Goody Goody Diner is a St. Louis landmark

Goody Goody Diner owner Ryan Safi thinks his restaurant’s longstanding prosperity can be explained by two things: great food and a friendly, attentive staff. For the duration of its 70-year tenure (primarily under longtime owners Richard and Laura Connelly), the Goody Goody Diner has served up hearty, satisfying dishes like the slinger and its beloved chicken and waffles(a recipe that’s been passed down since the spot’s early days). 

To be sure, visits from customers like former vice president Joe Biden – who’s said to have thoroughly enjoyed the ham and cheese sandwich– and legendary St. Louis comedian Cedric the Entertainer, a return customer, don’t hurt one bit. 

Still, Safi (who bought the diner in 2014) professes it’s the regular customers who are the true backbone of the Goody Goody Diner. 

“People know who Joe Biden is – that’s a great wow factor,” he said. “But individuals like Randolph or Bo or B.J. or Phil, the guys that come in almost every day, those are the individuals that we appreciate so much.” 

5900 Natural Bridge Ave., St. Louis, 314.383.3333, goodygoodydiner.com

Adam Rothbarth is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.