Is John's Diner finished with renovations?

[Matthew Lee]

My wife and I walked to India Garden for lunch yesterday and I had to do a double take at the renovations(?) being done at John's Diner? Not sure if it is done, but are they really re-doing themselves as a beige colored box?

I'm sure there must be a reason for the shape and color they have transformed into but I can't, for the life of me, think of one.

[J Hrlec]

My wife and I walked to India Garden for lunch yesterday and I had to do a double take at the renovations(?) being done at John's Diner? Not sure if it is done, but are they really re-doing themselves as a beige colored box?

I'm sure there must be a reason for the shape and color they have transformed into but I can't, for the life of me, think of one.

Based on the daily screenshot here:

http://www.lakewooddailysnap.com/

Sounds like they will be adding some more metalic paint.

[Kate McCarthy]

thanks for reaquainting me with a forgotten but most favorite blog. Re John's Diner... it was over 20 years ago but it provided the only time in my life where I could actually tell a server "there's a fly in my soup." Doing the back stroke. Have not been back since. Is it worth a second look? I would guess management has changed since then.

[Gary Rice]

First, I like to see any business investing in Lakewood.

Just about any business targets a particular demographic, and John's works well for many people, including Dad and I.

I did a column about John's Diner and George's Kitchen in Cleveland (they are owned by brothers) awhile back in the Lakewood Observer.

Both places serve great meals at VERY reasonable prices. Dad and I continue to be patrons of both places from time to time.

I for one, really love the classic and virtually authentic '40's-'50's interior at Johns. You could walk in there expecting to celebrate V-E Day, or maybe expecting to see some '50's crooner sitting at the counter. Classic and nostalgic diners like John's are vanishing Americana treasures that recall simpler times. They might not be your particular cup of tea in the ever-so-trendy, newer-is-always-better worldthink that some like to engage in, but I love that place, the food, and the people who work and serve there.

As for flies, I've seen them at some of the fanciest places in Cleveland.

They don't eat much.

Back to the banjo...

[David Brainard]

As a former customer of John's Diner going back to the time when Red Still's owned it; I can only say, the quality of food has been in such sharp decline that it makes one wonder if there is a 'bottom'.
Once, there were lines at the diner for lunch and dinner. Just a glance at the parking lot in the late morning, afternoon, and evening reveals a number of empty slots, sometimes a lot which is entirely empty. I think that's more telling than any argument of taste.
It's a pity John should give so much attention to re-decorating than he does for his food.

David Brainard

[Jim O'Bryan]

As a former customer of John's Diner going back to the time when Red Still's owned it; I can only say, the quality of food has been in such sharp decline that it makes one wonder if there is a 'bottom'.
Once, there were lines at the diner for lunch and dinner. Just a glance at the parking lot in the late morning, afternoon, and evening reveals a number of empty slots, sometimes a lot which is entirely empty. I think that's more telling than any argument of taste.
It's a pity John should give so much attention to re-decorating than he does for his food.

David Brainard

David

I hate to say but I agree with you. This is not "remember the old days..." But when Winnie and
Myrtle were working the room, and was it Wally? cooking, it was a great experience. Then it
seemed the more John updated it the farther it got away from that great food. My wife and
I tried to purchase it twice from John over the years, only to have John get cold feet at the
end and try to sell us one of his other properties instead.

I have not been in John Diners V3, but for decades the original diner lighting was under
the wood that ran down the middle of the ceiling and would have been nicer. Also it was
a very rare diner. Where many had been built of wood or stainless steel, Stills was a blue
enamel diner with all of the panels be whit enamel with blue trim and highlights. For the
longest time those panels were only covered up, it would be nice knowing if they are still
there. And in the back of his office were the original Seeburg speakers that had been there.

John is a nice guy, and I appreciate his dedication to keeping it going, when I have to
believe he is not making anything on it.

Yeah, Red has to be rolling in his grave.

Thanks for the memories David.

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[Gary Rice]

Everyone's certainly entitled to their opinion, especially where restaurants are concerned.

Dad and I have eaten at John's many times, and have absolutely never been disappointed with our selections. Over the years, we've gotten to know John and his employees, and they have been very friendly and accommodating to us.

Now, by comparison, just last night, I stopped at one of Lakewood's newer places and ordered up a few burgers and fries to take out. No drinks, just the burgers and fries, mind you. Nice place indeed. Fantastic burgers, great fries and...
a whopping HUGE bill to go with them!

Well, sometimes all that's important to Dad and I is a plate of good hot food cheap.

By the way, John's parking lot can indeed be crowded, particularly at weekday breakfast time. He seems to do OK. He's been there many years.

Back to the banjo.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Everyone's certainly entitled to their opinion, especially where restaurants are concerned.

Dad and I have eaten at John's many times, and have absolutely never been disappointed with our selections. Over the years, we've gotten to know John and his employees, and they have been very friendly and accommodating to us.

Now, by comparison, just last night, I stopped at one of Lakewood's newer places and ordered up a few burgers and fries to take out. No drinks, just the burgers and fries, mind you. Nice place indeed. Fantastic burgers, great fries and...
a whopping HUGE bill to go with them!

Well, sometimes all that's important to Dad and I is a plate of good hot food cheap.

By the way, John's parking lot can indeed be crowded, particularly at weekday breakfast time. He seems to do OK. He's been there many years.

Back to the banjo.

Gary

I have not been to John's in years, and I do owe it to him to try again. I am glad that it
works for you and Bob.

You are correct for years you could get a burger and fries through John's that was arguably
one of the best burgers in town for $1.00 less that McDonald's a block away, and about as
fast.

I will certainly give it a shot, and report back.

Thanks for the upbeat message and the banjo this morning.

.

[Missy Limkemann]

I was at John's Diner a few years ago. OK, about 7 years ago because I remember I was pregnant (and Sir Franks is going to be 7 this year). I think I ordered breakfast and I remember it being delicious. It was one of the only breakfasts I could keep down. (side note: I was very very sick during my pregnancy, in the hospital for long stretches, had to have an in-home nurse here while I walked around with an IV pole. Couldn't eat or drink for the first 5 months...lost 40 pounds) I keep saying I have to go back and try it again. Maybe this week, I will do so.

[Jim O'Bryan]

David

Correction

Floyd was the short order cook right behind the counter. Winne and Myrtle working the
counter and other 20 seat.

Floyd was a total piece of work. We often eat their as kids. Winnie and Myrtle making sure
we finished our plate before getting pie, while Floyd would tell us boys things like "how to
bet on the ponies" "tattoos he had seen..." "about his time in the miltary..." stuff you kids
just ate up. In retrospect, hilarious deep wisdom was passed over that counter.

.

[Gary Rice]

There's another perspective that I think, needs to be brought to bear when looking at this issue.

I think that oftentimes, people get so wrapped up in welcoming the newest and trendiest businesses (and people!) to our community that we sometimes can lose sight of the fact that we have one of the largest and nicest group of senior citizens (and for that matter "senior" businesses!) in this city whom Dad and I have ever seen. (including senior business PEOPLE, by the way who keep on making a living here, while benefiting this city immeasurably!)

Since some of them might not wish to be known as being "seniors", I'll leave their names out of this discussion, but the fact remains that when we have those Lakewood volunteer appreciation breakfasts and banquets, there are senior volunteers out there in abundance, doing their part to keep this city moving- and it would not take too long to identify perhaps a dozen or more long-time Lakewood businesses successfully being run by so-called "senior citizens", long past the time when they might easily otherwise have retired to some sunny climate.

John's Diner is a long-time Lakewood business that has proven to be a real winner with quite a few people over the years. Just because someone might want another food option than John's might offer does not mean that this classic diner does not continue to satisfy many Lakewoodites.

As I approach my 60th birthday, more and more have I come to appreciate whatever and whomever has been able to stand the test of time.

Just because many in this town want to see more "young and trendy"stuff (and that certainly has a place here too!) does not mean there's no room left here for the "seasoned and classic" crowd!

(Particularly when a place like John's is investing in our city with tasteful modern updates and renovations)

Back to that old banjo...and a hot steaming plate of John's corned beef!

[Jim O'Bryan]

9:30 pm 6.08.2011 the painter assures us this is the last paining to be done and
the renovations are complete.



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