(The Blue Plate Diner - long shot of restaurant)

We were starving and since Jeff loves 'diner' food, we decided to give the 'Blue Plate Diner' a try at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.  The restaurant is located right next to the Spa and the Constant Grind coffee stand.  It's kind of 'tucked' away behind the Hard Rock Café. 

The restaurant appears to be modern and almost industrial with light wood and steel.  It doesn't look like your typical diner.  It actually rivals those you find in Vegas Strip Hotels as well...attempting to look a bit 'upscale'.  The line wasn't too long as we got there early for lunch (about 12 noon). 

 

The menu is not too long...maybe 3 pages (with breakfast, lunch and dinner options).  There was a good variety of items to choose from and the menu is split into a few different sections.  The appetizers had your standard fare...salads, chicken wings & fingers...even potstickers.  The main courses consisted of Sandwiches, Asian and Kosher...with a few extra 'American Classics' (Prime Rib for dinner!).  It was actually a good mix and even a picky eater would find something they like.  I also liked that there wasn't too many items on the menu...I hate those diners that offer pages and pages of selections making you wonder if anything is even fresh.

I ordered the Char-grilled Burger.  It comes with 2 toppings of which I chose bacon and cheddar cheese (Everything is better with bacon!)...french fries and a pickle.  There is also lettuce and tomato included as well (more than I can say for my burger at D. Wade's last week!).  The burger was actually very good and cooked exactly to my 'medium' specification.  The fries are actually the 'seasoned' fries...like they have at Checkers.  They were hot and fresh.  The char-grilled method of preparation was definitely a plus.  I was stuffed too since the burger was pretty thick.


Jeff ordered the Reuben.  It was served with french fries and a pickle.  I had a bite and it was actually very good as well.  The kraut wasn't too overpowering and the meat tasted like it was good quality.  The bread was crispy and not soggy at all.  Jeff loved it and couldn't move he was so full.  (Good thing there are a lot of places to walk around in this casino).


Overall this was a good lunch.  Especially since we didn't know what to expect..you know,  hotel diners are usually not too 'high' on the quality meter. 

The one down side?  The price.  The burger was $10.25 and the ruben was $9.95.  That is kind of steep for sandwiches.  But then again..you kind of expect that in a hotel/casino.  If you want cheaper food, they have a food court and a Johnny Rockets....but I think this burger was better.  The final cost of the bill for the 2 sandwiches and 2 soft drinks (free refills) was $25.41 (with tip about $30.00).

Now here is the real question.  Will we go back?  Hmmmm.  The price is the only reason we would think twice.  Then again...many restaurants are rising prices and I know plenty of hole-in-the-wall diners that sell $8 burgers and they are terrible.



The Blue Plate Diner is located inside of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood Florida. 
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL  33019

FTLToday's Restaurant Grade:  B