ALVA COUNTRY DINER HOME COOKING, THE VERY BEST PIES, CASH ONLY—PLEASE Written by: Ava Isabel Grace
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n Florida State Road 80/Palm Beach Boulevard, about 11 miles east of Interstate-75 in Florida country, lies a landmark you've no doubt seen when passing that way. The Alva Country Diner has been a favorite of locals and travelers for years. Since it’s painted barn red with white trim, and has a giant coffee-cup sign plopped right in front, it’s hard to not miss. But it’s the great food and family atmosphere that have been bringing us since 1996. Outside the cozy diner, massive Florida oaks drip with Spanish moss that add shade and interest to the patio of picnic tables and fresh flower baskets. Inside, there’s everything you’d expect from a country diner—pictures of the local soccer team to old-fashioned country décor of wooden chairs and tables, floral curtains and tablecloths. The smiling staff makes it even more inviting to want to sit and enjoy one of the diner’s many favorites such as broasted chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, or a Reuben with onion rings.
The diner is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m-8 p.m., except holidays, when it closes at 2 p.m. And if you stop by during the breakfast hours (Monday-Saturday until 11 a.m., and Sunday until 11:30 a.m.), plan for favorites such as corned-beef hash and eggs or a yummy ham-and-cheese omelet. Families with little ones get an affordable menu for children with breakfast, lunch and dinner items ranging from French toast to fried fish, each just $2.99. The Alva Country Diner started off as a gas station back in 1952. Steven and Jeanne Sexton took ownership in 1996. A Purdue University graduate, Steven is often in the kitchen preparing Alva Diner favorites, while Jeanne “pitches in wherever help is needed,” she says. The couple’s daughters also keep busy here. “Alexandra [19] and Samantha [26] have both worked at the diner, starting when they were 4 years old,” explains Jeanne. “There’s a lot of local flavor served up,” adds Steven. “It’s a friendly, cozy spot to meet.”
The red Alva Country Diner has been on everyone's menu since 1996, with great food and a fun family atmosphere.
IT’S A FRIENDLY, COZY SPOT TO MEET.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY AVA ISABEL GRACE
LOCAL FLAVOR