Late Night Diner

The other night I used my negotiating skills (the promise of beer and fries) to drag James out for dinner at Ponsonby's Late Night Diner.

As the name suggests they've embraced American diner style food, calories and all. This isn't the kind of place that will fit into your Paleo/raw/lemon/blah blah blah diet so you may as well throw the rule book out the window before settling into your booth (although you probably threw the rule book out four cocktails ago anyway).

The best thing about this place is that you can practically fall into it from Ponsonby Social Club right next door. Although the worst thing about this place is that everyone right next door can see you shoving burgers and fries into your gob... I don't know about you but my table manners aren't at their best at 3am.

Luckily the staff don't bat an eyelid at your manners and the service is great at any hour of the night.

On this visit I ordered the Fried Chicken with Buffalo sauce which was incredible, and dare I say it the best fried chicken this blog has seen yet. Fried chicken AGAIN? I know. I would have called this 'The Fried Chicken Weekend' but it didn't quite have the same ring to it.

James had the Cheese and Bacon Burger with fries which I took as my duty to test, and after 5 test bites I can conclude that it was also delicious.

Food aside, Late Night Diner also have an amazing drinks list including everything from your craft beers to Pumpkin Pie Martinis. My favourite so far is the Hard Chocolate Shake with cigar infused bourbon, I felt like I should have been drinking it in Don Draper's office.

Ashamedly I was too full for dessert this time but I've tried the pumpkin pie before and it's the best I've ever had (only just though Sarah!).

Whether it's the end to a big night out or a mid week pie craving Late Night Diner have got you covered. So next time you find yourself heading to the nearest golden arches, stay away from the fluorescent lighting and give Late Night Diner a try instead.