Is there a better place for comfort food than in the comfort of a familiar diner? Katie Kohler profiled one such spot in nearby Hatboro for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.  

Daddypops unlocks all types of nostalgia in both its setting and its food. It is arguably one of the best diners in the area — and it certainly is among the oldest.

The classic building was built in 1953 in New Jersey. The Garden State had quite the reputation from 1930 to 1950 for building stainless-steel diners that are now considered retro-cool.

Ken Smith and his now-deceased wife, Beth, opened Daddypops in 1982.

Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week, meaning it does serve lunch.

But the hero of the day is breakfast. The morning nosh at Daddypops has a 4.4 star rating from over 700 Google reviews.

The Menu

Breakfast

For the first meal of the day, Daddypops has numerous traditional choices: eggs, omelets, flapjacks (yes, they opt for the Southern title of flapjacks versus pancakes), and brioche French toast.

If the decision of main dish, sides, and beverages becomes too overwhelming, the specials can be a quick way to cut through the menu’s extensiveness.

For example, one delicious plate provides juice, two eggs, toast and jelly, coffee, and choice of home fries, beans, or grits.

Not quite up to the abundance of a special? No worries. The following dishes come à la carte:

• Dropped eggs on toast (a slightly poached egg)
• Eggs buff’s eye (a domestic cersion of Toad in the hole)
• Sausage, gravy, and biscuit
• Creamed chipped beef

Food Network Pays a Call

In 2008, Daddypops got a star turn. Food Network featured the neighborhood favorite on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

During the episode, Guy Fieri discovered that the customers love potatoes just as much as he does. The show highlighted Daddypops home fries. The diner goes through about 200 pounds of potatoes a day.

“It’s a neighborhood institution filled with regulars who know exactly what they want,” said Fieri.

The show also felt the need to explain, scrapple (as if we locals don’t know what it is). In describing the regional breakfast side, customers debated cooking techniques, pitting grilled vs. deep-fried.

And if Food Network weren’t enough media attention, Daddypops provides the setting for Counter Culture on PBS39. This talk show, hosted by Grover Silcox (who indeed sits at the counter), features interviews with local artists, authors, comedians, and historians.

Daddypops is located at 232 North York Road in Hatboro.