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Imagine a place where time stands still, calories don’t count, and the milkshakes are so thick you need a spoon AND a straw.

Welcome to Ze’s Diner in Eagan, Minnesota – a retro wonderland that’s about to rock your taste buds and transport you back to the fabulous fifties!

Nestled in a nondescript strip mall, Ze’s Diner is like finding a glittering jukebox in your grandma’s attic – unexpected, delightful, and guaranteed to make you shimmy and shake.

As you approach the entrance, you might think you’ve stumbled onto a movie set for “Happy Days.”

The exterior may be modest, but don’t let that fool you – step inside, and you’re instantly transported to a bygone era of sock hops and soda fountains.

The black and white checkered floor practically begs you to do the twist, while the cherry-red vinyl booths invite you to slide in and stay awhile.

Yellow and red chairs add pops of color that would make even the most dedicated minimalist crack a smile.

The walls are adorned with vintage memorabilia that’ll have you playing a game of “I Spy” with your dining companions.

“Is that Elvis? No, wait, it’s James Dean! Oh look, there’s Marilyn!”

It’s like a crash course in pop culture history, served up with a side of nostalgia and a generous helping of charm.

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show – the food.

Ze’s Diner doesn’t just look the part; it delivers on taste in a way that’ll make your taste buds do the hand jive.

The menu is a delightful mix of classic diner fare and modern twists that’ll have you scratching your head in the best possible way.

Take the burgers, for instance.

The “Meaty Cheesy Burger” isn’t just a clever name – it’s a half-pound Angus beef patty that’s been given the royal treatment.

Topped with American cheese and served on grilled Texas toast, it’s like the burger equivalent of a leather jacket – cool, classic, and always in style.

But wait, there’s more!

The “Juicy Lucy” takes things to a whole new level.

Stuffed with cheddar cheese and topped with more cheese, it’s like the burger version of a Russian nesting doll – layers upon layers of deliciousness.

And let’s not forget the “Mushroom and Swiss Burger,” a fungi-lover’s dream that’ll have you singing “Mush-room, mush-room, mush-room” to the tune of “Lollipop.”

If burgers aren’t your thing (who are you, and what are you doing in a diner?), fear not!

Ze’s has got you covered with an array of sandwiches that’ll make your mouth water faster than you can say “Elvis has left the building.”

The “Pot Roast Sandwich” is comfort food on steroids – tender, juicy, and topped with Swiss cheese.

It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, if your grandma was a culinary genius with a penchant for perfectly seasoned beef.

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the “Philly Sandwich” brings a taste of the City of Brotherly Love to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Choose between steak or chicken, and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have you speaking with a Philly accent for the rest of the day.

“Yo Adrian, pass the ketchup!”

But here’s where things get really interesting – Ze’s Diner doesn’t just stick to the classics.

They’ve got a “Gyro Sandwich” that would make Zeus himself do a double-take.

Thinly sliced gyro meat, lettuce, onion, and tomatoes, all wrapped up in a warm pita bread and drizzled with cucumber sauce.

It’s like taking a quick trip to Greece without having to deal with airport security.

And let’s not forget the “Walleye Sandwich” – because you can’t have a Minnesota diner without paying homage to the state fish.

Lightly breaded and fried to perfection, it’s served on a toasted bun with tartar sauce on the side.

It’s so good, you might be tempted to slap it… but don’t, because that would be weird and probably unsanitary.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“But what about the sides? A burger is only as good as its sidekick!”

Well, fear not, my french fry-loving friends.

Ze’s has got you covered with crispy, golden fries that are the perfect wingman to any sandwich.

And if you’re feeling a bit more health-conscious (in a diner? Really?), you can opt for the coleslaw.

It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and it’s the perfect way to pretend you’re being healthy while still indulging in diner deliciousness.

But let’s be real – we’re all here for the milkshakes.

Ze’s Diner has a reputation for serving up shakes so thick, you could use them as mortar to build a house.

(Note: Please don’t actually try this. The health department frowns upon dairy-based construction materials.)

From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like Oreo and peanut butter, these shakes are the stuff of legend.

They’re so good, you might find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished the first one.

And here’s a pro tip: if you can’t decide between flavors, ask for a “twist.”

It’s like having two milkshakes in one, and it’s the perfect solution for the chronically indecisive or those suffering from severe FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out on milkshakes).

But Ze’s Diner isn’t just about the food – it’s about the experience.

The staff here are friendlier than a golden retriever at a frisbee convention.

They’ll greet you with a smile so warm, you’ll wonder if you’ve known them your whole life.

Related: The Home-Cooked Meals at this Minnesota Diner are so Good, You’ll Dream about Them for Weeks

Related: This Hidden Spot in Bluff Country Serves some of the Best Wood-Fired Meat in Minnesota for Family Feasts

Related: Relish in the Nostalgia at this Iconic Long-Running Restaurant in Minnesota

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself engaged in friendly banter about everything from the weather to the latest town gossip.

It’s like “Cheers,” but with better food and fewer bar fights.

And let’s talk about the clientele for a moment.

Ze’s Diner is a melting pot of humanity that would make the Statue of Liberty proud.

You’ll see families with kids sporting chocolate mustaches that rival Burt Reynolds.

There’ll be couples on first dates, awkwardly trying to eat burgers without looking like cavemen (pro tip: it’s impossible, just embrace the mess).

And of course, there’s always that one guy at the counter, nursing a coffee and solving the world’s problems one refill at a time.

It’s people-watching paradise, and the best part is, you’re part of the show!

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“This all sounds great, but what about breakfast? I’m a morning person!”

First of all, I’m sorry you’re a morning person.

That must be tough.

But secondly, rejoice! Because Ze’s Diner serves breakfast all day long.

That’s right – you can have pancakes for dinner, and nobody can judge you.

It’s the American Dream, served up on a plate with a side of bacon.

The “Hungry Man Breakfast” is not for the faint of heart (or the small of stomach).

It’s a mountain of eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, and toast that’ll have you questioning your life choices in the best possible way.

If you finish it all, you get a free t-shirt that says “I Conquered the Hungry Man at Ze’s Diner” (okay, I made that part up, but they totally should do that).

For those with a sweet tooth (and really, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth at a diner?), the pancakes are a must-try.

They’re fluffy, they’re golden, and they’re the perfect vehicle for an obscene amount of syrup.

Add some blueberries or chocolate chips, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s more indulgent than sleeping until noon on a Tuesday.

And let’s not forget about the omelettes.

These aren’t your average egg dishes – they’re more like edible works of art.

The “Denver Omelette” is packed with ham, peppers, and onions, all held together by a blanket of melted cheese.

It’s like a flavor fiesta in your mouth, and you’re all invited!

But here’s the real kicker – Ze’s Diner doesn’t just serve great food, it serves up a heaping helping of nostalgia with every meal.

It’s the kind of place where you can almost hear the ghostly echoes of bobby-soxers and greasers, where you half expect to see Fonzie walk in and give a thumbs-up.

It’s a slice of Americana that’s becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced, chain-restaurant world.

In a time where everything is digital, instant, and often impersonal, Ze’s Diner is a refreshing throwback to a simpler era.

It’s a place where you can put down your phone (gasp!), look your dining companions in the eye, and have a real conversation.

You know, that thing people used to do before we all became cyborgs with smartphones permanently attached to our hands.

And here’s the best part – Ze’s Diner isn’t just living in the past.

They’ve managed to strike that perfect balance between retro charm and modern sensibilities.

The food is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The service is efficient without being rushed.

And yes, they do have Wi-Fi, for those of you who break out in hives at the thought of being offline for more than five minutes.

It’s like they’ve taken the best parts of the 1950s and combined them with the conveniences of today.

It’s the mullet of diners – business in the front, party in the back (okay, maybe that analogy needs some work, but you get the idea).

So, whether you’re a local looking for a new breakfast spot, a tourist seeking an authentic slice of Americana, or just someone who appreciates a good milkshake (and if you don’t, who are you?), Ze’s Diner in Eagan is worth a visit.

It’s more than just a place to eat – it’s an experience, a trip back in time, and a reminder of why diners hold such a special place in American culture.

Just be prepared – you might find yourself humming “Rock Around the Clock” for days afterward.

And don’t be surprised if you suddenly have the urge to roll up your jeans and slick back your hair.

It’s all part of the Ze’s Diner effect.

So hop in your hot rod (or your sensible family sedan – we don’t judge), and make your way to Ze’s Diner.

Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you (those milkshakes are seriously photogenic), and your soul will thank you for the dose of good old-fashioned Americana.

Just remember to bring your appetite and your sense of humor – you’ll need both to fully appreciate the Ze’s Diner experience.

And who knows?

You might just find yourself becoming a regular, joining the ranks of those who know that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a delicious step back in time.

For more information about Ze’s Diner, including their full menu and hours of operation, visit their website or Facebook page.

And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this retro paradise!

For an authentic American diner experience, try Ze’s Diner for American classics such as meatloaf and pot roast. The restaurant is a hit with locals and first time visitors to the area, both of whom are charmed by the restaurant’s retro décor, 1950s rock memorabilia and affordable menu, which is wonderfully homely, even the jam is homemade. This is a great place for a bit of nostalgia in a modern setting. This diner is especially great for breakfast, when you can try a Cajun breakfast, biscuits and gravy, or a whole host of egg dishes.

It feels a little bit like a time warp sitting down in a booth at the new Ze’s Diner in Woodbury – almost like if you’re not wearing bobby socks and poodle skirts or leather jackets, you’re not dressed for dinner.

But Ze’s Diner is very much a diner for 2015. It’s got bright, strong colors, a menu that has a little bit of everything, and a staff who are happy to be part of Woodbury. In the few short weeks it’s been open, Ze’s is quickly attracting the attention of both the young and the old.

Owner Moody Arafa opened Ze’s Diner on Jan. 20. That next Sunday, Ze’s had a “soft opening,” that wasn’t really so soft – with 91 seats available in the place, Ze’s was packed to capacity and had, at times, a 25-minute wait.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” Arafa said.

The Woodbury location may have been spurred, a bit, by the reputation that preceded it. Arafa and his family own another Ze’s Diner in Eagan, and the Cahill Diner in Inver Grove Heights. The family has been in the diner business for seven years – since Arafa left his corporate job with the Axel’s Bonfire chain, and decided to invest in a family-run restaurant.

The thing was, seven years ago, Arafa admits he didn’t really know much about running a diner. He’d been in the restaurant business his whole life, but the concept of a diner was so much different from what he’d experienced. Still, when he and his wife, Zeze – for whom the Eagan and Woodbury diners are named – found the then-ailing Cahill Diner, they also found a challenge they wanted to take on.

The recipes at all of Arafa’s sites come from Zeze. Everything is homemade. Between Zeze’s recipes and Moody’s business sense, the family was able to turn around the Cahill Diner. Four years later, they opened Ze’s Diner in Eagan.

The new location in Woodbury came about after the family had considered expanding the Cahill Diner. Working with a broker, though, the Arafas learned about an open site in Woodbury.

Albeit, a site that needed some work.

“When I walked in here, it was ugly in here,” Arafa said. “My wife and daughter said, ‘You’re crazy. Let’s get out of here,’ because the place was unattractive.”

For the next four months, Arafa and his staff worked to renovate the entire interior of their site. He spent about $51,000 on custom-made tables, chairs and other interior furniture. They had bright red, yellow, black and white tiling put in, and knocked out walls.

At the same time, they trained employees at their other locations. When Jan. 20 rolled around, everyone was ready to open.

The menu

The menu for Ze’s Diner is as unique as its interior. For instance, there are the typical things one might find in a diner – patty melts, reubens, BLTs and, of course, cheeseburgers – listed in the burgers and sandwich menu. But there are other surprises like a veggie falafel pita, a chicken hummus wrap, and fish tacos, too.

Ze’s serves breakfast all day long. They tout nine different kinds of omelets, French toast and pancakes, biscuits and gravy. The entrees include comfort foods like beef stroganoff, meatloaf, pot roast, and rotisserie chicken. And Mediterranean kabobs.

And what diner would be complete without shakes or malts? Certainly not Ze’s Diner. They offer seven different flavors of shakes and malts – all a big hit with customers.

The selection may seem a bit unusual, but it has worked well in the other locations, Arafa said. And so far, customers seem to agree.

“This is a fun place. Kids will like it,” he said. “Good food, good theme, good service. You have to go with the whole thing.”

The Woodbury community is bustling with business and there surely is no shortage of restaurants.

In a community packed with so many dining options, to be a standout joint you must bring something unique to the table. Moody Arafa, owner of Ze’s Diner in Woodbury, certainly does just that.

Moody Arafa and his wife Zeze Arafa are co-owners of Ze’s Diner and have been in the restaurant business for over 30 years. But it wasn’t until 2012, after their success with Cahill Diner in Inver Grove Heights, that this family decided to bring their knack for snacks to the city of Woodbury.

Ze’s Diner is a 1950s-themed restaurant famous for a diverse menu that mixes American and Mediterranean cuisine and of course, all-day breakfast.

“When we first started the restaurant business, I ran hotels, we had really good experience with food,” Moody said.

It is one of their top priorities to make sure that the food is exceptional.

“The menu is so good…you’re going to come back for more,” said Moody, boasting of the most popular items on the menu like the Cajun Breakfast that comes with andouille sausage and spiced with cajun seasoning, or Ze’s Slam that comes with two eggs, hashbrowns and choice of not one but two meats.

This family’s ability to create a successful business gave them the liberty to say farewell to their day jobs and hello to the fast-paced life of running a restaurant. In 2008 Moody took a bold leap and decided to quit his job in order to pursue his passion for cuisine full time.

He, his wife and their daughter, Amal Arafa manage all of the restaurant operations. But it’s more than just the food that Moody and his family put their hearts into.

“Customer service is really our core value,” he said.

The Arafa family puts a tremendous amount of effort into making sure that their customers are well taken care of and not only their customers, but their staff as well. Moody was proud to share that the average cook at Ze’s makes about $19 per hour.

In a tucked away location at 2190 Eagle Creek Lane, Ze’s Diner is a hidden gem of Woodbury providing much more than good food. Moody is extremely involved in the community and regularly supports Woodbury in various ways.

“We love community, I’m part of the Chamber,” he said.

Ze’s Diner also regularly supports local schools, churches and even participates in the annual Chili Hubbub fundraiser. The Arafa family has worked very hard to create and maintain a great restaurant that not only provides delicious food, but incredible service and an unforgettable experience.

Moody Arafa never understood the mystique of the 1950s American diner—at least until he and his wife Zeze Arafa started thinking about opening their own restaurant in Inver Grove Heights.

But the more they researched the concept, the more the idea of down-home cooking in a brightly-decorated diner appealed to the Arafas, who are Eagan residents.

“We just really feel in love with the theme,” said Arafa, who opened the Cahill Diner in 2009.

Fast forward three years, and the Arafas are just weeks away from opening their second 1950s-themed restaurant, Ze’s Town Center Diner, which will be located in Eagan’s expansive Town Centre shopping complex. The 3,300-square-foot diner will feature burgers, meatloaf, lamb and pot roast, and all the trappings of 1950s Americana, including flashy decor, vintage-style photos and checker tiles.

Moody Arafa, who is the director of operations for Axel’s Bonfire Restaurant Company, has spent much of his life neck-deep in the restaurant industry, including a stint as the owner of the Signature Café in Minneapolis.

The Arafas, who live close to Town Centre in Eagan, have long thought about opening a restaurant in their home city. But it wasn’t until the owners of the shopping complex reached out to them that the pair of restarauteurs decided to take action, Moody said.

The Arafas’ daughter will take over the day-to-day operations of the Cahill Diner, while Zeze will transition over to their new business in Eagan. Items on the menu will range in price from $7.50 to $15, said Moody, who plans to open the doors to Ze’s Diner early in March.

Moody, the father of five, said he has enjoyed working alongside his wife and children over the last year to bring Ze’s Diner to life.

“It doesn’t hit me until I walk into that place; it just doesn’t seem real that me and my family are able to accomplish that goal,” Moody said. “I do have a lot of high epectations for that place, I think it’s going to do really well.”

Correction: This article has been changed to correct an inaccuracy. The Signature Café in Minneapolis is still open.

Five businesses will receive the 2013 Dakota County Regional (DCR) Chamber of CommerceBusiness Excellence Awards at an awards celebration on Nov. 21.

The awards recognize those businesses that “exhibit innovation, growth and leadership.”

This year, Ze’s Diner will receive the Small Business of the Year Award.

The other businesses receiving awards include:

Business Excellence Award: Flint Hills Resources
Community Leadership Award: August Ash
Non-Profit of the Year Award: Dodge Nature Center
Woman/Minority Owned Business Award: Bellacu

The feature presenter at the event is Eagan resident Jeff Pellegrom, executive vice president and chief financial officer for the Minnesota Wild. Pellegrom will present on the business success of the Minnesota Wild.

The awards celebration will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, located at 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway in Eagan. Tickets include breakfast and are $30 per person.

What is a diner?

Technically speaking, it’s a free-standing building shaped like a dining car, a la the original Mickey’s in downtown St. Paul.

Diners evolved from lunch wagons in the late 1800s, and the dining-car model caught on in the 1930s, when pre-fabricated diners began popping up, first on the East Coast and later around the country. Mickey’s opened in 1939.

However, the spirit of the diner, which originally was intended to provide a cheap, quick meal for the masses, lives on in many neighborhood eateries.

As places like Birdhouse on Hennepin, which owners Stewart and Heidi Woodman call their “finer diner,” and Kim Bartmann’s upcoming Tiny Diner, which will use produce from its own garden, begin to change, yet again, the scope of what a diner is, let’s revisit some of the classics.

Here are a few of our favorite places to get a watery cup of joe and a hearty breakfast or standard patty melt in the east metro. Though the majority of these restaurants have been around for a long time, we did include the Daily Diner Frogtown. Even though it’s new and the food is somewhat evolved, the diner’s focus on feeding the neighborhood with mostly standard breakfast fare seemed to fit the bill.

Cahill Diner

This squeaky-clean little storefront place next to an auto-parts store in Inver Grove Heights is decked out in decidedly new ’50s-style furniture, but it doesn’t necessarily lack in character.

The decor is trying to be kitschy, and it is. An oddball mural in which St. Paul landmarks are painted side-by-side with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Egyptian pyramids and the Eiffel Tower is fun to analyze, especially with a snarky dining partner.

Thankfully, the food is good. The M&M Sandwich Melt ($8.25), with caramelized, salty ham and buttery sourdough, is giant and tasty and comes with Cahill’s hash browns, which are a cut above many others.

Cahill Diner: 6504 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-455-4408

Occupation: Owner (with wife ZeZe) of Cahill Diner (6504 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-455-4408; cahilldiner.com); the upcoming Ze’s Diner (3448 Denmark Ave., Town Centre, Eagan); and director of operations for Axel’s Bonfire Restaurant Co.

Age: 48

What did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve always loved business. I wanted to open my own trucking company, and I did some of that in Egypt. Moving here in 1984 was like being born again. But it was difficult at first because I didn’t speak a word of English.

What was your first job in food? I was a busboy at Woolworth’s in the IDS Building in Minneapolis. After working there for a month, I thought there had to be something better, so I pushed the elevator button and hit the 50th floor. At that time, it was the Orion Room, and I worked there as a dishwasher. Eventually, I moved into the kitchen and worked those positions. Then, I became a bartender for Cleo’s, the 50th-floor bar.

How did you wind up in the restaurant business? I made a trip back to Egypt and met a guy who owned the Signature Cafe in Minneapolis. He was trying to sell it and sought me out to help, and I ended up buying it from him.

What’s something few people know about you? That I am huge, huge, huge into family. I’m a father of five – four have a college education. My youngest daughter, who finished a four-year degree in 2-1/2 years, is going to be running the Cahill Diner. My wife is going to be running the one in Eagan.

What culinary trend do you wish would die? I would have to say fast food. It doesn’t really help our kids much.

What’s something in your career that you wish you had done differently? I love where I am today and that I did everything the hard way. I had a degree in Egypt, but if I had to do it over again, I probably would have gotten more schooling here.

What’s your favorite restaurant? I like the Downtowner Woodfire Grill. I like the Mediterranean twist to the entrees and the freshness of the pizza. I also like the open kitchen.

If someone were to play you in a movie, who should it be? I just love Jack Nicholson because you can relate to him. He can play any role, and he can make you laugh.

What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Frogs. In Egypt, they’re small and you don’t eat them. Here, they’re the size of chickens.

What’s next? My goal is to have three diners, because I love creating jobs for my family and others. I opened Cahill Diner in 2009 and now my daughter can work there and not have to sit in the unemployment line. My youngest son is just about to finish high school. By the time he finishes college, we’ll be in a position to give him his own place.