By Nick Brancaleone
For years, Bob was a short order cook at the Hazel Park Race track, until he won enough money on a thoroughbred, named Nip -N- Tuck, to open his own countertop diner. Left to his daughter, Becky’s Nip-N-Tuck Diner carries on the tradition of being a favorite for locals.
Chrome stools, red vinyl, and stainless steel fill out this cozy eatery, seating no more than 15 at a time. Becky’s son, Ryan, armed with spatula and chef’s knife, now mans the grill, and for my money is one of the top short order boys in the business.
Dead eyes (Poached eggs), thick sausage (best in town), English muffin, and black coffee will make the better part of your day, while Ryan’s homemade banana cinnamon pancakes may force you to re-consider your lo-carb diet.
One of the areas best kept secrets is the Nip-N-Tuck burger – delicious, satisfying, and only a buck fifty. Golden fries, coke classic, malts and shakes blended to order, and served in the ‘tin’, all explain the overflow at lunchtime.
Daily specials are written on a plate hang and from the menu above. Hot beef sandwich, turkey dinners, ground steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, all for five and a half dollars. Beat that.
There are stories here, gossip, business deals, items for sale, shop talk, cop talk, high school kids packed in for lunch, veterans, little old ladies with blue hair and some men without – a piece of Americana. No waitresses, no pens or checkbooks, no bills handed to you. At the “Nip”, the honesty policy is served all day long. Breakfast served anytime.
11 Mile Rd Berkley MI | Hours. M-S 5 a.m. – 2:59 p.m. Phone # 248-547-8851