If you’re looking for some good all-American food and a fun new experience, make a beeline to the new 5 & Diner at 525 Lincoln Street in Worcester. The franchise, which started in Arizona, already has locations all around the country, but the Worcester location ~ which opened August 22 ~ is the first in New England.

The experience at 5 & Diner begins before you even step in the door. Both the inside and the outside feature 50s- style checkerboard and stainless steel. There’s a working juke box at every table, retro booths and stools, and a real soda fountain. A menu of shakes and burgers completes the 50s atmosphere.

Amy Kalagher, Assistant General Manager, says that the family friendly restaurant is a nice change of pace. “It’s a fun, upbeat place to visit. We have decorations on the wall, good music and ambiance.”

The decoration goes beyond the booths and stools and includes tiled floors, a display case full of mini die cast vintage cars, vintage pictures on the wall, and as costumed waitstaff, all of which give guests the sensation of stepping back to a simpler time.

The Lincoln Street location seats about 130 people and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even the menu looks like it’s fresh from the set of Happy Days: For breakfast, it lists traditional favorites like waffles, French toast, all kinds of pancakes, eggs, and lots of other fixings, and for lunch and dinner you can choose from wings, onion rings, fries, burgers, a good selection of salads, and many other popular American-style dinners. And don’t forget a sundae or shake for dessert.

This restaurant seems like the perfect place for people with fond memories of their youth in the 1950s and for those of us who have only seen places like this on TV. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, or just looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century, give the 5 & Diner a try. You won’t be disappointed.