If you drive past this old diner with its stainless steel exterior in Somerset, Massachusetts, you're sure to do a double-take
Why will the exterior of the shining stainless steel diner on Route 6 in Somerset, Massachusetts make you do a double-take? Because it's not a diner at all, despite its familiar shape. According to The Herald News, "Where once there were pancakes, burgers, and shakes, there’s now sushi, hibachi, and bento boxes. Yamato Asian Bistro and Sushi Restaurant recently opened in the former Jukebox Cafe [Diner] in Somerset."
And what was once a 1950s-era diner now serves up Asian fusion fare--with flair.
There's even a full bar inside Yamato Asian Bistro. Speaking of the interior, if you see old photos of the defunct Jukebox Diner online, you'll notice that it used to look like ... a diner. Uncovered windows let in the bright sunlight, which flooded over tables and countertops that were primarily Formica, a restaurant and kitchen staple of a bygone era.
These days, the interior has a darker, more grown-up look. It's more like a dimly lit bar than a brightly lit diner, which makes sense since it's not actually a diner anymore. In fact, the interior has been so thoroughly redesigned and renovated that it looks nothing like a diner on the inside despite its old-fashioned diner-like exterior.
The restaurant closed its doors temporarily a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were able to reopen for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. However, a sign on one of its windows today, June 7, 2021, states "Open To Go." So I'd recommend calling ahead to see what your options are if you prefer to dine in versus take out. Either way, it's good to see Yamato Asian Bistro survived the pandemic that so many other restaurants didn't.
The old French fries, burgers, and other American-style fried food is long gone from the menu. The prices are a bit higher than when it was a local diner. The menu is loaded with lots of choices for gluten-free and vegan customers, which is one of the main reasons why I frequent this restaurant.
So, you may ask yourself what makes for a good restaurant? Well, I would say that location, customer base, and concept are the three most important things. That’s why I can eat in an Asian restaurant that used to be a 1950s diner and enjoy it even more than an Asian restaurant that began life as, well, an Asian restaurant.
In the case of Yamato Asian Bistro, it is its provenance that makes it unique. What happens to buildings that used to be something else? What if you could eat in an Asian restaurant that used to be a diner? What if you could eat breakfast at a cafe that used to be a train car complete with a caboose? Well, the Town of Somerset, Massachusetts has one of those as well. It's called The Railway Cafe and it's located less than five minutes away from Yamato Asian Bistro.
It's surprising that so few reviews mention what I find to be the most compelling thing about Yamato Asian Bistro, its history. However, I did find a few Yelp reviews that referenced the building's Jukebox Diner past and/or its current decor and interior.
This is my favorite new place for sushi and Pad Thai!! The place is in an old diner but there is more room than you think! They have a full bar and a TV if you want to sit at the bar, as we did tonight. The staff is very friendly. The food is so fresh!! I found myself watching the chef making the sushi and he was like an artist!! The plates are not only delicious but beautiful! They garnish each dish with exotic flowers! We ordered two special rolls and Chicken Pad Thai [...]! We are definitely coming back and also took a take-out menu home!
The interior is gorgeous, they have a long bar, and far more seating in general than I would have guessed when we walked in. The whole place is very clean, and has an interesting and modern decor.
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