Caileen Weitz

If it is two in the morning and you find yourself craving a meal, then Zac’s Diner, located at 14 Byward Market Square, is the place to go. Open 24-hours every day of the week, this 50′s style diner offers a variety of food ranging from 13 different types of hamburgers to “comfort food like Mom made”, which consists of vegetables, a roll and a choice of Caesar, Greek, pasta or garden salad, fries, onion rings, mashed potatoes or soup. While my “Cheeseburger in Paradise” (Brie, Swiss and Cheddar cheese with lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic dressing) was slightly over-cooked, it was ready in 9 minutes and came with a delicious side of French fries. The portion was so large that I had to take some home and it only cost $10.99.

They also claim to have the “best thick milkshakes”- a statement that I choose to put to the test. I ordered, and my vanilla milkshake was quickly delivered to my table and it was very good indeed; not too thick and with just the right amount of vanilla flavour.

While it did not take long for the food to be brought to my table, I was not bored while waiting. Sitting in a booth, I had a view of photos taken of the old diner, pictures that happy customers had drawn  urging people to “eat at Zac’s!”, Coca-Cola posters and signs promoting their thick milkshakes. Fall decorations adorned the ceiling and mirrors covered the walls. Falco’s “Rock me Amadeus” played not too loudly in the background and one of the servers burst out into a Ricky Martin song as she walked into the kitchen.

While it may not what some would call “fine dining”, Zac’s provides a good atmosphere, fast service, large portions and all for a relatively cheap price.