Jeff’s Hot Rod Diner reminds of iconic TV hangouts
Manager Shawn Meidinger shows off the Hot Rod Omelette at Jeff's Hot Rod Diner in Santaquin on Wednesday.
The Primavera Pasta at Jeff's Hot Rod Diner. To read the Herald's review, visit http://bit.ly/1lGyVe1
Manager Shawn Meidinger cooks the Primavera Pasta at Jeff's Hot Rod Diner.
Since I’m a total TV junkie, as part of my restaurant review this week on Jeff’s Hot Rod Diner in Santaquin I thought I would pay a quick homage to some of my favorite, famous, iconic diners from television.
One of the first diners I vividly recall was the best place to catch Fonzie in all his jukebox slamming, womanizing glory — Arnold’s from “Happy Days.”
Then there was Mel’s Diner, the place where sassy waitress Flo would tell that cantankerous Mel to “kiss my grits” on the ’80s sitcom “Alice.”
The Peach Pit was clearly the coolest place to spread all sorts of high school gossip while indulging in pie for Brandon, Kelly, Dylan, Brenda and the gang of “90210.”
Sitting in a booth at Monk’s, Jerry would often get dragged into George’s latest dating or money-making scheme in “Seinfeld.”
And then there was Lorelai and Rory, breathlessly stringing together random pop culture-laced, rapid-fire insults to the townspeople of Stars Hollow while sitting at the bar of Luke’s Diner in “Gilmore Girls.”
Ah, so many zany, hilarious moments set amid the chatting diners, clinking cash register, sticky vinyl booths, and clattering of dirty dishes.
Maybe that is part of the reason my family has recently enjoyed going to Jeff’s Hot Rod Diner. Memories are sure to be made as we munch on our order of cheese fries, sip on our Dr. Peppers and pick out songs on the jukebox.
The Hot Rod Diner is actually a reclaimed One-Man Band restaurant that has been customized into a popular hangout for multiple generations of South County residents. High schoolers head over after class for a basket of fries. Local farmers enjoying their cups of coffee after wrapping up their early-morning chores. Families gathered with the kids for a fun evening out.
The menu at the diner is vast — everything from breakfast to desserts, pasta to burgers, and more. Choosing is no easy task, but my family and I are quick to offer up our favorite recommendations.
Top entree choice is the Chicken Fried Steak. While not a huge portion (probably a good thing), this favorite is served either with french fries or veggies or a baked potato after 5 p.m. They also throw in a fresh scone with honey butter, too.
My newest favorite is the Monte Cristo sandwich — ham, turkey and cheese dipped into an egg batter and grilled until it’s perfectly melty. The best way to eat this, in my opinion, is dipped in your favorite flavor of jam like strawberry or blackberry. Served with a generous helping of french fries, this makes a great lunch or dinner.
The other item that must be ordered when dining at Hot Rod’s is the basket of seasoned, ooey gooey cheese fries. I’m not exactly sure what the peppery seasoning is on those fries, but my family just gobbles them up, especially when dunked in fry sauce.
The menu also boasts platters featuring salmon, a lemon pepper chicken and even a ribeye steak. Pasta options include the Blackened Chicken Alfredo and Primavera. Navajo tacos, chicken quesadillas, a chicken cordon bleu sandwich, and a classic bacon cheese burger are also featured on the menu.
And don’t forget to check out the breakfast options that are served all day like the Huevos Rancheros, Philly Omelette, French Toast and more.
Whether craving those cheese fries or wanting to enjoy a fresh-cooked dinner as a family, Jeff’s Hot Rod Diner is a great option.
JEFF’S HOT ROD DINER
Where: 175 E. Main St., Santaquin
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Info: (801) 754-3668