Centre
4700 N. University St.
Peoria
309-692-6300
The 50’s Diner—Willow Knolls
4100 W. Willow Knolls Dr.
Peoria
309-693-7483
Further reading: Peoria Journal Star, Metro Centre and facecrack.
