Dottie's Diner dishes up down-home grub

By David Irvine

Old Gold and Black Reviewer

As gaudy, overpriced chain restaurants continue to pop up throughout Winston-Salem, it is good to know that there are still a few to places in the area to which one can turn for a simple atmosphere, quality food and truly gracious hospitality.

Dottie's Diner, located at 904 S. Stratford Road, is one such place.

Open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dottie's specializes in traditional southern breakfast fare: biscuits and gravy, pork tenderloin, country ham, sausage, grits, hash browns, steak and eggs and many more favorites. And for those who drop in for lunch, burgers, fries and a variety of sandwiches are always on hand to provide some mid-day nourishment. Although most of the menu's selections may not cater to the particularly health-conscious, they will provide a welcome taste of nostalgia for students longing for their home-cooked favorites.

As tasty (and addictive) as many dishes are, the most compelling reason for making return trips to Dottie's may be the friendly, welcoming atmosphere offered by the restaurant's employees and clientele. Particularly in its early hours of operation, regular customers can be found at the counter and in the surrounding booths enjoying breakfast, a cup of coffee and, most significantly, each other's company.

Richard "Dick" Eubanks and his wife Dottie envisioned just such an environment when they opened the doors of Dottie's Diner more than 12 years ago. Retired from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Airways, Eubanks explained that his wife, who passed away in January, was the driving force in establishing the diner.

"This is Dottie's place - it's her idea, her hard work," Eubanks said. "She was the leader; I was just lucky enough to tag along."

Eubanks boasted of his six children, 11 grandchildren (with one on the way) and six great-grandchildren. "This money goes for (their) education," he said.

And nearly 13 years after its opening, Eubanks can be found behind the counter of Dottie's Diner daily, chatting with customers as he fries bacon on the grill, stirs his gravy or flips an omelet.

Indeed, customers watch their meals being prepared right in front of them from the front counter, a booth or a table by the windows that look out onto Stratford. The intimate setup may at first be reminiscent of Waffle House, only without the chain's over-the-top décor, average food and overpriced menu.

Eubanks explained that many university students have frequented the restaurant throughout their years in Winston-Salem. It has been a particularly attractive place for students to bring parents and other relatives in town for a visit. "This is a family place," he said, and continued, "Life's been very good to us, we've been very blessed."

Perhaps one customer put it best: "When you come here, it's home."