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Overpriced, Mediocre Service.
The 501 Diner really doesn't have much business calling itself a diner. They won't serve breakfast entrees after breakfast hours, and they don't really have pie. Their milkshakes are also not worth
calling home about. And in keeping with the best of pretentious Chapel Hillians, the servers are a little surly and unattentive. Inexplicably despite this being the 21st century, they don't have a website, and therefore no menu available online.
But the place does some things that merit praise. The Buffalo chicken salad is nearly fantastic! The sauce on the chicken and the chicken itself are very tasty and the veggies involved are always crisp and fresh. Red onion or any onion would really put this salad on the charts. The teriyaki burger is also pretty tasty (though the last time I got it- they left off the pineapple which I was looking forward to). They positively drench it in sauce, but that sauce is quite nice. It could be a better burger if they'd add something else teriyaki-complimentary to it, perhaps some sort of asian slaw or a recommended cheese pairing.…
Local treasure but not that great... If you want to say you went to Owens 501 diner then go..You will find bigger portions and better prices at chain restaurants without all the pretense..I have been there several times and I actually live within walking distance, which is good since parking is horrible but the wait and food is not worth it Its really not a bad place but like a stated, if you are a visitor and want local flavor or a local and like the small town feel you will probably enjoy it, but its not for your average joe.…
Don't let the lines fool you.... if you want breakfast that's overpriced and samll portions that shouldn't be in a diner, then go here! I never thought breakfast was something that could get messed up, but I guess I was wrong. From a long wait, to unattentive service, to the gut rott feeling I got after eating breakfast, I don't recomend this place to anyone who enjoys breakfast...…
awesome breakfast. great food, best service, clean tables, clean everything, loved the coffee, great value! my only complaint is that they are closed on mondays; the day my wife and i go out for breakfast. we are looking forward to lunch there some time.…
Mediocre.
Very basic food, overpriced for what it is. Service is generally indifferent (as in "indifferent to the fact there's a customer needing attention"), and the times I've been, the tables and counters
could have used wiping down.
However, convenient location and hours make it acceptable for a quick meal.…
