A Retro Delight: Lee's Snackhouse
If you're yearning for a taste of the past paired with lightning-fast service, look no further than Lee's Snackhouse.
Nestled at 129 Campbell Street, this classic diner exudes a 50s vibe, complete with original old-school seating and booths that transport you back in time.
Initially renowned for its breakfast offerings, Lee's has recently ventured into the world of dinner, opening its doors from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. This extended schedule is a boon for shift workers, making it one of the first breakfast spots to greet the early risers. It’s also great if you’re getting off shift and don’t want the hassle of getting dressed up.
Embracing a broader culinary spectrum, the menu now boasts an impressive selection of appetizers, handhelds, pastas, bowls, and seafood.
What truly impressed us during our visit was the speed at which the food arrived — mere minutes after ordering. Quick service without compromising quality is a rare gem, and Lee's Snackhouse has certainly mastered the art.
For starters, we indulged in the cauliflower bites, a satisfying introduction to our meal. A light batter, real cauliflower, and a perfect crunch.
These golden nuggets of cauliflower showcased the chef's skill in transforming a humble vegetable into a crispy, flavourful appetizer. Each bite revealed a balance of a crunchy exterior and tender cauliflower within.
Although they could have used a little spice or dusting of something, we thought they were a great shareable overall.
Moving on to the mains, the 8oz NY steak with garlic mash and seasonal vegetables offered a decent steak at an unbeatable price of $22.95.
The steak was what you’d expect for the price point, cooked properly, tasty, seasoned correctly, and served with a smile. The cut was generous, and it had been seared to an accurate medium rare.
The potatoes were real, fluffy, and with just the right amount of garlic throughout. The veg was likely frozen and re-heated, but honestly we were so pleased with everything else that we didn’t even care.
The real steal was the Chili burger with truffle fries, a freshly crafted delight priced at only $11.95. The burgers are made from scratch daily, and so is the chili. The quick preparation and affordability surpassed the offerings of traditional fast-food joints and drive-thrus.
The convenience of stepping in straight from work, still in work attire, to enjoy a meal in a classic diner atmosphere added an extra layer of awesome.
Undoubtedly stealing the spotlight was Lee's deep-fried chocolate bar. Served in a crispy fried tortilla shell and accompanied by French vanilla ice cream, the deep-fried Snickers was a delightful surprise.
The sheer fun of devouring this treat makes it a must-try, and it's an excellent choice for a family outing—your kids will undoubtedly be enthralled. This is a DO-NOT-MISS item to try at Lee’s.
In addition to the delectable offerings, the service at Lee's Snackhouse deserves a perfect score of 10/10. The staff was friendly, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere, and the overall cleanliness of the establishment added to the positive dining experience.
Lee's Snackhouse is more than just a diner; it's a nostalgic journey through time with quick
service, affordable prices, and crazy good diner desserts.
The absence of formality combined with the super-speed service made our dining experience truly enjoyable, emphasizing that sometimes, the best meals are the ones savoured in a relaxed setting without the fuss of home cooking or upscale dining. If you're in Sarnia, don't miss the chance to experience this retro delight.
- Sarnia Nibbles
Sarnia Nibbles is a long-time downtown resident of Sarnia, with an insatiable love for food. They came to life on Instagram as a delicious extension of a personal love affair with food, drink, and the vibrant local community. The creator aims to capture the essence of Sarnia’s food scene, showcasing hidden gems, time-honoured favourites, and stories behind the dishes that make this city a gastronomic treasure trove. Sarnia Nibbles prides themselves on honesty, including the good, the bad, the delicious, and the disgusting in their reviews.
Bon Appetit!
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