Dad's Diner A-Go-Go

It came highly recommended. Some restaurants have a hard time meeting expectations. Others, like this one, thrive on it.

For food, service, and atmosphere, Dad's Diner of Anacortes hit all the marks. It helps that I had Dad himself serve me. At least, thats what I believe. That's what I told myself. He was clearly in charge, having fun, and acting like he was the Dad. At some point I decided not to ask him because I didnt want the narrative I'd spun in my mind to be compromised. Better that way.

There was no host at the door and I saw two open tables along the wall. As I made a move to occupy one, I caught the eye of what appeared to be the only waittress. Pointing at the open table of my intent, I mouthed, "I'll grab this one..." She blocked my progress with a quick shake of her head, "We have a waiting list. Use the QR code on the sandwich sign outside to put your name on it." I departed with my tail between my legs.

Sure enough, there were instructions and a QR code on a sandwich sign right outside the door. For a place that had an old-school vibe through and through, this was something I hadn't expected, but I liked it. I scanned the QR code and within seconds was 5th on the waiting list. "45 minutes," it told me in reward to my obeisance. Ugh. Well, I thought, lets give it a few minutes to see what happens.

I grabbed a spot on a bench and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Anacortes' main drag, a menagerie of sightseerers, locals, and merchants going about their business seemingly oblivious to those around them. It reminded me of a scene from a movie. Martin Scorcese couldn't have done better with an army of extras trying to earn their actors union cards.

Just then, Dad peaked his head out the door and intoned, "Who all is waiting for a table?" I was the only one who raised my hand. He looked at me, "Come on in!" and seated me at the table of my original intent. Old school, like I thought.

"What do you want to drink?" he got right to the point. "Coffee," I dutifully replied. "And to eat?" he followed up. "Uh oh," I thought, "was I supposed to have scanned another QR code?"

"I haven't seen a menu, yet," I honestly replied. "No problem. It's right on the wall. Or you can use the QR code on the napkin holder," advised Dad, "lemme know when you're ready," and hurriedly walked away. Of course, a QR code.

A few minutes later Dad returned with my coffee and I was ready. "How about the Redneck Benedict?" I questioned. He smiled, "Perfect choice for a first-timer like you. What kind of meat? Ham, bacon, sausage or smoked brisket?" I'm a bit of a connoisseur of eggs benedict and not only had I never had it with brisket, I'd never heard of it with brisket! "Oh, the brisket, of course," I quickly replied. He smiled again, "Great choice. I'm gonna do your eggs over easy. Is that a problem?" "Perfect," I replied. He smiled again and was off with a flourish to put my order in. Dad was one of those people who was always in motion. You have to match their cafence and roll with it. Otherwise, youngum up the works.
I was left to enjoy my coffee, a local roast called Fidalgo's, thats the name of this island, and enjoy the din of conversation that filled the atmosphere of Dad's diner. It was similar to what I'd found out on the street, but even more energetic with a congenial, neighborly tone. Minutes later Dad was back with my benedict.

"You’ll want to use our hot sauce, Badassco. It's at this point in our relationship where I won't bother you unless you ask. Enjoy your meal." And he was off.

Enjoy it I did. The brisket was lean and dripping with smoky flavor. The sawmill gravy had enough sausage and bacon that I was reassured by my decision to opt for the brisket. It was as if Dad put sausage, bacon, and brisket on my benedict. Dad's hot sauce was just the right combination of spicy and savory. I knew I'd added just the right amount when my eyes teared up just a bit. It came with diced potatoes that were perfectly browned, crispy on the outside, and pillowy on the inside. This Dad guy really knew what he was doing.

The toughest task of this breakfast was slowing my pace. But i did. Each bite full was a taste explosion. I now understood why Dad's Diner A-Go-Go had such high ratings. It was that good. I didn't know if Id ever be back, but tipped appropriately to show my sincere appreciation. Then I was off for a stroll down Anacortes' main avenue. I meal like that demands a walk.

If you ever come to Anacortes, and you may, since it's the gateway to Friday Harbor and whale watching in the San Juan Islands, I highly recommend partaking in a meal at Dad's. Tell him the Silverback sent you.