My visit to Jody's Diner actually happened a couple years ago, and I'm just getting around to writing it up. Sorry for the delay...
Mid-afternoon, Tuesday, August 29, 2017, I pulled into Evanston, Wyoming, checked into a motel, popped a top on a beer, and started to r-e-l-a-x after a long day of enjoying of all the beauty the State of Wyoming has to offer. Dinner time arrived shortly... but where to eat? No worries, as Jody's Diner is located just across the street from my motel! The diner, dive and drive-in gods has truly blessed me on this early Tuesday evening.
I was greeted as I entered the restaurant by Rachael, who is an amazingly friendly person, and a wonderful hostess. As I walked in, Rachael smiled at me, greeted me, and asked if I was interested in breakfast, as breakfast is served anytime the restaurant is open. I said that actually I wasn't interested in breakfast, as I was in the mood for a chicken dinner. She seated me; actually I just sat down at a table near the entrance to the restaurant. She then brought me a decanter of ice water - very popular in western Wyoming and Montana - and told me she had guessed that I was interested in breakfast, as I looked like a trucker! Honey, that's a compliment!
Rachael also took the time to tell me her favorites on the menu - chicken fried steak, turkey dinner, along with pork chops - and said if I had the time, I could sample everything on the menu, and I would be sure to find everything delicious. There is no doubt in my mind that everything on the menu is delicious, and I thank my gracious hostess, Rachael, for pointing that out to me.
Jody's Diner attracts many truckers, travelers, and others who prowl Interstate 80, as the restaurant is just off the highway, and there are a many motels, and a couple of truck stops, within easy walking distance.
The "old school" chalk blackboard posts the daily specials as you enter the restaurant.
The menu reflects the true character of a Wyoming diner, and offers something for every taste. As my friendly server told me, breakfast is always available, as the restaurant caters to truckers, who always seem to have breakfast in mind. Daily specials are posted on the "old school" blackboard as you enter the restaurant.
Tonight, I was in the mood for chicken, so I ordered "Chicken Fried Chicken," which is a chicken breast, pounded flat, battered and fried, just like a chicken fried steak. Naturally the chicken, along with the mashed potatoes are covered in gravy... Yum! A small bowl of corn is served on the side.
For starters, the corn was nothing special... perhaps it came from a can? But wait... the "Chicken Fried Chicken," which was the main attraction... I nearly "flatlined" as I tasted it, as it was so good. The knife was merely decoration, as you could cut the chicken with a fork. The batter was golden crispy, not at all greasy, which complimented the tender chicken breast. The mashed potatoes were the kind you enjoy at your grandmother's place for Thanksgiving dinner. Add gravy to everything, and you've archived Evanston serendipity when it comes to a great dining experience.
Yes, Jody's Diner is truly a diner, as it's retro, loud, complete with fluorescent lighting, and is a true gem-of-a-restaurant in Evanston. But, isn't that what you expect for a diner? The dining is comfortable, the staff is super-friendly, the food is delicious, and the restaurant is just across the street from several motels, at the east end of Evanston, Wyoming. Their slogan reads, "You'll love our food..." What else could you ask for? read more