By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A sign on the wall at Pop’s Diner in Peabody reads, “Pop’s Greasy Spoon. It ain’t healthy but it sure tastes good.”

The good taste of food at the iconic Peabody diner brings a large flock of regular customers for breakfast and lunch every day.

Tim Peterson was busily cooking orders and filling plates for a full house of customers Thursday, grabbing order tickets and sending meals out to customers as quickly as he could.

“This is the best place to eat in Marion County,” regular customer Scott Weber said. “He has a varied menu every day. Tim runs a good establishment.”

Peabody resident Rod Hague seconded that thought.

“It’s the best place to eat,” Hague said.

Hague said Pop’s biggest draws are tostadas and burritos.

As for his personal favorites, it’s just too hard to choose, he said.

“We have different things for specials every day,” Hague said. “If you like something, you’d better be here on that day.”

Hague’s son and daughter-in-law in Newton and his daughter in Peabody enjoy gathering at Pop’s for Saturday breakfasts.

Weber also likes breakfast items such as biscuits and gravy at Pop’s.

“I don’t think he’s got anything that’s not good,” Weber said.

Police chief Bruce Burke has a hamburger or cheeseburger for lunch at Pop’s Diner nearly every day. About once a month, he has ham loaf.

“Most days, this is the only hot meal I get,” Burke said. “It’s the best little diner I’ve ever had the pleasure of dining.”

Farmers working in the field can call in and Peterson will prepare meals for them to stop and pick up, Burke said.

“He tries really to cater to the farmers,” Burke said.

The diner offers a special meal daily.

On the breakfast menu are omelets, pancakes, waffles, eggs, toast, sausage, ham, bacon, hash browns, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, sausage gravy, cinnamon toast, and combination meals made to the customer’s order.

Pop’s lunch menu includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, roast beef sandwiches, chicken fried steak, pork tenderloin sandwiches, BLT sandwiches, grilled cheese with or without ham, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids.

Dinners include chicken strips, chicken fried steak, pork tenderloin, hamburger steak, roast beef, and shrimp.

Sides include French fries, onion rings, chef’s or tossed salad, chicken strips, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and cottage cheese.

Desserts include cobbler, cinnamon rolls, and pies that Pop’s is famous for.

Whatever you want at Pop’s, though, don’t be late because the doors close at 2 p.m.