The Town of Nederland has been in a buzz about change lately. With redevelopment plans being openly discussed and buildings that were left vacant beginning to be improved and repurposed, the community has let their voices be heard about how they feel about it. But nothing may have invigorated residents more than a new eatery opening in a familiar space.

On the morning of Thursday, September 21, 2023, those on Facebook and Nedheads received one short but sweet message. “9 a.m.” was all it read, posted by Diner Bar Nederland.

Kass and Aaron Esserman, owners of Diner Bar Lyons, along with their hardworking and dedicated staff, have been working day and night at 121 North Jefferson Street, the previous location of Ned’s Diner and Whistler’s before that, to prepare for what has been a greatly anticipated event; the return of a diner in Nederland.

Rumors circulated for weeks about when they would open, and people walking by the building would peek through the windows, as figures were always moving within, and the sound of hammering and drilling could be heard, tempting more passersby to take a look. But it was well worth the wait once Diner Bar opened its doors!

Immediately guests were welcomed by friendly staff and a fresh and airy environment. The sky blue walls juxtaposed to the black trim and tables, coupled with the beautiful wood floors made the dining area feel more open. The bright colors of Heather Taylor-Lande’s original artwork on the walls perfectly match the neon cartoon art that pops off the bar top.

The atmosphere is perfectly representative of Nederland, and the menu is just as intriguing and unique.

Diner Bar’s breakfast menu stars some diner classics elevated by fresh and inspired recipes and techniques, including a delicious corned beef hash with eggs, pepper relish, diced onion, and hot sauce, and a chicken fried steak and eggs that tastes like homemade comfort food. The menu offers impeccably crafted classics like French toast, as well as more eclectic plates like trout and eggs.

The coffee cup was always full and the diner mimosas provided a swift kick to accompany a meal that was beyond satisfying.

The lunch menu offers steamed burger sliders, a bison patty melt, kimchi fries, street corn dip, and chicken and dumplings inspired by the chef’s great-grandmother.

As Diner Bar allows time for their kitchen staff to master the items currently on the menu, there are some tantalizing choices soon to come, such as egg Benedicts, like “Truffled,” which features asparagus, baby tomato, prosciutto, parmesan, and truffle pieces, and a vegetarian option called “Tree Hugger.”

The Essermans and the Diner Bar team went hard for one hell of a soft opening, over one of the first weekends of leaf peeping season. The new restaurant not only saw locals lined up at the door, excited for a new dining option, but it also saw a long line of tourists, chomping at the bit for a place to sit and chow down after a tough morning of taking pictures of nature.

The rumor mill started again on Sunday, September 24 when Diner Bar Nederland closed early. Aaron Esserman quickly addressed the situation on social media, letting the community know that he decided to close to allow his new staff time to recoup and regroup after a long first weekend. Esserman explained how a big part of Diner Bar’s ethos is taking care of the comfort and well-being of their staff, and that little else takes precedence over that.

Diner Bar Nederland is located at 121 N. Jefferson Street and will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information go to Diner Bar Nederland on Facebook or @dinerbarneds on Instagram.