When it comes to diners and dives, one must typically have low expectations for things like fancy decor and innovative menu items. However, when it comes to tasty classic dishes and comfortable, laid back ambiance, expectations are usually met. Such is the case with the iconic Pepper Pod Restaurant, a corner diner in Newport. The 24-hour hole-in-the-wall, beloved dive continues to feed hungry visitors and you can’t go wrong with a meal here at any time of the day.
Pepper Pod is one of those places that locals know and love, and may not be thrilled with the fact that its delicious secret is out! But, this dive deserves to be visited by regulars and visitors alike for its classic “greasy spoon” food and retro appeal.
GoogleMaps/Larry Holladay
The interior of Pepper Pod is exactly what you would expect from a 24-hour diner.
GoogleMaps/Jesse Turner There’s a counter bar, vinyl booths and friendly staff waiting to take your order.
Yelp/Justin M. The specials are posted on the wall, and the menu is vastly filled with simple options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You could eat something different during each visit, but most locals stick with their favorites.
Yelp/CT. The nostalgia of Pepper Pod is apparent in many ways, and especially in the Seeburg Consolette mounted on the wall. The restaurant looks well-loved, because it is.
And then there’s the food. Breakfast is a big hit here and is served 24 hours a day.
Yelp/Thomas P.
GoogleMaps/Mitchell Carman The country ham, biscuits and gravy, and omelets are all on the must-try list. And given their Northern Kentucky location, you have to try a side of goetta, which is served in fried patties and perfectly accompanies any breakfast.
The other classics on the menu are just as mouthwatering.
Yelp/Paige M.
GoogleMaps/Dan Link The Big Eddie burger, pictured above, may look a little like another “big” sandwich that is popular in the area. Many say Pepper Pod’s version is better. And don’t forget the cheese fries. The grilled cheese is also the perfect late night snack.
Pepper Pod is a hidden gem near the river in Newport and ideal for an early morning feast, midday meal, or late night crave fest.
Yelp/Paige M. No matter when you decide to visit, have a seat at the bar, order one of the classics on the menu, and enjoy your experience at one of Kentucky’s iconic diners.
One thing to keep in mind if you choose to visit Pepper Pod – there is a smoking section. You can definitely smell the smoke in every part of the restaurant, but most visitors can look past that (if that bothers you), in exchange for delicious food and a vintage diner experience.
GoogleMaps/Larry Holladay
GoogleMaps/Jesse Turner
There’s a counter bar, vinyl booths and friendly staff waiting to take your order.
Yelp/Justin M.
The specials are posted on the wall, and the menu is vastly filled with simple options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You could eat something different during each visit, but most locals stick with their favorites.
Yelp/CT.
The nostalgia of Pepper Pod is apparent in many ways, and especially in the Seeburg Consolette mounted on the wall. The restaurant looks well-loved, because it is.
Yelp/Thomas P.
GoogleMaps/Mitchell Carman
The country ham, biscuits and gravy, and omelets are all on the must-try list. And given their Northern Kentucky location, you have to try a side of goetta, which is served in fried patties and perfectly accompanies any breakfast.
Yelp/Paige M.
GoogleMaps/Dan Link
The Big Eddie burger, pictured above, may look a little like another “big” sandwich that is popular in the area. Many say Pepper Pod’s version is better. And don’t forget the cheese fries. The grilled cheese is also the perfect late night snack.
No matter when you decide to visit, have a seat at the bar, order one of the classics on the menu, and enjoy your experience at one of Kentucky’s iconic diners.
Have you eaten at Pepper Pod? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Pepper Pod is located at 703 Monmouth St. Newport, KY 41071.
For more classic diners throughout Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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