I used to visit a friend in Stafford and I would drive by Chelle's a lot, my father would also talk about going there for breakfast. It is located on 107 West Stafford Road, Stafford CT 06076. The phone number to reach them at is 860-684-6622. It's hours of operation are Sunday to Tueaday 6am to 2pm. Wednesday to Saturday 6am to 8pm. If you line diners, especially car hops from the 50's Chelle's is a trip down memory lane. I was expecting the usual diner fare going into my experience.
The dining area was set up with typical Diner booths, some of which were in obvious need of repair with tape, or multi-colored patches across them. I'd say the dining room seats about 75 people. The area to the kitchen and dining area is completely open so the waitstaff can't really hide from you. The walls were fully decorated with various relics of the 50s across the country and in the city of Stafford. The dining area is set up in such a way to be appealing to people of all ages, they even have a jukebox with 50s music on it. For being the typical diner layout I give it a 12/16.
Once again the regular menu was a standard lunch diner menu with a decent selection of breakfast items. All of these were reasonably priced. The special board had some impressive items on it. Included a 26 in hot dog that I got with chili, cheese and onions. It came out on a large platter on two foot long hot dog buns. I was delicious and I wish I'd gotten two. The layout of the menu was very simple as it should have been. The menu was set up to draw in families and couple, which was mostly what we saw in the dinner. If your on a diet or a vegetarian / vegan there was a small amount of things to choose from. However don't expect gourmet vegan food here. I give the menu layout and design a 13/16 for above average selection and good pricing.
The cooking staff prepared our buger and hot dogs fairly quickly. One thing I am disappointed about though was that the platters came only with potato chips. If you wanted french fries they were a dollar extra. The waitress was also young and kept getting distracted by her co-workers. The platter came out arranged nicely though, my hot dog looked like it had been layered rather than slopped on. I give the performance of the staff a 11/16 for slightly above average work.
The hot dog was excellent simply put, the chili was flavorful but I still tasted every thing else, I wasn't impressed by the slightly stale potato chips however. My friend Eddie said the burger was also great. He wasn't even able to finish the nearly 3/4 pound patty heaped with toppings. I have not tried their breakfast menu but the fact my father travels down there out of his way quite often gives it enough credit to me that it's also worth having. I give the food a 13/16 for simple but delicious offerings as well as unique items like the hot dog and other daily specials. A lot of places have done away with specials or simply rotate 5-10 items for their "specials". I'm glad some places still focus on creativity and selection with specials.
Another note worthy feature of Chelle's is they do have outside seating at picnic tables served by girls on roller skates. Like the true car hops did back in the 50s. I'm not sure if they serve you in your vehicle but personally I don't like eating in my vehicle. It makes to much of a mess, especially if you spill ketchup or something on the seat.
I have rated Chelle's 50's Car Hop Diner as 49/64 points, it delivered just what I expected. A family and kid friendly place with food you knew what you were getting into. Other than the potato chip issue I have no qualms with going back to this place. The pricing was adequate and service quick and friendly enough. Although it's a bit out of the way in Stafford it's still worth a trip down on a weekend for some good nostalgia.
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