Mark Dierkhising and Karen Brodsky, the partnership behind Dierk’s Midtown Cafe, have a very specific vision for this popular Santa Rosa restaurant: to connect ordinary people to high-quality local food in an atmosphere that is relaxed, refreshing, and fun. They appear to have been successful, too, as Dierk’s scores high marks from social media reviewers for its quality ingredients, warm and attentive customer service, and generous portions. 

The dining room itself feels like a classic diner, with plenty of bar seating for smaller parties, and deep booths for larger groups. The menu, too, offers fairly standard diner fare (with an emphasis on breakfast). Some of the most popular dishes include the country benedict, chicken fried steak, and old-fashioned biscuits and gravy. Be advised that on the weekends there is a brunch rush—you may have to wait a half hour for so for a table, depending on the size of your party.