Ghosty’s Diner

No trip to Bendigo is complete until you have visited the retro-inspired Ghosty’s Diner. Re-opening its doors in March with a brand new look, the popular eatery is an ode to all things Americana and has won hearts and appetites with its lush 80s-style décor, tantalising diner menu and serving Supreme coffee. Milk Bar was fortunate enough to visit the hotspot one weekend and can attest to its hype.

Formerly a toasty bar, the site underwent a major renovation to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere where everyone could hang out. ‘After spending a good part of the life of the business adapting to COVID-19, we realised that it had become very transactional with a main focus on getting people in, selling a product, and then out as quickly as possible. The space had become very tired … and lost its soul. We wanted to get back to that and started to develop the concept of a diner,’ reflects owner Nick Styles.

The renewed space, courtesy of Lach Phillip from Weekdays Design, has a warm ambience and gives off a vintage revival feel with the subtle placement of kitsch furnishings, an orange and brown colour scheme, frosted glass dividers, elegant light fixtures and sumptuous wood panelling.

The menu was curated to showcase traditional American diner eats by using the best local ingredients. Expect to see breakfast favourites like the Brekkky Sandwich, a mouth-watering English muffin with egg and cheese. Select any sauce and add bacon or a sausage patty for $4. The Grilled Cheese Melt on sourdough is a classic, which can be customised with a range of additions including ham, tomato, spicy maple and bacon or mushroom. The unique F.G.T. Sandwich comprises crispy panko crumbed green tomatoes, pickles, onion, and lettuce served up on a bun.

For our visit, we ordered the Ghosty’s Cheeseburger. Delicious and extremely fulfilling, the cheeseburger is constructed with a juicy meat patty, cheese, onion, fancy sauce, pickles and a generous serving of raw onion – which for me, is a plus. The burger can be individualised by adding bacon, tomato or making it a double stack. We teamed the burger up with a salty and crispy hash brown, fried chicken tenders and accompanying bread, pickles and sauce. To quench our thirst, we opted for an iced coffee and a malt chocolate milkshake.

In the diner’s future lies plans to build a mini Vegas-style chapel where events can be held – even shotgun or casual weddings! Cue Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’.

So, get your burger and hash brown fix at Ghosty’s Diner the next time you have a city escape to Bendigo.

Ghosty’s Diner
35 View Street, Bendigo, 3550
Open Thursday – Sunday
Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am–late, Sunday 11am–9pm
Images credit – Tim Harris