Amy Gallivan gets a taste of the Deep South at The American Diner in Felixstowe.

East Anglian Daily Times: Restaurant review, The American Diner, Felixstowe. Slimmer-friendly Cajun-style chicken with spicy etouffee sauce, served with rice. Picture: Amy Gallivan.Restaurant review, The American Diner, Felixstowe. Slimmer-friendly Cajun-style chicken with spicy etouffee sauce, served with rice. Picture: Amy Gallivan. (Image: Archant)

Food

Having booked a bit of time off, we thought we’d head to Felixstowe (for the first time since moving to Suffolk) for a sunny day out.

Unpredictable as ever, the weather had other plans for us, and we arrived at this place famished and resembling a pair of drowned rats after a stroll on the beach!

Thankfully it was cosy inside and exactly how you might imagine it to look. There were cherry red booths, memorabilia adorned walls and the nostalgic sounds of ‘The King’, Elvis Presley, played in the background.

East Anglian Daily Times: Restaurant review: The New Yorker Burger at The American Diner in Felixstowe.Restaurant review: The New Yorker Burger at The American Diner in Felixstowe. (Image: Archant)

There was plenty to choose from on the menu, including lots of dishes to suit those following the Slimming World diet – very handy.

We didn’t bother with starters, just went straight for mains.

I chose the slimmer-friendly Cajun-style chicken with spicy etouffee sauce, which was served with rice. Whereas Andrew picked The New Yorker burger, which was loaded with a meaty beef patty, a succulent chicken breast and topped with grilled smoked bacon and smothered in barbecue sauce.

I have to admit, I was a bit jealous when I saw Andrew’s meal arrive as his burger was accompanied with the biggest plate of freshly fried chips and his burger oozed with sauce and cheese.

East Anglian Daily Times: Restaurant review, The American Diner, Felixstowe. Slimmer-friendly Cajun-style chicken with spicy etouffee sauce, served with rice. Picture: Amy Gallivan.Restaurant review, The American Diner, Felixstowe. Slimmer-friendly Cajun-style chicken with spicy etouffee sauce, served with rice. Picture: Amy Gallivan. (Image: Archant)

Nevertheless, I wasn’t disappointed for long as my meal was equally delicious, despite being suitable for those on a diet. The rice was cooked perfectly, no stickiness at all. The chicken was diced with a mix of vegetables that had just the right amount of crunch. And the sauce had a subtle smoky flavour that was perfect for swirling around in the rice.

It was a good portion too. So don’t be fooled into thinking the diner must have a cut a corner somewhere, because they hadn’t.

And as we were celebrating my other half’s recent birthday, we couldn’t pass up the chance to share a pud.

The sundae arrived in a tall glass and had layer upon layer of chocolate brownie cake, white buttons, ice cream, sauce and lashings of cream, which was topped with two wafers for good measure.

Despite the disappointing weather cutting our day short, I’ll certainly have to make a point to go back even if it’s just to try the Dr Pepper ice cream float next time.

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Located not too far from Felixstowe’s bustling high street, this cosy diner is spot on for breakfast, lunch or diner.

It’s informal and certainly a bit of fun.

The walls are emblazoned with famous sights of American culture, with images such as Route 66, ‘don’t walk’ signs and Cadillac cars to add to the theme.

There’s also a juke box playing sounds from 50s America and kitsch booths to chat to friends within.

It’s not huge, but due to the mix of cleverly arranged booths, you could probably seat about 30 people in there.

There was a mix of diners on the afternoon we visited. It also had a fairly steady flow of people coming in, despite the dismal weather.

Meals are cooked fresh from an open back kitchen, which only adds to the overall feel of the diner.

Location

It’s located in Crescent Avenue, so it’s really easy to get to on foot and by car.

Drink

A great selection, including Baileys and coffee milkshakes, root beer as well as hot drinks such as tea and coffee, but best of all, there is a choice of ice cream floats priced at just £2.50 each. Mmmm delicious!

I opted for a cream soda float. It tasted so creamy and sweet that we decided to recreate it at home. Let’s just say, our attempt was a massive fail! I must find out how they make them.

Service

Our waitress was friendly, prompt at taking our orders and she delivered our meals with a smile.

Parking

There’s paid-for parking opposite and around the corner.

Price

For two main meals, a diet coke, cream soda ice cream float and a chocolate brownie and ice cream sundae to share, the bill came to just over £30.

Highlight

The chocolate brownie sundae wins it for me for its pure indulgence.

Summary

Although it looks small on the inside when you first walk in, that only adds to its cosy and relaxed feel.

It was also great to see a restaurant catering for slimmers.

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