*

Sometimes we need to mention the obvious. The obvious being the old standby right in front of our eyes – that you see almost every day. The obvious, in this case, is Kelly’s Diner. When a restaurant is doing a great job then it merits mentioning. We don’t care if it’s a hot dog stand or a pizza truck, if the product being offered is really good, then it deserves our attention.

Kelly’s Diner is a Somerville icon in Ball Square, named one of the top five diners in New England by Yankee Magazine. Many of you know the history of how the diner was moved here in 1996 and reconstructed on the former site of Harold’s Diner by the Holmes family. Some of us can remember a time when diners were fairly common. Today they are a cherished memory of the past.

Entering Kelly’s is like walking into a time warp from the 1950’s. You expect to see leather jackets and poodle skirts sitting at the counter drinking Coca-Cola and root beer floats through a straw. The counter, booths and tables are all vintage and look like they were just custom made to compliment the aqua and pink décor.

The food – let’s get to the best part, good hearty diner food at diner prices delivered by veteran waitresses who fit in perfectly with the style and décor. The menu starts with breakfast and then morphs into lunch.

Of course, you can enjoy breakfast any time and the choices will not disappoint. Eggs every way, grilled bagels and cream cheese with any assortment of breakfast choices. Pancakes with various fruits, steak and eggs, glorious homemade corned beef hash, four egg omelets are offered, followed by a list of breakfast sandwiches. Their own version of Eggs Benedict is served on Sunday.

Lunch is everything a diner should be. There are luncheon specials served Monday through Friday with specials ranging from a roast beef dinner, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, pot roast and more – all under $12!

The sandwiches are all worthy of consideration, big and well made. They serve a corned beef dinner on Thursdays, thus, you know that the corned beef for the Reubens and corned beef sandwiches is cooked on site. That makes a world of difference for those of us who crave a good deli schmear.

The half-sour pickles are the real thing – with plenty of snap. The house special is a real turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The hot meals run through the list of great diner food: meatloaf, grilled steak, haddock and chowder on Fridays, franks and beans, chicken cutlet, chicken and beef kabobs with rice, salad plates, etc. Not to mention all the traditional fountain drinks and famous frappes being offered including bottomless coffee and sodas.

Kelly’s Diner – great food, great service, all in a fabulous time capsule. What’s not to like?

Kelly’s Diner, open 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. 674 Broadway, Tel. 617-623-8102.