PORT ST. LUCIE – The word “diner” usually brings memories of small café’s, red leather stools at a breakfast counter and comfy booths lining the wall—and, most of all, large, delicious helpings of old-fashioned comfort food.

Sara’s Kitchen and Bar in Tradition has brought an upscale type of diner to the area and, if the crowds waiting for tables on a Sunday morning are anything to judge by, it’s a diner that is much welcomed in the community.

Our recent visit to Sara’s Kitchen required about a 25-minute wait for a table, but the weather was beautiful and the time passed quickly.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were delighted to see a bright cheery dining area with faux brick wall, wood style floors, white subway tile and soft yellow lighting. Two walls of floor to ceiling windows mean lots of natural daylight and a bright and cheery atmosphere.

A first come, first served bar was fully packed. There was a nice variety of ’70’s and ’80s style music playing and the place was filled with lively conversation.

The menu for breakfast is extensive. Our choices included a variety of egg dishes, skillets, omelettes, French toast, pancakes and waffles as well as healthy options. They also offer a Sangria Bar, Bloody Mary Bar and Bottomless Mimosas.

My guest was thrilled to see corned beef hash on the menu and ordered that along with two scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and two pancakes.

The corned beef hash included tender potatoes, onions and skillet fried corned beef, that of which my guest informed me was “the stuff that dreams are made of”.

The two large pancakes were light and fluffy and served with ample butter and syrup, an absolute must in our world, I mean no-one likes a dry pancake.

The hash browns were done just right, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The scrambled eggs were seasoned nicely and cooked soft. Served with a cup of fresh brewed coffee, this was a comforting breakfast that evoked the aromas, tastes and memories of an old-fashioned diner.

While there are a variety of omelettes on the menu, I chose to build my own. There are a lot of additions to choose from and I opted for egg whites, onions, peppers, tomatoes and broccoli alongside hash browns and multi grain toast.

I think my eyes almost popped out of my head when they set this plate in front of me.

The omelette looked to be the size of a hubcap! The egg whites were nicely cooked and they did not scrimp on the large pieces of chopped veggies which had just that right bite of crisp to them. I concurred with my guest on the perfectly cooked hash browns.

I had my obligatory Sunday morning Mimosa, which, of course, was delicious.

My next visit to Sara’s Kitchen and Bar will have to include a traditional burger with fries, another true test of great “diner food”.

Sara’s Kitchen and Bar is already a popular dining establishment and for good reason. Friendly, efficient service, wonderful atmosphere, and traditional, delicious comfort food created in an innovative style. Here’s a word of warning: if you’re lucky enough to go to Sara’s Kitchen, bring your appetite, you’re going to need it.

Sara’s Kitchen and Bar is located in the Shoppes at the Heart of Tradition at 10156 SW Discovery Wy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987. They are open Fri. – Wed. 7 am – 8 pm (closed Thur.). Their phone number is (772) 204-0966. Visit them online at www.saraskitchenandbarpsl.com.