Remember that movie Pleasantville? The one where the sun is always shining and the characters are constantly happy? Where upbeat music is the soundtrack to their lives and the food is always picture perfect? This mystical world is closer than you think, just tucked away down the hill on Crown Street; it’s an inner city treasure waiting to be discovered.

Since it opened in late 2010, Jazz City Diner has won over loyal locals with good old-fashioned service with a smile and a quality feed.  The tiny 24-seat diner brings communal eating to a whole new level with the counter stools most in demand. If you’ve got a larger group and can’t get the counter, don’t stress because the vinyl booths are equipped with mini TV’s playing 1920s and 30s jazz in old-school black and white.

When it comes to ordering, a lovely lass by the name of Betty-Sue, kitted out in a pink one-piece bounds up from the open kitchen wielding a pencil, notepad and beaming smile ready to take orders of cheeseburgers and milkshakes.

Most go for the regular cheeseburger, while real aficionados opt for challenging burgers like the Texas Chili Cheese burger and Southern Fried Chicken Burger, all of which come in a basket served with sweet potato fries, like the old days.

If you’re dining with the hulk, opt for the house specialty of chicken and waffles served with spinach, brown butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Chuck a malted milkshake and classic banana split alongside any of these meals and you’ve got yourself a very satisfying diner experience.

Where: 238 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, 2010
Hours: Lunch Tues-Sat 12pm-2pm | Dinner Wed-Sat 6pm-10pm
Phone: (02) 9332-2903
Details: jazzcitydiner.com

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