Hungry Detective: Angelo’s Diner

I wanted to try something different this week. I have met some truly awesome people throughout my blogging journey, but a part of me was wondering how much extra charm is caked on to a restaurant when the owners are fully aware that I will be writing about my experience for this site. To get the true family owned experience, I needed to present myself as an ordinary customer, and I knew exactly where I wanted to visit.

Angelo’s diner is located at 26 North Main Street in Glassboro and is considered somewhat of a Rowan University staple for the hungry and hungover student body. It has been suggested to me many times throughout my college career to pay a visit, and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to discover what the huge appeal was. Upon walking into the small, metal plated structure, it felt like I had just walked into the year 1965. I read a sign on the wall stating “Sorry, no credit or debit cards accepted” and couldn’t help but smile when I noticed the prehistoric cash register that took up the entirety of the front counter. After sprinting to the nearest ATM I continued my analysis. The usual antsy crowd that I have come to expect at today’s diners were replaced with bubbly seniors sipping coffee and reading their newspapers (yes, real newspapers. I forgot they existed, too.) As I slid into one of the few booths to choose from at Angelo’s I was filled with an absolutely amazing sense of warmth; something that most eateries today don’t offer on their menu.

I was greeted with a smile and given a few minutes to choose my breakfast. I went as classic as I could think of- a western omelette with a short stack of pancakes. My smile widened when it arrived. The food itself was no work of art, and somehow I found that all the more appreciable. While it certainly wasn’t the most exotic dish this blog has brought me to, I think it’s safe to say that it was the most genuine, and in my opinion it’s something that speaks louder.

 

Western omelette, home fries, and a short stack

After just one visit I can already tell that Angelo’s has become a Saturday morning staple for me. I’ll take the honest taste of simple food over quick alternatives any day. I thank Angelo’s for helping me realize that the people I meet for this blog are not awesome because I’m visiting them; I’m visiting them because they’re awesome people.

Gloucester’s Most Important Meal of the Day

Hans, “Omelette Cranberries Pancake Crepe” November 18, 2011 via PixaBay, Creative Commons Attribution.

Writing for this blog has led me to some of the most delicious dinners that I have ever tasted during my two years in Gloucester County. However, I couldn’t go out and find so many great restaurants without starting my day with a hearty breakfast. Here are some of the standout family owned breakfast joints that Gloucester has to offer.

Harrison House, 98 North Main Street, Mullica Hill NJ 08062: The Harrison House Diner has been “serving only the freshest of ingredients with friendly service” for over 30 years, catering to both its devoted local fan base as well as hungry travelers just stopping in. Enjoy a relaxing morning at Harrison’s while indulging on unique and savory dishes such as their Crabcake Benedict or fried egg sliders, both available on the breakfast menu. 

Five Point Diner, 1890 Hurffville Road, Deptford NJ 08096: As you walk into Five Point Diner your nostrils will be treated to the sweet scent of freshly baked goods, and the earlier you show up the more potent it will be! Five Point’s entire display case, which houses cakes, pies, and other sweets, is refilled every morning. If you’re not craving anything sweet, you’ll still have plenty to choose from the breakfast menu.

Winslow Family Diner, 491 Williamstown Road, Sickerville NJ 08081: If you demand fine, fresh, and never frozen ingredients, consider visiting Winslow’s to start your day. Although the menu isn’t as long and unique as some others on this list, you’re always guaranteed one thing at Winslow’s; crisp, clean, and always delicious dishes.

Metro Diner, Route 130 & Browning Lane, Brooklawn NJ 08030: If variety is key, Metro Diner has you covered. Their menu offers over 40 omelette combinations, 15 pancake options, and over ten waffle dishes. They also feature an onsite bakery where fresh goods are prepared every morning.