I knew only two things about the 50s Diner. The first was that the oblong, original stainless-steel diner, with accents of aqua and white, is adorable. In front, the sign features vintage drawings of food. The signs on the side say “CHICKEN -STEAK” in block letters.

The second thing I knew was that the parking lot was always full. It’s smallish inside, with fewer than a dozen booths and a row of short stools at the counter. John, Pat, John and I settled into a booth on the back wall, which enabled us to get a good look at its ingenious construction. Fitted with drawers, latching panels and compact storage areas, the kitchen looked as though everything could be stowed and taken on the road at any moment. Plenty of ‘50s memorabilia set the mood.

So did the menu. Along with breakfast, served anytime, the selections are plain American food, from grilled cheese to burgers and fries.

A turkey sub at $4.75 was not the half we expected, but a full sub on a fresh, soft roll. The deli turkey was flavorful and the accompanying vegetables cool and crisp; the description offered was “excellent.”

The breaded chicken breast sandwich on a roll, served with lettuce and blue cheese, was also a steal at $4.75. The chicken breast was moist inside a satisfyingly crunchy coating. A side of fries, hot and crispy, completed the plate.

The other side of the table went for breakfast and was just as satisfied.

Three pancakes ($3.95) were plate-fillers, perfectly cooked and served steaming. They were flat rather than fluffy, but tender and slightly sweet. A Western omelette ($6.25) stuffed with chopped peppers, onion, ham and plenty of cheese, was served with toast (white, wheat, rye or raisin) and a full complement of crispy home fries—really, too much to eat.

Appropriately for the venue, the hash was the crowning glory of the table. “Do you want that crispy?” the efficient server had asked, and to our enthusiastic yes, it was fried to a perfect cake of crispy goodness on one side. The other side remained moist, with a familiar salty taste. Except for one hash-averse soul, we all sampled it and smiled.

The 50s Diner is open from 7 a. m. to 2 p. m. Saturday through

Wednesday and from 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. Thursday and Friday. It has two shallow steps at the door.