ANNOUNCER: The American diner has a place firmly in the consciousness of most everyone, but in the 21st century the execution doesn’t always warrant a stop at these institutions. All too often poor ingredients, service or both keep a place from staying in the mind of diners with a plethora of other options. Diners, frankly, have fallen out of fashion. Carrs Restaurant and Bar in Lakewood, according to the boys, may be the exception.

JASON: I am shocked that a little diner in Lakewood that replaced an excellent Asian store since out of business resonated with me; however, after several meals investigating the place, I think I’m in love. The décor inside does little to inspire, but the food does much to keep me going back.

JAKE: And it’s not about portion size — though that alone I am sure brings in the customers. Fit for giants, it’s almost grotesque how much food they feed a person. But, if you plan it right, either through doing plate splits or having the opportunity to take home leftovers, the menu offers some killer deals.

JASON: I am sure they are attempting to make a name for themselves with portion size but I wonder how much food is thrown out by the end of the day. For those with big appetites, you may say “bring it on,” but, I suspect, even you will struggle to clear your plate. Would it surprise you to know that Chris Carr, owner, is the nephew of Marcia Crelling, owner of Tacoma’s Marcia’s Silver Spoon Cafe? Talk about the apple not falling far.

JAKE: As you mentioned, inside the joint is decorated with license plates, street signs, and other car memorabilia. Thrown a bit haphazardly around, the place won’t make any of the Travel Channels’ top food destinations for kitsch. In fact, the décor is a non-entity, really. It won’t draw anyone back, but it also doesn’t keep folks away. And by the lunch and breakfast crowds I’ve seen, Carrs doesn’t seem to want for customers.

JASON: My first visit was after church on a Sunday. My family ordered off the menu then sat with our mouths open as the over-abundance of food landed on our table. The pancakes were exactly how I like them. The edges of the cake had that slight crispness from the oil on the griddle. Larger than a dinner plate, the cakes had a nice golden sheen with a hint of buttermilk. The warm syrup and real butter helped as well. The hash browns, also a mountain portion, arrived nice and crisp from the top of the hill all the way to the center. They didn’t taste overly greasy, however certainly they spent a few minutes sizzling in oil. No one is going to lose weight at breakfast here.

JAKE: My favorite menu item is the burger dip. I finished less than a third of the meal. Served on a Kaiser-like roll, the pound of hamburger served thick stretched out all ends of the bread and was nearly impossible to fit in the au jus (needs to be cut in quarters). The meat tasted lean, though I doubt it was, and the au jus didn’t arrive too salty. I ordered my burger with the beer dipped onion rings (my cardiologist is going to have a fit). The rings, also served to the ceiling, had great crisp factor — heavy with beer taste and served hotter than the sun.

JASON: We could go on and on but we are nearly out of space. The turkey-cranberry wrap, the spinach salad, and the biscuits and gravy are also winners. Service can be a bit slow at times, but everyone is friendly and helpful. Just plan to diet the rest of the week.

Carrs Restaurant & Bar

11006 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood, 253.584.4622

Tuesday-Thursday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Décor: Nothing to write home about, but kids will love the traffic light near the entrance.

Cuisine: Huge, massive portions, quality ingredients, great diner favorites

Drinkies: Full bar

Menu

2-egg Breakfast >>> $6.29

Reuben >>> $9.29

Philly Cheesesteak >>> $9.29

Chicken Fried Steak >>> $10.29