Restaurant Review: Avalon Diner in Stafford, Texas

When you walk into the Avalon Diner in Stafford, Texas you will think you have boarded a time machine. The smells and sounds of this establishment will transport you back to the 1930s. The wait staff is in period clothing complete with the paper hats.

The Avalon Diner dates back to 1938 in Houston, Texas. They opened the Stafford location 10 years ago and have been going strong ever since. Just because this location is not in an actual diner car does not mean it is not a traditional diner. Keeping with the tradition Avalon offers "Breakfast All Day". You can get the breakfast classics like the Big Breakfast which include two eggs with a choice of 1 ham steak or two meats (bacon, sausage patty or link), hash browns or grits and a choice of toast, biscuit with cream gravy or two pancakes. And to keep it on a healthy side they offer a cholesterol-free egg substitute or egg whites. Another favorite choice is the Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, a breaded cutlet topped with cream gravy, two eggs with hash browns or grits, toast or a biscuit for $8.75 (the highest priced breakfast item on the menu). Don't forget the Buttermilk Pancakes, French Toast and the Omelettes.

Now on to the more serious items that need to be considered. Freshly homemade in their bakery they have pies and cakes that will make your mouth scream. For instance, how does the Texas Pecan Pie or the Triple Chocolate Cake sound? Of course you can get all bakery items Ala mode. Speaking of ice cream, besides the traditional shakes, floats, malts and ice cream sodas you can get ice cream treats like the Turtle Split, a split banana with chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge and hot caramel with a heap of whipped cream, buttery pecans and a cherry on top. What a masterpiece! These dessert treats range from $1.65 to $5.25.

Now since I put dessert before the main meal I feel I must tell you about their wonderful other menu items. There are baskets of deep fried Golden Button Mushrooms, Chili Cheese Fries and Onion Rings, just to name a few, for appetizers ranging in price from $3.25 to $8.75. On with more traditional diner food such as steaming bowls of chili and soup, and crisp greens salads. A cup of the soup of the day will set you back $2.65 and the large salads are $7.45. They have the Drug Store Burgers, which are well dressed 1/3lb patties, Hot Dogs, Specialty Sandwiches and Wraps ranging in price $4.95 to $8.25. You can also get the Diner Classic Entrees such as Grilled Pork Chops or Marvin's T-Bone Steak, which is the most expensive item on the menu at $15.25.

Now this menu item is where I was convinced to be a regular customer (besides the desserts of course), they have what they call the Daily Blue Plate Specials. Not only do they offer wonderful food the price is amazing. For example on Wednesdays, your entrée choices are Chicken Pot Pie, Hamburger Steak, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef & Gravy or Roast Turkey & Dressing. Wow what a selection! Next is the choice of sides, on this particular day you can pick two or three of these sides, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Soup, White Rice & Gravy, Baby Lima Beans, Okra & Tomatoes, Black-eyed Peas, Baby Carrots or the Carrot Raisin Salad. All comes with hot rolls, cornbread muffins and butter. There is a different selection six days of the week. The plate with the choice of two sides is $6.75 and the plate with three sides is $7.25. It is an exceptional deal and the quality is magnificent. To see the rest of the huge menu you can visit the Avalon Diner Website.

Their service is exceptional and the restaurant is very bright and clean but if you come for breakfast be prepared to spend a few moments waiting for a booth. It be will worth every moment you wait!

Avalon Diner
12810 SW Freeway
Stafford, Texas 77477
Ph: 281-240-0213
Fax: 281-240-0356