Restaurant Review: Mama's 39th Street Diner

After waking up early on Saturday morning, Dave decided that he wanted pancakes. Not just any pancakes (including those that I could make in the kitchen). He wanted real, fluffy, big pancakes. Pancakes that can only be found at greasy spoon cafes. And that's how we ended up at Mama's 39th Street Diner.

We had heard about the establishment from friends, acquaintances and even Guy Fieri. Mama's was featured in an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in March 2008 and ever since seeing the show late last year, we've been dying to try it out. Well, a year or so later, we finally made it. On the episode, Guy features two things: the Corned Beef Hash and the giant selection of omelets. Since Dave's mind was already set on pancakes, we agreed that it would be best if I tried a combination of both that Guy recommended. I perused the menu of 66 different omelets and finally decided on the Corned Beef, Bacon and Cheddar omelet that came complete with a side of browns and toast.

While waiting for our food, we enjoyed taking in all that is the unique about Mama's. From the brightly colored walls and booths, to the vibrant and hurried staff, and the giant pieces of cake rotating around in the dessert display, there was plenty to observe. Because the menu was so large and a bit overwhelming when we were ordering, I went back up to the hostess stand so that we could further examine what Mama's offers. And let me tell you--they have everything. Dave can't wait to go back so that he can try the 37,000 other things they have on the menu. Specifically, he is interested in the Chicken Fried Steak Omelet and the Italian Beef Sandwich. I'm dying to try the omelet with lox and cream cheese.

Upon the arrival of our food, we were both astonished. Dave was immediately pulled in by the gravitational pull of the pancakes...these things were seriously close to the diameter of a basketball. After pouring a substantial amount of syrup on these two behemoth discs, he dove into the soft, fluffy goodness. Ten minutes later, they were only halfway gone. As far as the omelet goes, it was everything we expected it to be. There was cheese. Bacon. And Corned Beef. What more could you ask for? And the hash browns. Oh, the hash browns. I am a potato fanatic and savored every bit. They were a perfect combination of crispy and soft. You seriously got a bit of each in every bite.

Will we go back to Mama's again? I imagine there is a good chance that Dave will wake me up tomorrow morning, craving the savory goodness that Mama's 39th Street Diner has to offer.