A diner's oversized booths and oversized sandwiches have long been a beacon of hope for teens dumped after prom and frowny clowns looking for new novelty-sized props. Take refuge in the breadcrust of an old-fashioned eatery with today's Groupon: for $7, you get $15 worth of classic diner fare at The Peppermill Cafe in Waterford. This deal is not valid for delivery.

The Peppermill Cafe transforms fresh and local foods into comforting diner eats through the magic of down-home cooking. Break the fast any time of day with a country croissant filled with scrambled eggs, melted American cheese, and your choice of meat ($6.25). Or tattoo another hash mark on your stomach lining via a savory plate of corned beef hash with seasoned onions and green peppers ($4.75). The classic midday trifecta of soup, salad, and sandwich offers three times more fullness than one dish alone. Biting into a BLT pita wrap ($5.75), smoked ham hero ($6.25), or patty melt ($4.75) alleviates hunger pangs and gives jaded teeth something to do while fine-art fanatics appreciate the Dinty Moore ($7.50), an edible sculpture of corned beef, cheese, creamy coleslaw, Russian dressing, and rye toast. All sandwiches arrive in business-casual attire with a sample of homemade potato chips; add a tossed salad ($3.50) or homemade soup du jour ($2.95/bowl) to dress up your plate for the prom.

The friendly staff and regular patrons at the Mill make nosh getting a community experience bedecked with lively conversation and impromptu joggling contests. Affectionately called the "Cheers of Waterford," The Peppermill Cafe serves up good honest food that won't sneak in through the window past curfew or use you to get closer to your brother.

Reviews

The Oakland Press featured The Peppermill Cafe for the eatery’s 24th anniversary. Three Insider Pagers give the café five stars on average:

• I've been going to the Peppermill Cafe for many years. The food is excellent. The service is great and the atmosphere is very friendly. – Deb N., Insider Pages
• It has homemade taste, and the prices are very low. They have been there a long time and have a great reputation. – Stacey T., Insider Pages