Lunch at the Riata Diner and Tavern
I recently had lunch at the Riata Diner and Tavern. I had some business in Livermore and as usual, after business, my wife and I have lunch somewhere nearby. This time, my wife picked the spot and it was the Riata Diner and Tavern.
Parking
This diner is in downtown Livermore, California. When we arrived the first thing we had to do was find some parking. Since we were there in the last part of the lunch rush it was difficult finding a spot. On our third circle, we found a prime spot. Almost in front of the diner. What a stroke of luck. An Omen.
When we walked in the door the place had just emptied out. They seated us quickly. This was the first time I had signed into Yelp so we were treated to a free appetizer. So when Cheryl came by to take our drink order I informed her of our appetizer. She took care of the appetizer coding and produced our drinks and told us which of the appetizer items were available. This produced one of several conversations that would follow our appetizer choice.
The Sign that started it all
My wife noticed a sign on the wall that spoke to her. She pointed it out to me and it got me into a gabbing mood. After I asked Cheryl which appetizer she would pick from the list if she were me, she told us about the potato skins.
My wife and I had boiled down the appetizers to the potato skins, the deep-fried avocados, and the onion rings. Cheryl informed us that we could get onion rings with our meal so they were out of the running. My wife asked Cheryl if she were feeling adventuresome would she pick the fried avocados or the potato skins? Fried avocados became our appetizer.
On to the main course
My wife knew what she wanted. I had to choose between the meatloaf sandwich and the Reuben sandwich. I asked Cheryl about the sandwiches. The Reuben dropped out quickly because I don’t care for rye bread. Also, I wanted a sandwich served as the restaurant makes it, not modified by me. The meatloaf sandwich comes in hot and cold versions. A hot meatloaf sandwich became my choice.
The Appetizers
When Cheryl brought out the appetizers(we got potato skins and the fried avocados) they each came with a dipping sauce. The fried avocados were crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside and with the dipping sauce perfect. The potato skins were just right. The potato skins come with bacon, cheese, and green onions. I especially liked that they had a thick potato skin.
Note on leftovers:
I am not a fan of fried food leftovers. It just doesn’t make the grade when you nuke it the next day. But I have to say that the fried avocados were just as good the next day cold as they were the first day hot. If you’re going to take home leftovers try the avocados cold the next day, excellent.
The onion rings
The onion rings were the best. The breading was perfect. I hate wimpy breading on onion rings. It causes the onion to try to leave the breading behind when you bite into a ring. These rings were perfect. The onion stayed in place for each bite I took. A perfect breading to onion ratio with every bite. This is now my favorite place for onion rings period!
The Meatloaf Sandwich
My wife loved her Linguica melt sandwich with onion rings. It came with grilled onions and swiss cheese with a special sauce.
My meatloaf sandwich came on a sandwich roll about 8-9 inches in length with two rather thick slices of meatloaf. Leaf lettuce, a slice of red onion, tomato slices and a pepperoncini pepper rounded out the sandwich. Onion rings were my side choice. Condiments were brought to the table.
I asked that they serve my meatloaf sandwich hot. My preferred method. But I only liked my meatloaf sandwich because my personal preference is to have a meatloaf that does not have veggies mixed into it. That’s why I don’t give it an “I love this sandwich”.
This sandwich is big, served with two very thick slices of meatloaf. I especially liked that they serve the sandwich with the condiments brought to the table. Sometimes you can get sandwiches with too much or too little sauce or condiments. This made the sandwich for me. Yes, I would order this sandwich again and again(in spite of the veggies).
Would I recommend that you try this place, absolutely.
Want to see the menu?(click here)
More information on how they got their name?(click here)
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