Last week I was on Hertel and decided to duck into a restaurant for a bite. Bertha’s Diner is located right next to the North Park Theatre and offers the neighborhood a casual atmosphere in which to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
Bertha’s is a 50s style diner with a menu that reads like a little piece of Buffalo. The photo above is of a mural that decorates one of the restaurant's back walls. Sure you can have classics like an omelet or a good old tuna melt, but Buffalo favorites like home fries, Italian sausage and fried bologna steaks also make an appearance. I associate the prices with Buffalo as well, a city rich with affordable food. A burger and fries will run you $2.95. Eggs, home fries and toast won’t break the bank either, weighing in at less than $3. There are some pricier items as well, the Italian sausage with Swiss, onions and peppers (known as the Marlon Brando) will set you back a whopping $5.25.
On my visit I opted for the daily special at the urging of my waitress. A cup of soup and a giant plate of yummy, homemade mac and cheese cost me all of $2.25. The portion was so large I really shouldn’t have finished it, but it was too delicious not to. I also took some pie to go. A piece of cherry and a slice of banana cream both made their way home with me. Also homemade, (and only $2.50 each) they were good and reminded me of the kind of pies my mom used to make in the 70s.
Bertha’s has been in business a long time and opens its doors at the very early hour of 5:30 a.m. They are most busy in the morning, full with those of us that prefer to eat breakfast in someone else’s dining room. Lunch is steady as well. I would highly recommend this restaurant to a family with young children, the menu is kid-friendly and the prices fall in line with those found at fast food restaurants.
Stop in soon, I hope for your sake that they’re running the mac and cheese special when you do.
Bertha’s Diner
1430 Hertel
836.8981