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Just a few days ago Ponzios reopened as The Metro diner. The new owners are bringing a fresh start, hoping to win back the generations of diners that had sort’ve forgotten the Brooklawn landmark and moved on to other restaurants over the years.
While driving home from work today I noticed the parking lot wasn't empty, the lights were on, and our old friend was back in business looking better than ever.
My mind was made up that we had to try out the Metro Diner, and my plans came together when I got home and realized we didn’t take out anything to cook for dinner. So an hour later my wife and I were on our way to the new Metro diner.
If you live in the area you’ve already noticed the construction taking place to replace the front entrance of the restaurant. The old entrance seemed dark and uninviting from the outside. Approaching the old Ponzios entrance one would think it was more suited to be Doctor Evil’s diabolical compound in the next Austin Powers movie, than a diner! Even when entering beyond the front doors, the marble steps with the large cracks and chips missing made me think I was Indiana Jones entering the Temple of Doom to steal the golden treasure before the place fell apart!
Well the new Metro Diner brings a whole new facade which trades it’s dark 70s science fiction theme for an inviting and brightly lit movie marquee entrance that would fit right in on Broadway. The bright sign above the entrance clearly lets the patrons know that they are welcomed here.
While it may simply read “Metro Diner”, what it’s really saying is “We are HERE! We are open! Really, you can come on in!”
After the remodel, the steps up to the main level are on the outside, and the interior area that housed the old marble steps and tropical garden is raised to the restaurant level providing a warmer and smoother transition into the restaurant. The new space provides additional seating area for those waiting to eat. The entire entrance is open, well lit, and inviting.
Even before you’ve entered the restaurant, clear glass actually lets you see inside, and you’ll immediately notice the glass display case loaded with delicious baked goods and desserts reminding you to save room for dessert. Before you’ve even had a chance to take your coat off!
The small bar area off to the right has new light colored floors, and the bar itself, while I don’t know exactly what they did, looks more inviting and brighter also. Previously it gave customers a feeling that they don’t really want you to sit there, with its dark wood and low lighting. Now you just want to walk over and check it out, fully expecting to see Sam Malone behind the bar.
Admittedly, while I had been to Ponzio’s right before the remodel, it was one of only a few trips I had made recently so I hadn’t really paid much attention to the old style. But it’s easy to see that the lighter, brighter and friendlier theme continues into the dining areas. Everything seems to be repainted, in fact I think every surface was upgraded, including carpets and seating.
The main front dining room seemed to have a hint of a south-west color scheme (I'm not a designer so give me a LOT of slack on this), while from what I could see, the back dining room appeared to have a more pastel beach theme. Two wide screen televisions are located in the main dining area, and there may be more elsewhere.
Despite the many cars I saw earlier in the parking lot, it was now almost 7:30 and things were quieting down a little. (I think they just opened 2 days ago, so they probably haven't had a chance to advertise). They sat us immediately and our waitress quickly arrived, telling us with a smile it was her second day as a waitress. Luckily, I prefer a server who tries hard with a smile over someone who is a flawless server but shows with their stone cold face that they don’t want to be there. I wish I remembered her name, because even though it was her second day in her new job, she was very prompt, courteous… and she smiled!
The menus are new and it seems they’re trying to come up with some things to differentiate themselves from the numerous diners in the area. The burgers are featured on one page… half pounders, and they also offer vegetarian and buffalo meat burgers. A small chart shows the health benefits of giving buffalo burgers a try. Like all diners they have the traditional daily menu, but the Metro also provides a monthly specials page which included approximately a dozen creative items covering chicken, fish, steak and pasta.
On the monthly special menu (and maybe with other items) they also include a small shrimp cocktail, presumably another item to differentiate themselves from the competition. While it was only two shrimp, it was a welcomed and tasty addition.
I chose the Filet Mignon Medallions with mixed vegetables, baked potato and a salad. My wife ate light and chose a BLT sandwich with a cup of Chicken Orzo soup. Now you can’t honestly expect this every time you go, but I’m not kidding when I tell you that we were served our meal within minutes. The Filet Mignon Medallions were cooked very tender, the gravy was delicious, and the mix vegetables must have been delicious because my wife ate most of them from my plate. She also thought her soup was very good and mentioned she was going to get some for the road… but somehow it slipped our minds as we headed out.
Pricing seemed very reasonable and in line with other area diners. Actually, I wish I had put more focus into looking at the prices, but I know that as I looked through the monthly specials and other items, nothing hit me with sticker shock, and I did comment "hmmm... this looks reasonable".
Over the last few years, honestly we’ve been driving into Woodbury to go to the Colonial Diner (we love their French Onion soup) or the Brooklawn Diner on the circle. Actually we hit ALL the area diners regularly except for the former Ponzios! But I look forward to heading to the Metro Diner again and trying out a variety of their entrees and breakfast items, and possibly it works its way into "heavy rotation" on the Matthews family diner set-list.
And who knows… my daughter graduates from High School next year, and maybe its also time to restart the old tradition of bringing the important family celebrations to Ponzio’s… err… umm…I mean…the new Metro Diner.
Also:
The Metro Diner owners also own the Oregon Diner in Philadelphia
http://oregondinerphilly.com/Welcome.html
Metro Diner Construction
http://blog.markmatthews.com/2009/09/ponzios-brooklawn-major-remodel.html
The Metro Diner
RT 130 & Browning Rd.
Brooklawn NJ 08030










