Mystery Diner in Batavia: Daddio’s Diner cooking up hits to a happy beat

The in-crowd knows there’s a cool retro diner in downtown Batavia full of character, comfort food and a kitsch-filled decor sure to fire up the nostalgia meter with a heartfelt focus on vintage rock and roll. Daddio’s Diner rules a corner of the Batavia Plaza on Wilson Street, just west of the bridge over the Fox River.

It’s known for its cheerful vibe, friendly service and a good memory for the favorite dishes of its faithful regulars. The kitchen produces home-style breakfast skillets to sandwiches, salads and dinner specials. The classic diner is open for breakfast and lunch six days a week, and for dinner Tuesday through Friday. It’s closed Mondays.

Situated near trails and the Batavia Riverwalk, Daddio’s Diner is an inviting casual destination to fuel up for a hike or reward yourself with a thick shake, root beer float or one of Mommio’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Last week, instead of grabbing a booth or an outdoor table under the shaded eaves, we opted for takeout.

We began our meal by sharing a soup of the day, the Italian wedding soup. In a happy marriage of flavors, the broth had complex depth, and was brimming with vegetables, wilted greens, peppercorn-size pasta (acini di pepe) and savory mini meatballs.

I went for a personal fave, the Popeye skillet, featuring cubed potatoes, spinach, onions, bacon, Swiss and mozzarella. Skillets are served with two eggs on top and choice of toast. Instead of my usual scrambled eggs, I tried the eggs over easy, and they turned out silky and delicious. The nicely bite-sized potatoes are among the best around, and come highly seasoned. The spinach, onions and bacon combo accented with melted cheeses is a rich treat.

The menu is filled with breakfast temptations from omelets to french toast and the signature pancakes that are the size of a record album.

My dining companion, always on the lookout for the quintessential Reuben, found a winner at Daddio’s Diner. It was stacked with lean corned beef paired with Swiss cheese, the perfect touch of sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on caraway-seed rye. Sandwiches come with a choice of housemade chips or carrots and celery. He upgraded to a side of sweet potato fries.

“This is my new favorite Reuben in the Fox Valley,” he said.

When it came to dessert, we decided to go with the pie of the day, and were given a choice between peach and strawberry rhubarb. We couldn’t resist the latter, and the homemade slice was a chart-topping hit, tasting fresh with just the right amount of tart zing, ringing another nostalgia bell with a memory of grandma’s kitchen.

Way to go, Daddio.

• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Daddio’s Diner

WHERE: 134 W. Wilson St., Batavia

PHONE: 630-879-5299

INFORMATION: daddiosdiner.biz