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I know at this site we have pledged to dedicate ourselves to discussing and promoting all things Mt. Washington. However, I can’t help but mention the clean, smokeless, deliciousness that is Michelle’s Diner on E. Warrington Avenue in Allentown (Pittsburgh, PA 15210).

My friend and I ventured there this weekend for breakfast. I was craving diner-style pancakes and I had two choices: settle for the spongy, microwaved discs that Eat ‘n’ Park serves (After re-reading this, I wanted to clarify that I was referring to the pancakes on Eat ‘n’ Park’s breakfast bar. The cinnamon pancakes and Belgian waffles are fluffy and homemade and wonderful) or gasp for air in the smoke-filled haze that hovers above me at J&J’s or Christina’s. My first inclination when I need to buy something is always to think of a Mt. Washington establishment that fits the bill. Unfortunately, this is not possible when in search of a quality breakfast in a smoke-free environment.

I think I’ve found the ideal alternative in Michelle’s Diner. Vintage red stools on gleaming black-and-white tiles establish a 1950s theme immediately upon entering. Think about any diner of that era and that’s what Michelle’s models itself after right down to the owners waiting on you themselves. A long counter with baked goods and deli meats in the familiar glass case runs the length of one side of the narrow, deep restaurant. About 12 sets of Formica tables and contour-style booths are clustered near the back wall and are surrounded by eclectic memorabilia ranging from a giant Elvis bank to autographed photos of former Steelers.

The menu offers all of the comforting staples: burgers, omelets, pancakes, etc. I can vouch for the pancakes and omelets as I had one and my companion had the other. If you’re looking for a good, filling, inexpensive breakfast in a clean, smoke-free environment then I encourage you to take a trip to Allentown to go to Michelle’s. When we asked our server, who is also part-owner and a former nurse, why Michelle’s is smoke-free she said she couldn’t in good conscience allow patrons and servers to continue to smoke in her restaurant given all of the proven health risks.

While it’s wonderful to see Christina’s get a mention in locally-published Maniac Magazine, I am hesitant to tout this accomplishment because they haven’t taken the leap that Michelle’s has to protect the health of patrons. I wish Mt. Washington restaurant and bar owners could be a bit more forward-thinking and make the right choice for customers instead of the easy one. Until then, I’ll see you at Michelle’s.