Driving to work in the summer, out of the corner of my eye, I would always see people chatting outside this building. At a closer look I saw a sign that read “Cross Keys Diner Good Eats,” with Cross Keys always having a line out the door of families excited to get breakfast, and I always wondered if they indeed had good eats. Eventually, my curiosity got the best of me, and I turned into the lot to find out for myself what the hype was about. My first impression of the diner was that it was a very clean, simple and welcoming spot, with a ’90s aesthetic.
As I was seated, I could feel all the positive energy and couldn’t help but smile as I was greeted by my waiter and a menu, stacked to the brim full of options. I debated long and hard over all the possible things that I could order, but I eventually settled on the Belgian Short Stack, with an egg and cheese omelet. The waffles were delicious, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar. The egg and cheese omelet was also extremely well made, fluffy and well-seasoned. My waiter was extremely kind, coming over every couple of minutes to check up on me and make sure my water was always full.
Whether you’re a morning person or not, the breakfast at Cross Keys will make your day 100 times better. If you’re looking for your next breakfast obsession or a quick lunch meal, Cross Keys Diner is the place for you. Get there early, because this diner on Swamp Road always has a line out the door for its expansive breakfast menu and its fair prices. The restaurant has a classy, old-fashioned style, reminiscent of that of grandma’s house in the summer, with a warm and cozy atmosphere. With seating options of either swivel seats at a countertop or table seating, Cross Keys always has a spot for you, whether you have a group of people with you or it’s just you by yourself.
Opening at 7:00 and closing at 2:00 every day, the wait time is a short 5–10 minutes. When they show you to your seat, everyone you pass has a smile on their face. Opened in 1971, this diner still manages to make delicious, up-to-date food. The menu offers a multitude of different options for all those picky eaters in your life, with almost every type of omelet that you can imagine on the menu, such as western, veggie, and cheese as well as a boat load of different pancakes, sides, salads, and sandwiches. Just to name a few meals that they make in house, they serve their homemade chili, roast beef, and smoked turkey breast with a lot of their meals dedicated to people in the community, such as “Jim’s Great Idea, Rachel’s Sandwich, and Stan’s Omelet.” The sheer variety that they have to offer is insane with over 100 different meals on the menu. Overall, the Cross Keys experience was a memorable one and was a great start to my day. With their kind staff, friendly environment and delicious food, Cross Keys Diner is a go-to breakfast spot.
