Restaurant Review: Gateway Cafe

Restaurant:
Address: 245 E. Swedesford Rd. Wayne Pa 19087
Rating: ★★★ out of 5 stars
Style: Eat-In / Take-Out
Food: Diner Fare
Atmosphere: Retro Doo-Wop Diner
Service: Efficient
Price: Under $10
Parking: Lot Parking
Unique Feature: Gateway Café is set up for efficiency, so grabbing a quick lunch is not out of the question.

My friend and I were strolling Gateway Café, checking out the menus in the windows and attempting to find the right fit for lunch. We had planned on sushi, but Tokyo Fusion had “gone fishing” and we were in search of an alternative. We ended up at Gateway Café.

The seat yourself policy is right in line with the rest of the vibe I got while dining at Gateway. We sat ourselves at a small booth off to the right. Out table was set with all of the condiments one would need, as well as the menus.

Our server arrived moments later to take our order, but we had yet to decide. We began with a soda and a cup of coffee. On my way in, I had noticed a woman enjoying a wrap, outside at one of the tables. THe eye appeal helped me to decide.

I chose a chicken cheesesteak wrap, which came with a bag of chips and a pickle. I also added a side of gravy fries (French fries with brown gravy). My friend opted for breakfast. An egg white omelet with cheese and tomato, rye toast and butter on the side, as opposed to the margarine the kitchen usually uses.

I looked around, taking in the atmosphere. This retro looking diner was clean and bright. Each table had a bouquet of bright artificial flowers shoved down into the jelly caddy. There were tables, booths, and counter seating available and the owner obviously has a thing for Betty Boop.

Our order was out within minutes and along with the food, came the check. No lollygagging here.

The chicken cheese steak wrap was just what I was looking for; a cheesy, melty, grilled chicken steak with fried onion and lettuce, no tomato. The fries were crispy and delicious and the brown gravy was salty and thick.

My friend enjoyed her omelet, but commented on the diner style preparation, where the egg and veggies are tossed in together, resulting in veggies poking out the edges of the egg. Her rye toast was cold.

I flagged down our waitress for a box for my extras, and we were on our way, $23 later.

If an intimate experience is what you’re looking for, then Gateway Diner during a weekday lunch is not the place. But if it’s a lunch on time limit, with solid diner food, and no-nonsense service, than Gateway is the place to be.

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