MIA: Hit Wynwood Diner For A Dose of Casual Chic

Sure diners are cool, but they aren’t usually very nice. Well, leave it to Wynwood to reinvent the diner with an exciting “vibe-driven concept” that is at once comforting and hip—two things that are often mutually exclusive. Think patterned wallpaper, eclectic mid-century furniture and rich burgundy leather banquets.

The restaurant will feature elevated homey cuisine from chef Michael Castino aka “Commander In Chef.” He comes from an impressive background, having trained with top chefs Jean George and Kerry Simone, with work experience ranging from Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis, to Pride & Joy, and Tavern on the Green in NYC.

Castino is a big believer in using the natural and sustainable ingredients and the menu reelects that including nitrate-free pork, daily baked bread by Zak the Baker and coffee by Relentless Roasters.

In the spirit of a true diner, you’ll be able to order breakfast all day (night crawlers rejoice!) as in Salmon & Scrambled Eggs, Steak & Eggs, and Biscuit & Sausage Gravy. Starters tend towards p.m. options like Panko Fried Heirloom Tomatoes, Deviled Organic Eggs, and Truffled Cheese Fries. Fortunately, to balance all that heaviness out, they’ve got a good menu of classic salads (The Cobb, The Wedge, The Caesar) as well as some original ones like the Tomato Peach and The Avocado that sound both totally original and pretty tasty. 

The main event means things like Country Fried Steak, Meatloaf, Steak Frites, a Catch of the Day and a whole lot of burger, including Kobe Sliders and a Veggie Burger. Burgers come with fries, a pickle and cole slaw—none of this silly a la carte stuff. That does’t mean they don’t have sides, they’ve got Maple-Soy Pork Belly, Bacon, White Cheddar Grits and Vegetable Mash.

It would seem they take their coffee very seriously as well. There are no less than 12 different coffee beverages on offer at Wynwood Diner from an Americano to the Cortadito to the Mocha, there will be something for every variety of java head. In this way the owners are bringing the classic American diner in to the 21st century with higher quality ingredients, European Cafe surroundings and some adventurous menu offerings.

2601 N.W. Second Avenue