Elizaville Diner
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Oh, it is not hard to see why Focus Features selected this spot for their 2019 film The Dead Don’t Die. It’s all the Kullman Dining Car Co. Incorporated classics without any of the clutter. And the blue of the exterior gets close to being chrome. While zombies are the calling card of this diner in the movie, the reality posits something spectacularly contrasting. The repeated sound of the traffic doors as the pleasant woman, who just seemed to float through her tasks, pushed them open is iconic. Coupled with the blaring and beeping from a TV out of immediate sight—my internal debate of sports game or protest was put to rest when I heard a nearby elderly woman ask, “What sport is that?”—it all finds a strange peace. Of course, a strong type in a black vest and blushing red shirt walked in, receiving the diner prix: “The usual?” He nodded and then politely asked, “Can you move the blinds when you have a second? I’ve really, grown fond of this view.” Doesn’t get much more la paix de wagon-restaurant than that. And, with the tuftiest red vinyl cushions on booths and bar stools I’ve ever seen, it’s the diner scene—dare I say—straight out of a movie.
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Okay, not really…
Drink: Coffee
My first reaction was...no reaction. The coffee hit my lips and I just began to sip, like a pasture animal to an utter. Yes, trust me, the words were typed and I instantly wanted to retract them, but the likeness is too uncanny to forgo. It was weird, but nice to not have to think about the coffee. It just gelled. Doesn’t disrupt the food either, which is honestly all I hope for when I get a cup of diner coffee.
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Food: Garden Omelet
Gargantuan. When I took the photo, I had to do so from above just to fit it all in. They didn’t serve you a plate; they put eggs and potatoes on a flying saucer. Turning back to the pre-flying saucer page of the meal, the woman did ask me if I wanted to add cheese when I ordered. I thought that was interesting. Full disclaimer before I start talking about the food: I HATE THIS. I hate so much having to write this, especially when it smelled so good. But, the potatoes are a little chewy and taste a bit old. The omelet has that sink taste too. While the taste is a miss, you definitely get what you paid for (it is surely the truest three-egg omelet that I’ve ever come across). And, in the end, leaving well fed is something. I wouldn’t come back for the food (maybe I’d alter my strategy and give the Belgian Waffles or lunch a go), but you know what is an underrated part of food? The way it’s served. And boy would I come back for that here.
Price*: Coffee=$2; Garden Omelet=$9.95
*They have a 10% student and senior discount!!
Hours**: Friday–Sunday {7–14}; Monday–Thursday {CLOSED}
**Here’s one of those rough gigs. The website lists the hours as W–Th {8–20} and F–S {7–20}. Google Maps app offers M–W {CLOSED}, Th {8–20}, F-Sat {7–20}, and S {7–16}. And, a quick Google search: M–T, F {CLOSED}, W–Th {8–20}, and Sat–S {7–20}. The variation in hours is dizzying. The final nail in the coffin? My first visit to this diner was actually December 22, 2022. I wanted to catch them before the holiday closures. Why then is this blog listed in January? Well, that’s because they were closed, the deli next door informing me that they’d be open Friday, December 23 and Christmas Eve. That’s what got me. All my planning was for naught. I will say this though: they do pick up their phone! So, if you’re looking to see whether there’s been another time shift, just give them a call.
Extra Notes: Zero bars and an SOS notice on my phone—consider yourself off the grid.
✓ WIFI
UPDATE 5/31/23: I found this photo on my phone from 6/13/2019. I had saved it because I’d wanted to see the movie, but never got around to it. Well, I finally did. Apparently my visit was meant to be.