Penny’s Diner – North Platte, Nebraska

As we headed West on our recent road trip we spent the night in North Platte, Nebraska. And at sunrise we were wide awake and hungry for breakfast. Penny’s Diner was located just a stone’s throw from our motel, so we walked across the parking lot and stepped inside the silver railcar-style eatery.

The diner was almost empty when we arrived since we were up with the sun. (Penny’s Diner is open 24 hours…a great benefit to road trip junkies like us. Especially since we had many miles to travel that day.) 

Our server, Misty, was quick to bring us menus. And steaming mugs of coffee weren’t far behind…

The diner was clean and efficiently arranged to make the cooking fast and the service quick.

I was surprised to see how many hashbrowns were cooking on the flat top that morning since there weren’t many customers yet…but those potatoes looked and smelled wonderful.

I decided to skip the eggs and toast…and to order only hashbrowns…laced with diced ham, green peppers, mushrooms and onions. But when the plate arrived I was shocked at the HUGE portion! (And NO, Dear Readers…I did NOT eat all of it!)

The flavors were good and the hashbrowns were crispy, although I think the mushrooms might have come from a can.

Paul was our cook that morning, and he told me to be sure and try the chipotle hot sauce on those spuds.

I don’t like really spicy foods, but I gave it a try after Paul assured me the heat factor was low…And Paul was right. That Chipotle Tabasco Sauce was delicious! (And how often does a cook present hot sauce like a fine wine!)

Chef Paul told me he learned to cook by standing on a chair next to the stove in his Grandma’s kitchen. And he continued his culinary career during a military deployment. It was soon clear to me how much he loves to cook and to talk about food…and it certainly showed in the portion sizes he dishes out at Penny’s Diner! Chef Paul told me he never wants anyone to leave Penny’s Diner hungry…and I can assure you they’ll be stuffed if he is cooking!

So if you find yourself in sight of that silver eatery in North Platte, Nebraska…pull off of I-80 and pull up a stool. Your stomach will thank you, and you’ll be back on the road in no time!