ST. LOUIS - People say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I'm here to remind you of an important little fact: it's only vital if you are eating at the right place.
Southwest Diner is the breakfast joint you need in your life, because it combines the four most important things about eating out: tasty food, good people, good service, and consistency.
You'll walk into the front door and seat yourself, except on the weekends when it's rocking from open to close, and you take a seat on the party bus parked outside.
Yeah, a bus with adult beverages and bacon strips awaits those who have to wait for a table instead of eardrum nagging music and a stiff booth inside a lobby. With owners Jonathan Jones and Anna Sidel, comfort is key.
You'll be greeted by the likes of Eric Nemens, who is one of the coolest dudes on the planet and looks like he got off Peal Jam's tour bus, or Max Price, who works at the diner when he isn't dishing comedy on the stage at The Funny Bone. "Nice Guy" Johnny was the first crew member hired, and he also lent his talents to the artwork seen outside the front door. He's always got a smile on his face.
Let's talk about the food. Southwest Diner offers a Mexican twist on the standard breakfast entree menu. Instead of getting scrambled eggs, you'll get Jonathan's Famous Fiery Scramble, which gives the dish just the right amount of heat to know you are eating something made with care. Some morningstar sausage, a side of crispy potatoes and slice of rye toast will accompany the dish all for the price of eight dollars.
Do you like breakfast burritos? Southwest Diner offers the New Mexico Breakfast Burrito, stuffed with goodness like veggie chorizo and potatoes, with cheese baked on top. The rocket to bacon land omelet is delicious, as well as the fried egg sandwich if you want to kick it old school.
But let's say that you want to really lean into it, and go for broke. Try out the Southwest Slinger or Country Fried Steak. I will admit some light stretching and belly rubbing would be wise, because these dishes will make you feel good and fill you up for the entire day. Each dish is exactly how you would imagine, but bigger and more flavorful.
If you are feeling particularly frisky, toss that monstrous burrito on top of a pile of red and green chiles for extra heat, or substitute calabacitas (sauteed corn, squash, and corn) for the potatoes to truly tap into that New Mexico state of mind. Those in the hunt for something different will like the Black Bean Burger, which you can get with onion rings or hand cut French fries. The variety of food served here will put you in a good mood faster than a shot of bourbon. Oh, ask for the sopaipilla instead of toast or a biscuit. Grab some honey while you're at it.
With Southwest Diner, you get the comfort of affordability and portion size. Let's just say I wouldn't advise a gym visit after leaving. You'll want to find a soft surface, locate six episodes of a Netflix series, and a place for the mind to drift.
For me, it's a piece of home. I look back in the kitchen and see Jonathan Lee, who went to Brentwood High School just like Anna and myself. I can nod to him and know my food will be cooked to perfection while the lovely Monica Mileur, an aspiring photographer and writer, comes over to fill up my coffee and lay a few smiles on me. When you walk in Southwest Diner, you are treated like family.
In this place, the servers don't forget about the little things: keep the coffee and water cup full, check in just enough, and look happy. Part of eating out is being around people who love what they do and do it well. Southwest Diner always makes me feel good.
Jones and Sidel first dropped a tease of their food's magic abilities years ago on customers when they rocked a food truck in Tower Grove's Farmers Market. Oh, and that Holy Crepe converted bus used to be the means of transportation and distribution. When Southwest Diner opened back in June of 2012, St. Louis had gotten bits and pieces of the menu, but wanted more. They have been getting it seven days a week for breakfast and lunch ever since.
National news is even starting to take notice. This month, Jones was interviewed on HBO's Vice News, talking about Governor Eric Greitens situation and how the city and state have been affected by minimum wage laws.
The core ingredient of the diner remains simple: good food, good people, and consistency. Every restaurant or diner aims to provide you with the same quality you got the last time.
Southwest Diner manages to give you quality and quantity every time, with a stiff drink on the side to match well with the food. I'm talking about a Bloody Mary with a piece of bacon in it.
Just say no to IHop and Waffle House, and come down to Southwest Diner instead. I promise you won't be disappointed, and your stomach will give you a standing ovation upon your exit.
You may also make a few friends in the process.