Randy's Diner

Long live the shabby diner!

Stevo, my out-of-town guest, and I came across Randy’s Diner when we decided to visit the Museum of Flight, on a whim.

I had no idea that Stevo was even remotely interested in airplanes until we were driving along East Marginal Way S, and he excitedly exclaimed “Is that a Concord?!” and we decided to pull in for a look.

I’d been warned that the Museum of Flight takes a good four hours to complete, and at 12 noon my tummy was rumbling.

Now I’m aware that the Museum of Flight has a cafeteria with a range of offerings, but I glimpsed the Randy’s sign from the roadway, and I was intrigued.

The five minute walk served to whet my appetite and confirm that it was indeed grease that I wanted.

The exterior was delightfully ramshackle and the interior was a feast for the eyes. Amid a bright orange and hot-pink décor, hundreds of model airplanes are suspended from the ceiling.

Nothing like this where Stevo comes from, and he took in the place with a mix of comic delight and awe.

We were seated in a booth near the window, and we agreed it was “just like in the movies”, and Stevo had never seen anything like it!

Our waitress was prompt, and scratched at her notepad in shorthand as I ordered the BLT and Stevo ordered a Randy Burger with Cheese. She didn’t even bat an eyelid when we ordered an extra side of fries and beef gravy.

Within 5 minutes the food was on our table and we enjoyed the simple, unhealthy tastiness of it all. You get what you ask for here, nothing more, nothing less.

We set up our side of fries in the middle, next to the beef gravy and set a saucer of ketchup in a saucer next to that. Using my fork to spear a crinkle fry, I guided it to the next plate and ran the fry through the beef gravy. Then like a factory line I ran the gravy-fry through the ketchup. It’s delicious, trust me.

We finished our meal and stood up to pay the waitress who looked like she was straight out of the 1960’s, complete with winged glasses and teased hair.

We then walked 0.4 miles back toward the Museum of Flight with happy tummies and happy wallets.

Our experience was wholesome and honest. Randy’s may not have the best food in Seattle, but they don’t pretend to either.  

Photo with thanks : http://www.flickr.com/photos/ponyapprehension/2512155443/