Middleton: Rockin’ Rogi Diner
An unassuming little restaurant on Middleton‘s Commercial Drive, Rockin’ Rogi Diner is a delightful licensed eatery that serves up mouthwatering comfort food with a contemporary twist. The décor is a delightful mishmash of retro charm and vintage memorabilia, from neon signs and a jukebox to classic vinyl records adorning the walls.
Rockin’ Rogi Diner’s menu is a treasure trove of classic comfort food that prioritizes local and in-season ingredients. The offerings are a testament to the owner’s commitment to preserving traditional diner fare while adding their unique spin. While pierogis are obviously the star of the show (hence the Rogi in the restaurant name), the soups, salads, sandwiches, and homemade pasta dishes are also standouts on their own. The owners actively support local farmers and suppliers, ensuring that the ingredients are as fresh and high-quality as possible. They take pride in contributing to the local economy and fostering a sense of community. They bring in donuts from Di’Valerios donuts weekly, cakes and cheesecakes from Mama’s Brat Baked Goods, and other baked goodies from Fearless Gourmet. You can eat in or take these items to go, along with a variety of other take and bake meal options.
But, back to the pierogi. While you can technically get a very classic pierogi from Rockin’ Rogi (potatoes, caramelized onions, cheddar, and fresh Holmestead ricotta), I urge you to visit as often as possible to try every flavour they offer. I love the samosa pierogi, and the sweet potato pie ones. Pierogis are topped with your choice of nearly two dozen toppings, including sour cream and bacon (obviously) to the more creative, such as black beans, house pickles, tomato-curry jam, creamy dill, or hot peppers.
If you can bring yourself to order something other than pierogis, they offer a wide variety of specials. I’m still thinking about the pork carnitas with smokey peppers and citrus, sweet chili chicken, and pineapple-jalapeno prawn I had this summer! They also bake their own potato bread in-house, and it’s delicious.
Rockin’ Rogi offers frequent specials that keep things fresh and exciting. Follow their Facebook page to see what they’re serving up.
What truly sets Rockin’ Rogi Diner apart is the warm and welcoming staff. The owners Zoe McCredie and Will Duggan are dedicated to creating an enjoyable experience for every customer, and their friendly, attentive service is something you’ll remember long after your visit. They truly are the nicest, most generous people!
Experience the delightful blend of classic diner nostalgia and modern culinary innovation, all served with a generous helping of warm, small-town hospitality. This hidden gem is sure to leave a lasting impression and satisfy your cravings for comfort food and a trip down memory lane.
