Sometimes you feel like something fancy or exotic, maybe both, for lunch. Other times, that midday meal calls for something a bit more on the simpler side. Friday was one of those days in our household.
In addition to being simpler, I also wanted something close to home. We were able to find both in the Newellstown Diner at 145 W. Main St. in downtown St. Clairsville.
Newellstown is a true definition of a diner. It’s a greasy spoon, though I seldom use that term because it feels like it has a negative connotation. But it fits here, minus the greasy part.
The aesthetics are Newellstown make you think vintage 1960s diner. Upon entering, you get the sense that this is a place where members of the community can come, eat, and discuss the news of the day. This is a place to catch up on all the important goings-on in town.
The menu is relatively simple, but with enough variety to satisfy even picky eaters. There’s also the other fixture of a proper diner, the daily special. Co-owner Terra Butler takes to Facebook daily to post about Newellstown’s special for the day each morning on its FB page. Some of the specials last week included street tacos, chicken quesadillas, and Friday, it was Coleman’s fish.
I love Coleman’s fish, even outside of Lent, but in trying a new restaurant, I didn’t want to review something that comes from a different restaurant. There’s plenty on the menu at Newellstown to sample. So that’s what we did. And, the best part? For once, no one ordered chicken fingers.
The Food
I was in the mood for something relatively different, and considering the gf menu, I opted to try one of the burgers; I didn’t want both of us to get the same thing. The breakfast menu looked incredible, so I’ll have to return.
Seeing as it was lunchtime, I opted for the fried chicken sandwich. I’m not really a veggie person, and I like actual seasoning, not mayo, so I asked our friendly server to hold the lettuce, tomato, and mayo. I did request her to bring Frank’s Red Hot. Mixing equal parts Frank’s and ketchup I’ve found makes a tasty sauce. My meal came with French fries.
She got a bacon cheeseburger and decided to get onion rings instead of the fries, or house-made chips.
My sandwich was pretty good. It was two big pieces of fried chicken strips on the bun. They had a good taste without the sauce and even better with. The fries reminded me of the style and texture of fries you’ll find out at county fairs. They were good, but not my favorite.
The gf loved her burger and insisted I try a sample. Naturally I did, and I concurred with her assessment. The burgers are Newellstown are pretty tasty. It didn’t crack my top five, but it’s definitely one I’d purchase again, especially the one that comes with 1000 Island on it. That sounded delicious.
The onion rings were pretty good too; a good flavor profile and just the right mixture of fried breading and onion, not too much on either side.
If you want a quick, affordable meal in a relaxing environment, give Newellstown a try. It also features milkshakes, which are not that my waistline needs, but I may have to return to try. Diner? Milkshake? Kind of go hand in hand.
