Bear Reviews

As a journalist who reviews food, picking the right places to review is difficult because there are so many fabulous places to eat nearby. I wanted to review two small, but well-known, diners that have similarities and differences. I like diners because they are a perfect place to go with my family, so I wanted to encourage others to do the same.

I knew Ida Maes would be the first one I wanted to review. They have a powerful and alarmingly good cuisine, so I knew they were going to be one of the choices. I had to pick another one to go head-to-head with Ida Maes. The Eatery also has amazing food but in a homemade way. So, the next step was having the two diners face off. Even though I knew it would be a tough decision to choose the real winner, I still went through with it, knowing that getting both diners more attention would be helpful to everyone. So, the reviewing began. I visited both diners on two different weekends, to give my flavor palate a little break in between. Both establishments have a lot to give in the food and service industry. 

Located on Fluvanna Ave.; Jamestown, NY; The Eatery is a very quaint but powerful diner. I visited a month ago and the second I walked in, I was hit with the delicious smell of their food and a little kick of lively atmosphere. Their well-decorated restaurant had low music, so it was easier to talk with my family. The comfortable seating made the efficient service seem faster than just 10 minutes. Going there with my family was great for their various seating arrangements that helped the hard-working employees show us to our table. I could tell the employees' favorite part is serving their guests and making them as happy as possible. Though it is a very welcoming place that is well-stocked and very clean, it does have downsides. The restaurant is a cash-only diner, so card and check users can’t participate unless actual dollars are being used. 

Aside from that, there is only one, single-stall bathroom, and although it is very clean, it would be nicer to provide room for more than one person at a time. They do provide changing tables for any families who need to change their little ones. 

When considering the food, it can be very easy to see your options, from menus to the perfectly well-displayed specials, they have something for everyone, with every craving satisfied. Finding out for myself, they have great portions of food that come with a side of low prices. Their drinks range from hot to cold and never hit the bottom before being refilled by one of the fast and efficient employees. The Eatery is known for their hot and delicious cuisine. I got the chance to try their famous cheesy hash browns, bacon, and coffee. The bacon was flavorful and crispy and paired perfectly with some syrup. The cheesy hash browns are a 10/10 for me, being the best part of my meal. It was the cheesy, ooey-gooey deliciousness that makes me want to go back every day. The coffee was as perfect as a little cup can get with cream and sugar on the table for your convenience. For all those ranch lovers out there, their ranch is homemade, so it gives a little something extra to your meal. As for everyone else, there is a variety of other homemade and store-bought sauces to use for your condiments. 

Ida Mae’s is the other small diner nearby that I tested out, with some aspects that make it a little different and unique. Ida Mae’s is located at 200 N. Main St.; Russell, PA. Even though their speedy service isn’t as speedy as The Eatery’s, we still got our food in less than 15 minutes. The friendly, welcoming, happy, and just all-over lively staff helped us to our seats, getting our drinks and bringing our food to the table. The table was well stocked with menus, showing us breakfast on one side and lunch/dinner on the other. The calming music and television

access gave the place more of an authentic diner feel in the end. You can feel free to eat at the food counter, as that is available for eating and watching television or for mingling with your friends and family. 

They have a huge variation of seating arrangements, with tall tables and small tables to add a little dimension to the setting. The place is decorated with classy decor and relaxing but bona fide seats and tables. Like The Eatery, the specials are very well displayed for the public to see the extras of the week/month. Unlike The Eatery, Ida Mae’s has two bathrooms that are well stocked and clean, with only a single stall in each. 

After ordering the food, I was excited to find out what it would be like. I tried the coffee, chicken tenders, ranch dressing, and the steak. I will unfortunately report that the ranch had a pickle taste and flavor to it which led me to the rating of only a 6/10. So, if you are a ranch lover, this place may not be for you. As for the coffee, it was very warm and my glass never got empty before being filled up to the brim. It has a delicious taste while still giving you the caffeine that you will need. The chicken tenders are very well seasoned. They are homemade but were dry in some parts, so it led me to a rating of 9.5/10. Lastly, for the steak, I had my father try it out for me and give me a true rating based on his facts. He admitted that it was juicy, tender, and well-seasoned. In his own words, “It was very good but could have been better. 6/10.” The breakfast and lunch are served all day, unlike The Eatery which only serves breakfast on Sundays. 

Through the discovery of both of these little diners and all that they can offer, I can honestly say that they are both very professional and delicious places, but I can’t decide which is better. You’ll just have to go there and find out for yourself. Once you go and get your honest rating, tell your friends and family just how amazing both diners are!