Bonnie's - April 11

Her perspective: C

We have gone to this diner many times for breakfast on the weekends and is one of our favorites.

However, this visit was an exception. They were busier than when we usually go, so it took a few minutes for our server to come over. She took our drink order and brought back our two Mountain Dews, asking if we were ready to order.

We were. I ordered the Buttermilk special with bacon and the eggs cooked over medium. William ordered the 2x2x2 with eggs basted and added a side of toast. We had waited for about 12-15 minutes when our server came over and asked if we had ordered and what we had ordered because she couldn't find our ticket. She tried to assure us that the kitchen probably had it almost done, she just couldn't find the ticket and wanted to check.

Our food arrived a couple of minutes later and she went back for William's side of toast. I tried the bacon and found it was cold, so I touched the eggs, which were also cold. The pancakes, however, were nice and hot. When she came back with the toast, I told her that my eggs and bacon were cold and she said that she would have them remake it.

What actually happened, though, was that they put the eggs and bacon back in a pan and reheated. I could tell it was the same bacon and the eggs were exactly the same, just with a bit more color. Not to mention that my eggs were still over easy, not over medium.

When she dropped off my reheated food, she said she would get us refills, but never did. She never checked back on the food after that either. She finally dropped off the check while I was still eating and pre-bussed the table.

She was pleasant enough, but didn't really know what she was doing. I overheard her say to another table that she was new and they were busy, but that doesn't explain her forgetting if we ordered, then the kitchen messing up my food.

We'll have to let some time pass before we try to go back to this one.

Mickey's Diner - July 14, 2007

1950 7th St W
St Paul, MN 55116

Her perspective: A

I always love going to Mickey's. It is the ultimate greasy spoon/diner. The food is always excellent. Just like all good greasy spoons, it's basically a hole in the wall, but the food more than makes up for it. Open 24 hours and two locations with a very casual, unpretentious atmosphere. The one in downtown St. Paul is always crowded and hard to get a seat, but there's a novelty about eating in a railway car. There is another one just a few miles down the road that I think is St. Paul's best kept secret. There is always at least one open booth and space at the counter - at least when I've been there.

William and I both ordered a light breakfast called Fry 2: 2 eggs, choice of bacon, sausage or ham and toast. It all came out very quickly and cooked perfectly. There were two waitresses working and both worked together to make sure all the guests were taken care of. In the entry-way, there are papers such as City Pages and, my favorite, The Onion. I usually read the Onion to William while we're waiting and while we eat.

It's very quick; you can be in and out within a half hour. It's also one of the few places that serves breakfast all day, which is perfect for weekends. Also, because it's open 24 hours, it's great for those after-bar hunger pangs.