By Patricia Summerfield
January 8, 2010
I decided to try eating at one of the oldest diners in Green Bay, the Blackstone. They just opened another restaurant on the East side of Green Bay named East Blackstone and that is where I went for lunch. The diner has many large windows, bright lights, booths without padding, and there also is a counter for more casual seating. In one corner are five arcade game machines, one overhead TV, and behind the counter is a clear case with their desserts piled in. Blackstone has a huge menu and breakfast can be ordered any time of the day.
It was fairly busy; working this day were two cooks, one man bussing tables, and two waitresses who also had to handle the register and the seating of customers. Our waitress was very personable and outgoing, but was very rushed as the place was starting to get busier. I ordered the Blackstone special which is a pepperoni melt with a cup of chicken rice soup for $6.95. The server gave me the option if I would like my soup ahead of my sandwich and I said I would. My cup of soup was promptly brought out; the soup contained thick white rice, large pieces of white chicken meat, and sliced carrots. The soup had a tasty flavor but was on the salty side. Next came my sandwich and it was a sorry looking thing, it consisted of a toasted white long bun with 15 to 20 thin small slices of pepperoni with some mozzarella cheese, a small side of pizza sauce, and four hamburger dill slices on the side. The waitress left quickly and it took some time to flag her down, I asked her if the sandwich was supposed to have grilled onions and peppers on it since that is what was stated on the menu she said yes and brought it back. The second time around it did look a 
little more appetizing with the diced green peppers and diced onions on top. The sandwich was a disappointment in portion and taste, especially since it was advertised as one of their specials. I also noted next to me a customer was brought out a breakfast plate with pale looking hash browns on it but he said he ordered a hot roast beef sandwich. The waitresses were having a hard time keeping up with everything; I waited so long for my check that I finally had to get up and wait by the register to pay and it still took some time.
When I think of a diner I think of good home-style cooking with nice size portions, but unfortunately that was not my experience. Blackstone is open 24 hours and is a popular place to go when you get the hungry in the wee hours. It is also a great place if you like to smoke.
