Dust City Diner

I hate it when my favorite places end up on Unilocal.This is my all time favorite. The ambiance, mix of art and souls, perfectly grilled food and sublime coffee. Not too spendy either. Their new management went over the top to welcome me, thank you! I’m glad the original owners bought the diner back last friday, my life was complete again after bacon pancakes and the perfectly crisp hash browns entered my palette. Hey Dingie, you’re super cute, I hope you’re on the clock next time I’m there.

One of our favorite ‘playa gifts’ at the event. These guys are hooked up to a truck and dropped off on the outskirts of the city at night without knowing (even their good friends) where they’ll show up. Serenaded by the piped-​in sounds of a city diner, you are served grilled cheese sandwiches, OJ and coffee with a side of attitude. Think of ‘Kiss My Grits’ Flo from Alice. You will typically find more men dressed as waitresses with this outfit than actual women.
ALWAYS hilarious and yummy. NO HEALTH CODES ARE VIOLATED. They even somehow manage to provide a dust-​free environment where food is served? We can’t get enough of these folks!!! We hope to see a Kickstarter for them if necessary because they are missed when they don’t make it out.

Best pancakes I’ve ever had. And a darling waitress to boot.
It’s hard to secure a stool at the DCD in the wee hours of the morning in the deep playa, but it’s worth the wait…

Oasis.
with sass and good tunes. ‘nuf said.

I stumbled upon the diner early one sunrise morning, deep into the playa. A seat opened up and I was able to sip a cup of hot coffee and eat a warm sandwich while watching the reds and ambers light the sky. It was a surreal, awesome experience made only better by the waitresses. Thanks for a perfect morning.

Do these people evah dust? Well I nevah been to a place so dusty in all my life! Does the Health Department know about this? My goodness! Well, I’ll give one star for the coffee, anotha for the cheese that drips between the sandwich and my mouth. One more for tha pickle. Oh and dang it, there’s the whiskey. But how’s about cleanin’ up the place!

Looking across the playa, I saw a glimmer of hope; a beacon of light. Dust City Diner is definitely a destination rather than a pass by. At times, the wait can be long, but the conversations with others waiting makes it go by quickly.
Once seated on a comfy stool, the smart and bitingly humorous waitstaff quickly served up some tasty coffee and offered the special of grilled cheese sandwich.
I passed on the sandwich. However, the coffee was classic American diner brewed with love. None of the burnt over-​extracted swill made by chain espresso companies. It was perfectly balanced with a pour of crème and a smidge of sugar.
I turned to my right and left and started great conversations with each the fellow patrons. We all were a lively group and dressed well. We touched on everything from alternative energy to the latest dance music. I didn’t realize but I was eying one guy’s sandwich. He noticed and offered a bite to me.
Heaven. I ordered my own.
It arrived on a shiny clean plate; grilled to within one shade of perfection. The crisp bread contrasting with the smooth melted cheese middle. Occasionally, strings of melted cheese would get caught in my beard which was all part of the experience.
At the end, I asked for my check and soon after left to free a stool for the next guest. This is a well executed destination diner that I highly recommend. Go to enjoy the service, food, fellow patrons, and ambiance.

The sassy waitress made a fresh pot of coffee for me and the grilled cheese was great. Hit the spot. Highly recommended! Thanks, hon.

The Dust City Diner emerged from the inky blackness, a neon mirage. «What is that?» my traveling companion and I pondered as we staggered across the dusty lakebed. «Oh my! It’s a diner!»
After a short wait (it’s a popular joint) we hopped up to the high stool and in a trice we were served by a very attractive young lady. Sure, she was smoking, but hey! This is the 1940’s we’re talking about; smoking is still good for you. Besides, a knockout blonde like that can smoke around me anytime.
The coffee was hot n good and the grilled cheese was a delicious buttery life-​saver. Off we went into the dark of the night, only to return just after dawn for another tasty snack and some mighty fine company. And the waitstaff still looked good to me in that bright mornin’ light.
Thanks Dust City Diner! You made my evening, and there was plenty of it to make.

In one word: sublime.
Reminiscent of bygone days, this 40s style diner was an oasis in the middle of the playa.
Their house special is a seasoned grilled cheese that melts in your mouth and warms the soul. Be sure to ask for some of their «special» coffee.
You will not regret seeking this out.

Dust City Diner beckons as a glimmering mirage in the inky darkness, it’s a welcoming oasis providing comfort and hearty sustenance to lost souls who trudge across the desolate void of deep playa. Visitors of this elusive establishment perch themselves upon eleven elevated stools facing across the red formica horseshoe counter. Classic tunes waft from the tube radio while the sassy beehive-​adorned wait staff cavort and entertain their patrons beneath a canopy of stars.
Don’t be deceived by the appearance of the grill cook. Sure, he might look like a recent prison escapee, but he flips the tastiest grilled cheese ever off the cast iron griddle onto your plate with the panache of an executive chef. The satisfying house special comes garnished with a side of spicy pickle and a little american flag stuck on top.
Blue plate specials include a wide assortment of toaster pastries as well as deeelisshus krispy-​kreme bread pudding. If you ask politely.. . or even if you don’t.. . your cup of coffee might find itself in the seductive company of a splash of Irish.
Whether you happen upon across this phantom diner by accident, or you consider yourself a regular, you’re certain to treasure the memories of its savory delights & cosy ambience.
Open from dusk ’til dawn. Location variable.