With so many places to eat in Philadelphia, deciding where to go can be overwhelming… But when it comes to looking for a classic meal and a piece of Philly history, few places can compare to one of the city’s oldest diners.
Mayfair Diner has been a part of Philadelphia history. Since opening in 1932, the diner has provided meals for almost 100 years with its traditional 1950s-style, serving breakfast and lunch specials until 5 p.m. daily.
The diner first opened four blocks south of its current location, before relocating to the current site in the 1950s. Many patrons have visited the location over the years, including former President Obama, who stopped by in 2008, to enjoy the food and city atmosphere.
Gerry Miller, the general manager of Mayfair, has worked for the establishment for 28 years and emphasized its role as a community hub with regulars spanning multiple generations. Miller has been working continuously under the same owner for the last 20 years.
“We have generations come through here,” Miller said. “Maybe their grandparents brought their parents, and then their parents brought them as their babies. And now at this stage in life, those grandchildren are adults and are bringing their children.”
According to Miller, Mayfair customers who have moved to different states, still make sure to stop by the diner when visiting their former homes in Philadelphia.
The diner has become a second home for many customers, with people with a wide range of demographics coming in from all over to visit, Miller said. Many people appreciate the diner’s aesthetics, ambiance, service and coffee. Miller said she makes sure diners feel like they are right at home, as well as ensuring everything is to their standards.
One of the most popular menu items, according to Miller, are the breakfast skillets, specifically the cheesesteak skillet, of course, which contains peppers, onions, hashbrowns and cheddar cheese. Other breakfast staples include pancakes, potatoes and scrapple, a local favorite.
“Our food, our service, and your ambience, we make you feel welcome,” Miller said. “You are family. We want you to come back. That’s what’s going to make you want to come back.”
In addition, the diner is also involved with the Mayfair Business Improvement District (BID), and takes part in community events, including the Thanksgiving parade alongside 300 other businesses as part of the Mayfair BID.
“This is like their second home for a lot of our customers,” Miller said. “We may see them two times a day, but we definitely see them every morning. Those are what we call regulars.”
With the menu expanding over the years, customers have returned in attempt to try out every menu item.
“We have a much more expanded menu than we did 10 years ago, even five years ago. People’s palates have changed. They’re more willing to try new items.”
From serving generations of families to participating in community events, Mayfair Diner has quickly become more than just a place to grab a meal. Their long history in the community has brought in traditions and connections that have shaped the neighborhood for decades.
