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Seaplane Diner
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Seafood Diners, Seafood [Edit]
307 Allens AveProvidence, RI 02905
Neighborhood: Lower South Providence
(401) 941-9547
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 5 am - 3 pm
Sat-Sun 5 am - 1 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Seaplane Diner
Review Highlights
-
"Absolutely heavenly pancakes and perfect home fries." In 4 reviews -
"The french toast is solid too." In 3 reviews -
"Pancakes were done well, moist and fluffy." In 7 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from David F.
Worcester, MA
5/25/2012 1 photo
HUGE diner fan to begin with (the establishment, not the patrons). Although not in the most scenic of areas, the Seaplane is the real thing. Nostalgic design that has been retained, maintained, and not "updated". I loved it as soon as I saw it, in fact as it was a weekday lunch and looked busy as I drove by, I pulled a U-turn on busy Eddy St. anyway to get back there. It was there many years back when I attended J&W Culinary and didn't think it still existed. I'm glad it does.
I was by myself, so seating was easy at the counter. Immediately a friendly waitress was there to wipe down the already clean spot I was seated at. I placed my order of the Southern Burger (fried onion & bacon), got my beverage immediately and was able to watch my meal being assembled. I don't know how these guys can cook in such tight quarters, but I was impressed. The meals going out began to give me diner's remorse; I started wondering if I should have ordered something other than a burger! It all looked awesome.
When I got my meal, I was delighted that I HAD gotten a burger. The fries were fab, not at all greasy, at the waitress gave no attitude when I asked for a side of mayo for them. The burger was cooked perfect, not greasy, with melty cheese, ripe red tomato slices, crisp green lettuce and an above par roll.
For under $10, I got a great diner experience with real diner fare and exceptional service even though it was pretty busy. As far as cleanliness goes, it looked to me to be fairly decent for the lunchtime rush, especially for 2 girls on with lottery, full diner, etc. Now I just gotta get here for breakfast some time! -
Review from Elena K.
Providence, RI
5/18/2012
I don't know why I keep reading 4-star reviews. In the area (2-mile radius) of breakfast joints I've gone to, this was very mediocre.
The onions were not cooked properly and my omelet was rubbery. Breakfast potatoes really not seasoned enough. And the inside is cool, some say, but I thought it to be a tad grimey.
Try OV's on the other side of the highway, or keep driving south and go to Jp spoonems. If you live in the area, Three Sisters on hope street is also amazing and the french toast they serve there is homemade. -
Review from David G.
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Seaplane is an old airstream trailer style diner with simple, basic diner food that is both unpretentious and unironic. Burgers, sandwiches, bacon and eggs, all that sort of thing.
The Seaplane is one of the few places that has not gotten on the fancy brunch bandwagon with tons of specials on the weekends. As such, it tends not to draw the foodie/hipster crowd as much as it does the strip-club patron/city worker demographic appropriate to it's location on Allens Ave.
It's open overnight on weekends so it gets crowded around the time the bars close, especially with the aforementioned strip club patrons. During the day it's popular but I've never had a long wait.
I've always found the food to be plain and decent, and the service to be good. -
Review from Josue M.
Providence, RI
4/27/2012
Been going there for some time, but a few friday nights ago I went and when I asked the owner for a soda, he responded with "Why the F**k are you asking me?" I was a little confused why he would answer like that. I had met him before and seemed like a cool dude.. That night might of
Been a bad night.. But sure not the way to answer.. He just lost some customers... Smh -
Review from Cindy J.
Providence, RI
5/19/2012
The absolute worst service ever! As someone who has and currently works in the food service industry I was a bit surprised that when my family and I entered the diner this morning we were not greeted at all by the wait staff. We stood waiting for a table and an acknowledgment by the wait staff, and well we waited. Two guys walk in behind us and a table becomes available at that time. The men were seated, and still no one acknowledge my family and I. The men were immediately greeted and served by the staff. Quiet unfortunate that I was unable to be served but I guess it really isn't because if the service was extremely horrible then I don't believe there is any hope for the food.
I guess I am curious though did I miss the dress code, or possibly the description of some who is allowed to be seated and served in the diner? -
Review from Lizz W.
3/5/2012
This place is awesome. Such an old school diner feel but very clean inside. I went here this weekend and we got:
mushroom,onion,ham and cheese omelet, eggs benedict, and a grilled banana walnut muffin.
I have not one complaint about the food. The coffee was bad, which usually kills a breakfast place for me but the cheap food and fast service make up for that i my book... next time I'd opt for juice. -
Review from Aly K.
1/24/2012
The Seaplane is great! After passing this place many times without even knowing it was there, a friend brought me here and I really enjoyed it!
The buffalo chicken wrap has just enough bite! The Chicken Parm sandwich is one of the best I have ever had!
It can be busy at times, but there is never a long wait. The staff is super friendly and great!
I have never had the breakfast at Seaplane, but if you are looking for a banging lunch, this is your place! -
Review from Kimberly S.
Cranston, RI
1/25/2012
I visited this place late one night (c'mon, why else would I be eating here?) and it was average. Nothing amazing, but it did the trick at 2am.
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Review from Al Z.
Marlborough, MA
10/23/2011 3 photos
I made the trek down here Saturday morning and found the place nearly full at 7:30 a.m. That's a good sign,I figured,the food must be pretty good inside.Only a couple of vacant seats so,I grabbed one at the counter. Just two waitresses were handling the whole crowd and so the service was understandably slow.Finally got a cup of coffee and ordered off the menu.They have some of the best coffee I've had anywhere in here. Very good.When my meal finally arrived,It looked great and there was plenty of it too.This place was jammed but my waitress really did her best to keep everyone happy.I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast and chatting with my waitress (when she could spare a moment).Solid diner experience here and I would come back again in the future.
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Review from Age S.
Philadelphia, PA
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
The hidden gem of diners! Being new to town the fiancé and I had to follow the GPS prompts to Seaplane. We're from Philly so we've seen a couple of shady areas but I did get a bit nervous as the GPS led us through a couple of dingy streets and abandoned looking buildings. We found Seaplane between a bunch of strip--*ahem* gentlemen's clubs.
I LOVE the Seaplane Diner.
The cooks easily accommodate the fiancé's complicated, picky, and weird requests (Annoying! I just tell him to shut up, nut up and eat his breakfast burrito.) Nevertheless, he enjoys the food as well.
The oreo pancakes and the french toast are scrumdiddlyumptious.
Waitress Roberta is a total sweetheart and she seems to know and like everyone there. It can get a little loud in there but the majority seem to be regulars and really nice.
They get busy on the weekend so we like to go during the week. However, I wake up really late & then I take about 2 hours to look presentable so it's not easy for me to make it in time to enjoy the Seaplane Diner. -
Review from Robert M.
Seaplane is a great little diner hidden over by the waterfront. People were all on a first name bases and and the staff very friendly.
So 3 stars does not seem like enough, but yet there was nothing that really jumped out that made this place more special. That is not meant as a slight, but Modern has its Corned-beef Hash and other off the menu items. Seaplane is just a really good solid neighborhood diner. If I lived closer, I am sure I would be a regular.
So, do not let 3 stars deter you from going. Good is good and hot. -
Review from Marlena G.
Providence, RI
9/3/2010
Guilty pleasure ftw.
I love this place. A hop and a skip away from my parents' place and my beloved Honeydew iced coffee, Seaplane is probably my favourite diner, period.
I have never received poor service nor have I been served poor food. Granted I've never stopped by for lunch, but then again, why would I when I can eat enough for all three meals at breakfast? It's no exaggeration that their Hungryman Special rocks my world. While I'm notoriously picky about how my eggs are scrambled and cooked, they totally make it right every time without the need to send 'em back. Absolutely heavenly pancakes and perfect home fries. Ihop has nothin' on these dudes quality and price wise.
Added bonus? Sure the food doesn't qualify as 'healthy,' but unlike other places I've eaten breakfast at, nothing is actually drenched or sopping in grease. The interior doesn't reek like stale oil and everything is totally clean and well kept. Did I mention the service is great? Well, it is.
I haven't been by in a while now and this is something that needs rectifyin' stat. In all seriousness though, you couldn't find a better value for your breakfast lovin' buck even if you tried swimming across the port of Prov. Once I eventually try their lunch/dinner I'll be sure to update. -
Review from Amanda P.
Pawtucket, RI
2/22/2009
I was all set to get pissy about this place when the only vegetarian options for lunch were the eggplant parmesan sandwich and a grilled cheese, and they said they couldn't do omlettes for us because the griddle was too crowded.
And then my husband and I ordered two eggplant parmesan sandwiches and were instantly in heaven. They were easily the best I've ever had in my life, or at least the best I've had since Mama Falco's in Chicago closed (I used to go there all the time). It was so good that I wanted Chicago-style giardiniera with it, but made do with a few banana pepper rings.
We also tried the french fries and the pasta salad as sides, and both were delicious. I was surprised at the quality of the pasta salad, which wasn't mushy or swimming in dressing, and which had some really nice vegetables with it.
Service was speedy and with a smile, and even after sharing our lunches with our son, we still had leftovers.
We've been back a couple of times, and we got the chance to sample the excellent fish & chips for a Friday lunch, and came once for Sunday breakfast and loved the stuffed French toast with fruit. -
Review from Sam 'Wags' W.
Moraine, OH
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Come take a flight with us; Great location!
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Review from Jay E.
Providence, RI
9/14/2011
A classic Rhode Island style breakfast diner! Plenty of breakfast and lunch specials, you can't go wrong. We tried the pumpkin pancakes, bacon, and home fries, they were all delicious. Friendly and fast service and you can't beat their prices, well worth a visit!
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Review from Gail B.
7/13/2011
Finally stopped in to Seaplane and sooo happy. I didn't get much...a large gulp of caffeine (very respectable brew), and a grilled corn muffin.Simple stuff, but dang! that muffin rocked my morning! Torie was super friendly and got me out quick. I'm holding one star back until we have a full meal...which will be SOON! I'll update you...cuz I know you need to know!
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Review from Brian N.
3/15/2010
Solid.
That's probably the best description I can give for this place, which claims to be nothing more than it is and delivers exactly as it promises. It's your classic diner, replete with dining table jukebox. Very reasonable prices and good service.
Had the Hungryman Special for breakfast (served til 1130, we got our order in at 1125); $5.95 for 4 butter toast halves, 2 full-sized fluffy pancakes (choice of banana, chocolate, or blueberry), 3 eggs, 3 links of sausage (choice of breakfast vs linguica), and home fries. A solid meal. Very filling. Pancakes were done well, moist and fluffy. Blueberries were fresh, not frozen. Home fries had a nice skillet crust. Linguica was spicy sweet.
Coffee was refilled as needed and our waitress offered to provide separate checks for our table of 3. Very courteous and attentive, at least more than I expected to get at an old-world diner type establishment.
All in all a good morning had here. -
Review from Mark S.
3/31/2011
I love the Seaplane, solid food and reasonable prices. Plus they're open till like 5 am on weekends. I usually get the Seaplane special which is eggs, corned beef hash, home fries and toast. The french toast is solid too. It's an unpretentious diner with good diner food. If you're looking for some fancy shmancy dish with a mango chutney demi glaze you won't find it here. Staff is very friendly and the service is great.
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Review from Natalie W.
Culver City, CA
2/22/2010
Excellent food, really cheap prices. They served me breakfast even though I came
in during lunch hours. My waitress was sweet and seemed to know everyone who came in by name. I had 2 eggs, 2 huge pancakes, cinnamon raisin toast, 3 sausage and homefries for 5.95. My husband had a side of coleslaw, clam chowder, and oj. Our total bill was $12.03 and we were in and out of there in less than 20 minutes, but I didn't feel rushed one bit. -
Review from Jacqueline T.
St Charles, IL
4/10/2009
The only reason I am giving this place 3 stars is because of the service and the food.
First we sat at the bar, near the register the place was PACKED at 10 AM on a Thursday morning. Some people left a 4 top the server cleaned it off and asked us if we wanted to move. Of course we did.
Our server was great, attentive, friendly, well mannered, everything you could want in a server for a diner.
I had egg, cheese, bacon on a bagel - divine, just like I used to get in NY.
The only issue I have is cleanliness. Our table was wiped down with a disgusting rag... the table was left wet, there was junk, trash, food on the floor....
I know it is a small, hole in the wall, old diner.. but I cannot deal with the filth, I can't go back, I'm sorry!! -
Review from Sis Y.
Washington, RI
6/13/2010 2 photos
I've been here a few times. Every time was a different experience since every time was with different people (mostly.) If you are a white gloved tight ass, don't bother. The place is like most old school diners that are greasy grimy and busy. It's located on the waterfront but you won't see the water. It's not pretty but it is a classic.
The breakfast food (because that is all I'v ever eaten there,) is good diner fare. Hash-browns, toast, pancakes, eggs, all the basics. If you are there after a night of drunken revelry they don't take offense. It's on the street with the stripper bars. The waitresses are efficient, ask them for sweetener, more coffee or whatever you lack. They're friendly and they are like the old yankees, they leave you alone unless you talk to them.
It's a good place to go late night but call to see what their hours are. -
Review from all seeing E.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2009
This is the real deal. I am so glad it exists! Not the prettiest neighborhood but its a diner not a french restaurant so you have to cut it some slack. The palce is a classic and should be visited. Yummy greasy food!!!
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Review from Susan A.
Providence, RI
5/11/2010
As a lifelong RIer, I've eaten in my fair share of diners and can remember when they weren't the rarity they've become. The Seaplane has great ambiance and the prices are decent but on the two Sunday mornings I went, the service wasn't up to par. The place wasn't overly crowded either time, yet no one came to offer refills on coffee and we had to snag our own creamers from another table. Sweeteners other than sugar are apparently hidden behind the counter so you have to ask for some when you place your order. The second time we went, I had the cranberry and walnuts pancakes $5.95 and was disappointed when all I got was 2 regular pancakes with a few cranberries and walnuts sprinkled across the top.
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Review from t v.
Providence, RI
8/30/2008
The Sea-Plane Diner is kitschy fantabulosisness. Open late. Get the coffee roll, grilled with extra butter (it always has extra butter by the way). It will melt your impending hangover away directly. The real bonus is you get to hobknob with the strip joint set. Soooooo fun! I'm serious.
