This is a side view of the Big Star Diner in Bainbridge Island, WA. During our visit to Seattle for Gnomedex last year we took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island to visit this diner. It had previously been featured on The Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our waitress actually made light of the fact that we came from Seattle when she was talking to another employee. I guess they must figure the food isn’t that good to deal with a 30 minute ferry ride. Actually Cheryl wasn’t all that impressed and has said she didn’t think it was worth the trip. I’d go back in a minute. Why? Well I liked the ferry ride over. I found it relaxing and it was interesting to people watch. It was also interesting to visit somewhere I hadn’t before. Our waitress stated all people do on Bainbridge Island is shop or ride the trails. Neither of which we did the day we visited. The point of the journey was to go some place different and little out of the ordinary. Which is exactly what we accomplished and part of the reason I would go back. I’ve often said that people at conferences don’t take the time to explore the cities they visit. When I get a chance to be on the road and travel. I try to do exactly that – explore the places along the way. Honestly I’d tend to bet I could find some interesting places if I would do more of this around home.
The food at the Big Star Diner didn’t strike me as spectacular. However it was a different spin on what would be considered diner food. Our waitress didn’t disappear for to long and did take the time to have a conversation with us. She was friendly enough but you got the feeling she wasn’t a fan of the community she was working in. Cheryl and I were both a bit confused by one story the waitress told. We both were aware that the diner had changed ownership a bit before the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives taping. But our server made it seem as if it had changed hands again. We never did get it worked out if that was in fact the case. There did seem to be some friction between current employees. The person who I think was the chef needed some items so he could cook. A lively discussion took place as to how those things should be purchased. As Cheryl and I were leaving we saw him coming back with a bag of groceries from the local store. He didn’t even acknowledge us or say thanks for coming in.
Since no one seemed to know when the bus would show back up to take us to the ferry station we decided to walk back. You walk through downtown Bainbridge Island and then down a hill and then you make a right for a direct shot to the terminal. The walk doesn’t take to long. But if your a bit out of shape I wouldn’t recommend walking up from the terminal to the downtown area. There is in fact a fairly decent size hill you would have to climb. Better to walk down it. Keep in mind a shuttle bus service is available at a reasonable price. We would have taken that back if we had known when it would be showing back up at the Big Star Diner.
The Big Star now Richie’s 305 Diner shares a parking lot with the Kids Discovery Museum.
Having breakfast on Bainbridge Island at the Big Star Diner
Inside the Big Star Diner Bainbridge Island
Charlie Parker’s diner Springfield IL on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives March 25, 2008
Cheryl meets Guy Fieri today at Charlie Parker’s diner
Book your next vacation or business trip using travel.iggyz.com
Where was the Real World in Seattle
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Worth the Trip Food Network
A new Star on Madison Avenue Search Big Star Diner to find the archived articles. They don’t have a direct link unfortunately.
Dine – Bainbridge Island Downtown Association
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association
Bainbridge Island – Kitsap County, WA USA
Bainbridge Island, Washington – Wikipedia
Fodero Dining Car Company – Wikipedia
Big Star Diner
PLEASE NOTE: Under new ownership Richie’s 305 Diner
305 Madison Ave. N.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Tel: (206) 842-5786
Richie’s 305 – Classic American Diner & Bar-B-Que – Bainbridge Island has an immediate need for experienced Line Cooks & Prep Cooks for a Scheduled March 17th Opening
Craigslist link is no longer valid.
A Bluebird Day « Island Ashley
Here’s the complete history:
When the diner was located in PA it was called Willow Grove.
It got moved to Bainbridge Island, and became the Blue Water diner.
Then it got sold and became the Big Star Diner. (To be honest, I’m just guessing that it got sold in between Blue Water and Big Star, this was a long time ago and I don’t remember for certain.) This is when Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives came. And I guess when you came
Then it got sold and became Richie’s 305.
It is up for sale again.
If you want, you can shoot me an email
I can give you tips on what places locals like to eat at. It’s easier for me than checking this site for updates.
Plus, I like the idea that you explore the areas when you go to conventions.
To whom it may concern:
The “chef” you are referring to is an experienced chef by all means of the word! I have eaten there for breakfast and lunch and the food was excellent! There are a great deal of people out there that have gained experience via “OJT” On the job training; that does not make them any less experienced or less of a “chef” because they did not attend a culinary school. BTW what school did you go to because your abilties of being a whiner are stellar!
P.S. The current chef there now does not smoke!!