The American-style diner first appeared after World War II, serving as a symbol of recovery from the years of crisis: by the beginning of the ’50s, thanks to the economic recovery from the Great Depression thanks to the war industry, most families could afford to go out for breakfast or lunch.
Although the diner is still an evolving institution in America these days, its basic function remains unchanged, as these comfy laid-back hangouts welcome everyone in almost every town as lively settings full of nostalgia. Hungarians often envied America for having this sort of eatery – here it is an alien phenomenon for waitresses to continually refill your coffee mug without being asked. Therefore, a married couple decided to bring this American experience to Budapest.
Other than WOW, the only restaurants that attempted to create this atmosphere were Dallas (deep in District III) and the Sunny Diner of the Hűvösvölgy suburb – but this newcomer works with a unique concept.
The WOW American Retro Diner is more of a combination of a restaurant and a performance-art piece. It’s a small but visually stupendous space with a gallery, a counter, and knickknacks from the US; among the design elements, there’s a jukebox, checkered floor tiles, and waitresses dressed as pin-up girls, which definitely gives the atmosphere a time-transcending air.
As for the foods, calorie-rich American breakfasts are star attractions on the menu, most of which might look strange for Hungarians at first – but we’re sure that anyone can take a liking to stacks of thick pancakes rather quickly.
We tasted a Cadillac Eldorado milkshake (classic strawberry shake with a cocktail cherry, Funfetti, and Hershey strawberry syrup), Natalie Wood waffles (giant American waffles with vanilla cream, caramelized apples with cinnamon, maple syrup, and walnuts – 1,390 HUF), Melrose Place pancakes (a short stack of three American-style pancakes with strawberry cheesecake cream, white chocolate chips, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries – 1,490 HUF), and the Elvis Presley bagel (toasted bagel, bacon, fried egg, cheddar cheese, red onion, butter – 690 HUF), and found that the dishes are rather light and easy to consume despite the massive portions... although we’re pretty sure that Elvis never ate a bagel in his entire life.
Similarly to the furnishings, the kitchen equipment is from America as well, so guests can always depend on enjoying the same quality. All the while, classic hits of old-time rock ’n’ roll fill the air, completing the American Graffiti-style blast to the past.
By popular demand, future plans for WOWDiner include introducing hamburgers, as well as providing a very 21st-century selection of dishes for those with food allergies and alternative diets. We dig it, daddy-o!
WOW American Retro Diner
Address:
1065 Budapest, Nagymező Street 37-39
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