Diamond Grille — Restaurant in Akron

Watch your step –might trip and fall years into the past – in moments of a carnivorous dream surrounded by décor of decades’ past – glancing at the bar area & notice the rat pack – and it wouldn’t seem out of place… NO Credit Cards. With a colleague & entourage from Europe – panicked by no credit cards – they calmed his uneasy feeling… They billed him, after paying it, he framed it – now displayed amongst his high dollar sport memorabilia collection and draws the first question a visitor has – followed by a response about Akron and its Diamond Grille. A story I’d have to tell it multiple times (work in the merchant processing biz), as most scuffled “myth”. Then, dinner with a group including an AmEX Exec (NEC days) – and upon much the same – he placed an “unofficial” bounty (sizable) on securing the account - which garnered enough attention – my story was validated, and they still do not accept. FOOD… You won’t hear the ubiquitous “I’ve never had it” from a server here, they are seasoned. If you get a big fillet – it’s a tower - taller than the salt. I INSIST my wife get the big one (plate slides my way when she can’t eat anymore – imagine my Porterhouse to one side and her Fillet to the other– I don’t care what others think – I’m in my happy place). I’m a snob with cooking methods that most places destroy – they don’t (thank you). Non-Steak items - something for everyone – and the quality doesn’t suffer when you go off script. APPS… Post-golf dinner with buddies – one was set back a bit – and I do quote “are you F%$&ING kidding me – four bucks for a slice of bacon – does it come with…” I’ll stop the quote there – we ordered 8 pieces – he ate 7 of them. Indulge a bit – a four or five-dollar piece of bacon won’t kill you. Best of all – after that first piece the next couple won’t delay your mortgage payment like dabbling in cognac might. SIDES – WHAT? They offer sides? Steak with a side of bacon? Sorry, I still don’t understand… DESSERT… Don’t know – I simply NEVER make it that far. My wife loves it – but to me – a Longbone (ribeye) as an entrée’ and the other half of my wife’s fillet as dessert IS the perfect meal. One day I might win the lottery (and subsequently received my permanent table there – with a plaque stating my name and a ‘hand’ safety warning about proximity to my plate), but for now it’s a special occasion when we go – and by special – I consciously (and politely) gorge myself. I HATE taking business there (gluttony doesn’t display well at the business meeting). The lamented stories of my (now) three-fingered friend having reached for my steak are blown completely out of proportion – it happened, let it go. I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed literally a few hundred ‘Big Boy Steakhouses” in the US over the years – and the Diamond may not be the absolute best – but the experience and memories are in the top – although biased for an Akron-ite – most of those who have been in attendance who are out-of-towners - hold it higher as a memorable experience – not just a meal. It is a rare occasion to sneak out to this place – but it still (and always will) hold a special place. One last note… I vote to allow the servers to carry bazookas. As any patron who orders a ribeye or porterhouse medium-well or well done should be shot in the face with said bazooka. I get it – there are those tree-hugging Bambi lovers out there – I’m ok if you get a well done fillet – but skip the cuts with the bone in it – or order something else – you want me to respect your morals – then respect mine and don’t massacre a fine cut of bone-in beef with those sinful words… Another unique Akron area place - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for both the food and the experience...

Story time- this happened about 6 months back. Im not a full time truck driver, but when a piece of equipment is selling for 1/2 price in New Jersey vs. the Midwest it’s often my job to go get it with my F350. So, i was heading westbound through Pennsylvania (had started the day in southern New Jersey) I was tired, and thinking that I really should have taken better advantage of the seafood on the east coast...I found a restaurant using google that said it had oysters which is one of my favorite foods. Literally then using google maps to get myself to the Diamond Grill from the turnpike, I pull in and it’s obvious this is a 100+ year old building, and it has a gravel parking lot. I had no idea what to expect as I didn’t do much research just prior to picking the location and heading there. To my utter amazement I find a high class 5 star restaurant inside with soft music and low light. This is the kind of place people go on first dates in movies. So I walk in and one of the girls immediately and very politely sits me at a fantastic table for people watching, as well as looking at the cool restaurant itself. Normal stuff happens with ordering a drink, and I ask for 6 oysters. Less than 5 minutes go by and the same girl who sat me comes out and heavily apologizes that they only have 3 oysters remaining in the restaurant. I told her it was no problem as I was there quite late, and then I also proceeded to order the open face steak sandwich (which was amazing) you can see in the pics. The girl came back and forth to my table at least 2 more times, as well as another woman apologizing about the oysters. I seriously had to tell them it’s ok several times, they where extremely concerned about my well being, but things like that happen and I explained again it’s quite ok. Now here’s the thing- I was dressed for picking up equipment from a DOT shipping yard. I had a sweatshirt, workboots, and track pants because we all know how comfortable those pants are for driving or flying. But here is the kicker...I was muddy on my arms, and stomach, and on the front of my legs, and here I find myself being treated like royalty in a high class restaurant. So for the Diamond Grill, and your awesome staff you get 5 stars. But for some of the other patrons sitting in the same room I cannot say the same. Have you ever truly had people putting you down with their eyes and or expressions? Everyone has had it happen, but this was ridiculous. One couple in particular who where dressed to the 9’s where staring at me like my hair was on fire. I would bet they would have paid to have me leave vs. having to look in my direction any longer. BUT, do you know why I was muddy? Earlier that same day a young woman lost control of her purple minivan and went flying off the road on the freeway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. I was one of the first 5 people on the scene and I took charge due to my military nature. Together with 2 other gentlemen we pulled that young woman out of the van and got her away from where the gas tank was leaking out. The ditch she crashed into was quite muddy and I was still wearing some of that mud later that night at the restaurant. Now again, the staff treated me like royalty, and they didn’t even charge me for the 3 oysters. The other guests literally made my time there unpleasant, but hey, maybe they need to see my bank account to verify that I am in fact a millionaire, and I saved a girl from a car crash before they allow me to graze near them? We do restaurant reviews all the time, and it’s so eye opening how you get served/treated in various parts of the globe. But this was the first time I can undeniably tell you the other guests...

I have been an Akron resident for my entire life, 46 years. In my lifetime, I have passed and heard about the Diamond Grille thousands of times. However, I have never passed through the doors, until a few weeks ago. The Diamond Grille came highly recommended by a number of friends and family. We decided to finally give them a try for my birthday.

First off, the Diamond Grille is cash only, so be prepared. The on-site parking is well lit and they even have valet service. From the outside, the Diamond Grille looks old and dated. Inside more of the same. But, don’t judge the book by the cover. Also, this is not an in and out dining experience. They take their time to make sure everything is perfect and not rushed.

On the recommendation of friends, we made reservations. When we arrived, it was not packed, but we are glad we erred on the cautious side with the reservation. Our table, in the bar, was ready when we arrived. We were promptly greeted and taken to our table. The hostess welcomed us and wished me a happy birthday, a nice touch.

We were given drink menus and had a chance to look over everything before our server came back. I am a bourbon person so I went with an Old Fashioned, one of my favorites. My wife had one of her favorites, a Cosmo. The drinks arrived and we were ready to order.

I had the Long Bone, I love a ribeye, and my wife the filet. Both meals come with a salad, bread, and a side, something you do not see anymore. My wife had the homemade blue cheese dressing and it was awesome! We both ordered the home fries as our side.

We had time to sit and talk while we waited for our dinners, which was very nice. Before our meals arrived, I finished my drink and switched to a Manhattan, also very tasty.

Our food arrived and we were blown away. The presentation was simple yet effective. Our home fries came on one orange plate, again simple and space saving. Cutting into our steaks, they were cooked perfectly. After the first bite, they tasted as good as they looked. My steak was thick, full of flavor, and huge.

Our only disappointment were the home fries. Now when I say that was the only disappointment, please know they were delicious, just not on the same level as the rest of the meal. It could also be that they were highly recommended. Or that everything was over the top. Whatever it was, that is the only thing we would change about the evening.

The Diamond Grille had one last surprise. Since it was my birthday, I got a flaming sparkler in my desert. They didn’t sing or make a big fuss, which I really appreciate, but it was a nice little touch.

Overall, our dinner at the Diamond Grille was perfect!! We were both impressed by the entire night. This will most likely be our go to for special occasions. Remember, bring cash, relax, and enjoy...