Dairy Belle’s have been around for seemingly forever…and they look like they’ve never seen an update/remodel/paint job in that time.
I happened to be in East San Jose at the bank, at lunch time, and there was a Dairy Belle that was cross-corner from there. It looked like a total dive. But in the interest of science, I ventured over there.
The place seriously looks like it is straight out of 1978. When was the last time that you saw a menu board with those “press in letters/numbers”, I don’t know the proper name for them, but they just bring me back to my childhood.
My expectations were low. Very low. I went pretty basic, cheeseburger combo meal (when in doubt go with what works).
TASTE – Surprisingly good. The relish sauce that they use is very good, and very much a throw back to the 70s (and earlier). I’m sure that it was loaded with more fat calories than you could count. The cheese and meat were very good, the bun was slightly above average. A nice melding of flavors. The meat was fried, not grilled, which has it’s own set of pros and cons, I prefer grilled. It’s a fairly big burger, and quite a messy one. Score: 47
SELECTION – Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn dogs, basically everything that you could get at the fair, or a little league game (I haven’t been to a fair or a little league game in 20-some years, so that is more on my throw back memories of the late 70’s/early 80s). Score:7
CREATIVITY/X-FACTOR – It probably couldn’t be less creative. But in a retro way of “keeping it real”, they do that very well. Score:7
RESTAURANT – The place is small, and dirty and look like nothing has really been cleaned too well…at least that’s the first impression. The kitchen area actually looks to be clean. Based on the exterior, I wouldn’t even venture near the bathroom. Score:2
EXTRAS/FRESHNESS/ETC – Food is surprisingly good and fresh, and the prices are normal (or less). I don’t like having to pay a quarter for a refill. Score:4
SERVICE – The staff is friendly and courteous…but is not really involved…it’s counter service and they call your number…no “have a nice day, Mr. Hamburgler”, and you have to ask for napkins if you want more than the one that they give you. Score: 3
OVERALL SCORE 70 out of 100.
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