November 20, 2006
Nothing's finer than being in your diner
Moon River looks like a diner. It feels like a diner. And, most importantly, it tastes like a diner. The people behind this place got the details right -- the black and white tile floors, the red swivel-top stools and even the colorful curly straws. And we love the huge retro neon sign out front -- it's perfect. They've even got a jukebox (the same one they had out in Gubei) but it no longer works, and -- we just learned this -- did you know jukeboxes are technically illegal in China? An old Cultural Revolution law that never came off the books, we were told.
We have been to the Gubei Moon River Diner a couple times, but never any of the other ones -- we apologize, we live in a tightly wound Puxi cocoon -- so we were looking forward to its downtown debut (which was last week). The New Factories location is three stories: first floor, deli (should open this week ... looks classy -- lots of white tile); second floor, diner (see above ... plus, best popcorn in town); third floor, bar (really impressive and extensive beer list ... cans of Boddington's only 20 kuai). There's also an outdoor terrace for six months from now when the weather is bearable again. All they need are bubble gum machines and an arcade.
Although the New Factories seems far away ("north of Beijing Lu = Anhui Province," is how someone described it to us today), it's not. Should City Diner be worried? Maybe they'll feel some effects early on, but we think there's definitely room for two diners downtown. And City Diner has at least two things going for it -- convenient location and great food (have they added the award-winning chili to the menu yet?).
Our walk through the New Factories did leave us with one other question: Will there be anything there worth visiting other than Moon River Diner?
Moon River Diner, New Factories Building 1, No. 4, 66-74 Yuyao Lu, near Xikang Lu. Tel: 52135106.
Curious about the headline? See here.
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Sorry but I've given City Diner 3 chances and they screwed the pooch each time. Lousy lousy brain-dead service and multiple order screw-ups. They should stick to chili and sell it take out only.
Moon River jing'an will have wireless within 5 days, we are told. THey just got their phones working yesterday. They, unlike city diner, are not open 24 hours. This week they are open until about 11pm on weekdays and perhaps will be open as late as 3Am on weekends, pending the kind of night management talent they can get.
They can hire me as long as i get coffee throughout the night.
Fabulous! In my humble non-American opinion, Moon River is the coolest and most delicious American diner in Shanghai. Great variety of burgers and cheesecake!
I had such a bad experience - fatty food, appalling service, loud and repulsive patrons - on my first visit to City Diner that I never returned.
I still reckon Kabb has the best burger :)
As a long time Moon River Diner fan, I was treated to a private event in their third floor dining room the day before their grand opening last week. Despite a gas main blockage, Greg and Mike arranged to have propane tanks shipped in to operate the grills and ovens and cranked out a multi course meal for me and my 40+ guests.
As a "real life" test, I returned this past weekend when they were fulling operational and ordered rndom items of the menu. Everythig came perfectly, their staff explained the items in question and even came to apologize when the waiter mistakenly said the soup was a "Sweet Tomato soup" when it was actually a "Sweet POTATO Soup". No worries, it was delicious!
Looking forward to having a REAL diner in town.
As for how the New Factories will do, it looks like it may get a slow start, this being the slow season and all, but the signs are that it is a promising local and with the development going onaround it, it should be a hot spot by the time we can use those two amazing patios for outdoor al fresca dining!
"Come and experience this unique Brazilian meal at the affordable price of *RMB$98.00 per person!
Note
The cost of beverages is not included in the price.
Government tax and charges are not included in the price. "
a. is it any better than the current Brazilian bbq for 68RMB?
b. what is the secret confidential government tax and charges? Is it like 50RMB more?
It's great to have a Moon River close. It's a clean, cheerful, kid-friendly place - and eating there is fun. But... one thing that always strikes me at Moon River is that the atmosphere, and the service, is so much better than the food. And while I've never dined with anyone there who really raved about anything they ate (with the exception of the milkshakes) - most people leave satisfied, and return again and again.
is moon river an east coast thing ?
hey is there a blog for moonriver diner ?
thanks !!!!!
Hi! guys, I am working for new factories where the Moon River is located. I Strongly recommend you guys to visit new factories. there is a lot of bars, pubs, resterants,and even some art gallerys and so on. anyway, just have a look, i believe you will find some thing you are interested in.
Hi! guys, I am working for new factories where the Moon River is located. I Strongly recommend you guys to visit new factories. there is a lot of bars, pubs, resterants,and even some art gallerys and so on. anyway, just have a look, i believe you will find some thing you are interested in.