50’s Diner Omelet House; a review by a mid-century enthusiast
As you may know, I’m a big fan of anything mid-century. This goes for architecture, furniture, film, books and even foodstuffs. Because I live in a neighborhood which prides itself on such representation, it is no surprise that 50’s Diner Omelet House has found success while planted in its center. Even though situated in the corner of a strip mall, from the outside the breakfast joint still screams legitimacy, for its posted hours are 7:30 am – 3:00 pm and its parking lot is packed. In addition, the restaurant’s wall of windows are covered by blinds. Only one thing comes to mind: ”Must find the treasures inside!”
Upon entering, I noted the elements of the usual diner spread; menus, sugar canisters, and single-serving jellies on tables, seating for 50 people not including the bonus room, a sign directing me to seat myself, a blackboard listing of-the-day specials and a black and white checkered floor. However, it was super clean, the walls were painted pink, valuable vintage records lined shelves, oldies music filled the air, and eclectic period memorabilia adorned the walls. The most interesting part of the collection was perhaps a 60-year-old candy machine brimming with weekly magazines.
Even though I entered the diner right before closing time at around 2:30 pm, I was still greeted kindly by the host, server and cook. I sat in a booth made for six and started analyzing the menu. It offered up the usual diner fare, like sandwiches, burgers, chili and breakfast items. But there was an entire page dedicated to 39 specialty three-egg and six-egg omelets, served with house-recipe-spuds and choice of bread. Because ‘omelet’ is included in the diner’s name, I decided to go for it, and picked a meat lover’s omelet ($6.50) listed as one of the blackboard specials, along with the risky cream of cilantro ($2.00) listed as the soup d’jour. I also ordered a ‘Doo-Wop’ soft drink ($1.70), which consisted of picking a flavored syrup to compliment a soda. I decided on a vanilla Coke.
The soda arrived in less than a minute accompanied by a small cup of extra syrup which wasn’t needed but appreciated. The cream of cilantro soup arrived a minute later and I was surprised at how layered the flavors were. It was light and broth-y, yet there was a hint of onion and cream. The fresh pieces of cilantro melted in my mouth. I finished my last spoonful just as my meat-lover’s omelet arrived with fresh spuds and homemade pumpkin nut bread. The omelet was massive, for it was made with six eggs and filled with applewood smoked bacon, crumbled sausage and cheddar cheese. The spuds looked like and had the consistency of kettle-cooked potato chips, which complimented the soft and cheesy omelet. I enjoyed the pumpkin nut bread the most, and the kind server even shoved an extra slice into my take-home box which I didn’t discover until the next day.
If you’re a fan of diners, omelets or both, 50’s diner Omelet House is a must-visit. I’m hoping to become a regular, for it is centrally located in my neighborhood. Moreover, I want to make the owner an offer on some of that vintage vinyl.
50’s Diner Omelet House is located at 3050 E Desert Inn Rd. #140 Las Vegas NV 89121. It is open seven days a week 7:30 am - 3:00 pm. Directions
