The more you look around in ‘Cuse, the more you realize it’s jam packed with small diners, many of which have been here for years. Places like Stella’s, Mother’s Cupboard, the Quick Cup and the West End Diner specialize in maximum bang for the buck–huge plates of eggs, bacon and home fries stacked high with thick slabs of toast on Italian bread. Topped off with prices in the $5-7 range, there’s no doubt in my mind that the local diner culture is thriving–and one worth investigating. It isn’t unique to Syracuse, but the diner food “genre” has always fascinated me. I’m just about old enough to remember the time before the smoking ban when the unhealthiness of diner food was only rivaled by that of second-hand smoke, but still I always loved the diner experience. You have to assume that you’re walking into a greasy spoon no matter where you go, but there’s just nothing like grabbing a seat at the bar with a newspaper, coffee and a plate of eggs, fried potatoes and extensive pork products. It’s tough to pin down the exact thing I really love about diners but something about the casual, genuine and truly homemade food–as well as the humbleness of the hardworking folks who make them run–gets me every time.
One Syracuse diner, which for some completely crazy reason has stayed off my radar (until now) is Mom’s. Perfect place for a Guru Review! Located on 501 Westcott Street, the tiny, practically self-serve diner is nothing much to look at and was actually our second choice for breakfast. Now given that I hadn’t had a huge, greasy breakfast in a long time I was just as happy to try Mom’s Diner. As expected Mom’s is quite a small place, but larger than many other Syracuse diners. There are a few tables but passing on the option to stretch out in one of the many booths would be crazy. Let’s get one thing straight–if you plan on sitting there waiting for someone to bring menus and take your order, it won’t happen. Some might find this annoying but I respect them for it, diners aren’t about service–they’re about cheap food that will get you through the day. At Mom’s you find your seat, walk up to the counter and grab your own menu, bring it back to the table for browsing, then return to the counter to put in your order. Paying is the same thing; finish your food, go ask for the bill and pay it at the register. For some reason I found this total lack of service to be intriguing and was secretly hoping they’d say, “Cash only” to top off the old school diner vibe. They do accept cards as well as the Off-Campus Meal Plan if you’re a student at Syracuse University (perfect hangover food, just sayin’).
Our food came out very fast and was plentiful. I ordered two eggs and toast with home fries and bacon and my buddy went with Mom’s homemade spicy eggs over corned beef hash, which looked ridiculously good. Like most diners, the plates are simple and reminiscent of an extravagant breakfast at home. Most of the time I feel overwhelmed by diner portions but Mom’s seems to have it figured out. We both had exactly enough food and were able to finish everything put in front of us; it’s nice when nothing goes to waste. The home fries were diced into small pieces and on the well done side making them crispy and texturally-pleasing. Mushy home fries are my ultimate diner turn off. A few fork-fulls had me hooked–they had a spicy flavor that I loved but couldn’t place. Come to find out Mom’s uses just a touch of various Middle Eastern spices in their predominately American diner classics. While I can’t say exactly what they are, the flavors at Mom’s are enlivened in a way I’ve yet to experience in other ‘Cuse diners. Then there’s the eggs. It was refreshing to see actual scrambled eggs instead of the monochrome yellow, beaten and milk-mixed variety. Nothing kills the flavor or texture of scrambled eggs like whisking milk into them. My point: if you’re gonna call ‘em scrambled, they better damn well be scrambled. That’s just another example of a little touch that makes Mom’s stand out. Bacon and toast were basically standard diner quality, as one might expect. As I mentioned, my friend’s plate of spicy eggs and corned beef hash (highly recommend you try it) looked amazing–two sunny-side ups on a bed of corned beef hash, sprinkled with brownish spices.
It’s a subtle thing but if you really examine the food at Mom’s, everything on the menu has a signature touch. Whether it’s Middle Eastern spices sprinkled over the dish or something as simple as “real” scrambled eggs, Mom’s Diner pleases and satisfies your mid-morning appetite for cheap–no matter how big it may be.
Because Mom’s Diner provides excellent, affordable food with a Mid Eastern twist and an inviting, friendly atmosphere it’s now:
Mom’s Diner
501 Westcott Street (Directions)
(315) 477-0141
Notes: Above average diner, cheap prices and consistency.
Menu from allmenus.com
Open seven days a week
Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Weekends: 7:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Weekends are busiest.
Guru Sponsors
