I am now certain that being vegan is become a “thing.”  Here’s part of the reason that I am so sure.  On a recent visit to Silver Diner, I was astounded to see a bright red banner in front of the restaurant that proclaimed “New VEGAN Entrees!”

Now, it’s true that Silver Diner is not your typical diner.  Their menu proudly states that “we’re reinventing the diner.”  They call their approach “flexitarian” and note that the Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst has created a menu of customizable healthier entrees that feature the highest quality, all-natural ingredients available.  The regional restaurant chain buys fresh and local foods, and they indicate on their menu that they support more than 15 local farms that use sustainable agriculture methods.  Want more details?  You can find a list of the local suppliers on Silver Diner’s website.

Regional Presence

Silver Diner has 17 locations in the mid-Atlantic region, concentrated in the DC area but stretching as far north as Philadelphia and as far south as Richmond.  Three of the locations are convenient to our home, so it’s easy to stop in for a meal when we are out on errands.

Diner Decor

The decor is classic diner style.  The exterior features an Art Deco look and chrome siding with red accents.  On the inside, you will find spacious booths (each having its own small juke box), Formica tables, a tile floor, and chrome trim.  The servers are quick and efficient and are neatly attired in black pants and tee shirts.

Clearly Marked Menu

Have you ever been to a restaurant and couldn’t tell if the items had hidden ingredients that would make them problematic for your particular dietary needs?  That won’t happen at Silver Diner!  The menu is exceptionally well marked, featuring a very helpful set of symbols to denote various dietary categories, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, heart healthy, and under 600 calories.  Even better still, there is a separate area on the menu for vegan entrees!

We regularly visit Silver Diner and appreciate the fact that the menu changes with the seasons.  During the fall and winter months I enjoyed a dish featuring lentils and Brussels sprouts in a tomato sauce.  (I liked it so well that I re-created it at home.)  On our last visit, I was pleased to see some new seasonal choices.  I ordered the In-House Roasted Tomatoes:  Roasted beefsteak tomatoes over brown rice, organic roasted corn, mushrooms, leeks, zucchini, pistachios, and lemon pesto – with asparagus on the side. It was fantastic, and I particularly liked the citrusy notes in the pesto.  I’m sure I will return to the restaurant soon to try the other new vegan entree:  Brussels Sprouts & Farro: Crispy Brussels sprouts over farro, leeks, tomatoes, roasted red pepper sauce, and pistachios.

Eat Well, Do Well program

Silver Diner gets extra points from me for being community minded.  That’s because the restaurant has created a rewards program (called Eat Well, Do Well) that provides benefits both for the enrolled patron and also local schools.  The program was created by Silver Diner to address the childhood obesity problem.  To date the restaurant chain has contributed over $750,000 to improve nutrition and fitness programs at more than 100 partner schools.  This is a great idea, and I am happy to support it.  Kudos to you, Silver Diner!