Restaurant Review: All Aboard Diner in Lake City, PA

Drive around on State Highway 18, north of I-90 in Lake City, PA, and you're likely to find a few historical landmarks here and there. One of my favorites is a tiny little family restaurant called the All Aboard Diner. At one time, the restaurant itself used to be a food car on a train. It was removed from the tracks, added to and refurbished, and made into a cozy little diner. The staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is charming. There are various photos and drawings of local buildings from around town, as well as train memorabilia and other historical artifacts pertaining to the town. The wait staff wears a cute little conductor's hat, white shirts, and black pants and shoes, to add to the ambiance. They even put in a horse-shoe counter with stools, just like you'd find in a real food car. There is a model train that runs on a track above the diner's heads and circles the entire place (minus the kitchen, of course, for sanitary reasons). The train is usually only run for children and those who ask, but they are more than happy to oblige anyone who requests a drive-by.

The food is as comforting as the surroundings, and varies from day to day. Served on the menu all the time are favorites, including dishes like chicken parmesan, bacon cheeseburgers, and fried seafood dishes. They also carry a wide array of desserts to choose from.

Parking is plentiful, but if you decide to go, make it a late breakfast or early dinner. The tables fill up fast, especially on Sunday morning. If you want a newspaper, you may have to pick through the discard pile at the door after 11am. It's a great place to have a cup of coffee and catch up on the daily news in Erie County.