Late Night Diner - CLOSED

Ponsonby-ites can rejoice, as their late night eating choices have just been considerably expanded with the opening of the Late Night Diner.

Snuggled next to the Ponsonby Social Club in a long, narrow space, the Diner epitomises 1950's Americana; no, not Happy Days, but more retro times. The wooden panelled walls are plastered with posters, you can choose to sit at counter stools or cosy up in a booth and the tunes will have you crooning along with the best of 'em. Even the waiters are decked out with braces to hold their britches up.

Head Chef Tom Clouston is right out there on display with his team in front of a wall of pickles. His menu is diner-rific; burgers, slaw, deep-fried pickles & Oreo doughboys. There's a wonderful bar selection to wash it all down with, including a great range of NZ & US craft beers. And you gotta try the "hard" shakes, such as the Vanilla shake with cigar-infused bourbon & dry curacao. When they say thick shakes, they mean thick.

We indulged in the cheese & bacon burger. This is the first time I have ever been asked how I wanted my burger cooked, and it was a revelation. Why don't more "gourmet" burger bars do this? My medium-rare burger was the most succulent & juicy burger I have eaten, and the kitchen allow you to add your own condiments - again, a stroke of burger genius.

In the interest of a fair & honest review, we had to try the fried battered pickles with spicy mayo to start. American diners can stand or fall on their deep-frying prowess, and this light tempura batter was crispy, finger-lickin' goodness. If you prefer your pickles au natural, you can also buy them by the jar.

The prices for most items on the short order menu fall in the $16 and under category, making the Late Night Diner an economical & stylish dining option.