‘Sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your name.’ Yes, those are the lyrics to a TV theme song written long ago by Gary Portnoy & Judy Angelo. However, as residents of Russellton say, the Deer Creek Diner is like “Cheers without the Beers.”
Nestled just outside the entrance to Allegheny County’s Deer Lakes Park, the Deer Creek Diner really is the heart of the community. It is a timeless and distinguished diner that proudly features historical photos of the coal mining town, West Deer Township, Frazier, Tarentum, Cheswick, & more. I’m told that some of the old images bring tears to patrons who recognize their younger self or a long passed relative.
Owner Leslie Rhodes is the leader of the magical memory place. She has worked 7-days a week for the last 12 years to ensure that every guest is fed and feels like family. One cannot help but feel at home when she and her crew are around. The diner is so warm and welcoming.
The supporting cast at Deer Creek Diner is led by Jess & Felicia - they seem completely capable of causing some fun…or trouble. It all depends on you, I guess. HA! Cali is a remarkable teen who is learning the ropes in the kitchen before moving to the floor. The recent high school grad, Haley, and Brooks all really pull the place together with youth and energy as they ponder their next moves. Young or older...wait or kitchen staff….
the generations really mix well. A testament to a great boss.
Leslie’s husband, Jeffrey, is her self-proclaimed ‘human relations’ expert. He is a character with such an amazing sense of humor. The manly mascot’s powers of persuasion are so convincing that his image is featured on the Diner’s t-shirt emblazoned with the words ‘Jeffrey Made Me Do It.’ Regulars love him so much that they’ve created a shrine to him complete with statues of resemblance. I won’t give it away but let’s just say he is very well gnome.
So, how about the food? It comes straight from Leslie’s heart. If she doesn’t like it then you won’t find it on the menu. The dishes are her creations. Ask hungry folks what their favorites are and you’ll find many answers: The Breakfast Burrito, Turkey Bacon Ranch wrap, the easily sharable fish combo, the corned beef hash omelet, the chili-cheese omelet, heck - ANY OF THE OMELETTES. The pancakes the size of hubcaps! You name it and it is good. Leslie made sure we tried almost everything. And, in case you can’t decide, ‘everything’ should be topped off with the deep-fried home fries. I must return for lunch soon because so many people mentioned two of my favorite words: POT ROAST.
Greeting me with a warm smile and a handshake this morning was Pennsylvania Representative Bob Brooks of the 54th District. He was among the many who recommended this joint to us. “I TOLD you!” he proudly exclaimed when I stated him how much I like the Deer Creek Diner. Trust Bob. The man has an amazing record of doing things right for our region. State Rep Rob Mercuri of the 28th District also dropped by. He grew up nearby. Rep. Mercuri’s very first job prior to heading to West Point was slinging pies at this very location when it was a Fox’s Pizza Den.
The Russellton-area is also where KDKA radio’s afternoon news anchor Melinda Roeder was raised. Our boss, Brand Manager Dave Labrozzi’s mother was born in Russellton, as well. He fondly speaks of the summers spent with his uncles and grandparents in houses just down the street. It was great seeing Dave and his cousins having a mini reunion today.
The Deer Creek Diner. Patrons love this place. The atmosphere, the food, the beautiful family, the fun. It is no wonder why this tiny little spot in a township with no red lights in a far corner of the county way up route 28 has been our most nominated destination for the KDKA Radio Morning Show’s ‘Hometown Tour.’