My older son, now ten years old, tried ice cream at the Convention Grill for his first birthday.
“This is the first ice cream sundae you’re having at the Convention,” I told him. “It will not be your last.” I’ve been true to my word; it hasn’t been.
I could pretend that I go because it’s a family friendly burger joint, but I went to the Convention before I had kids, and the last time I visited for lunch with a girlfriend.
The Convention Grill is an old-school American diner with sandwiches, fries (oh, those fries!) pop, malts, and phosphates. Gluten free? No problem. Just get the California burger with its generous leaf of lettuce and make your own wraps. Vegetarian? Go for the egg salad or grilled three-cheese sandwich. Yeah, there aren’t tons of options, but the ones they have are solid and good.
I know there are malt people, or cherry-cola people out there. I respect your choice. I’ve tried them. But for me, The Convention is all about a trifecta of burger, fries, and ice cream. Anything that precludes me getting a sundae is a deal breaker. I’ve worked out my order by trial and error over the years. It’s like The Price is Right of food—how do I get just enough burgers and fries without going over so I still have room to share a hot fudge sundae with banana slices?
My usual is the California burger, medium, no onions, American cheese, with a side of mayo. The friend who introduced me to the Convention Grill has her own usual: California burger, medium rare, smoky cheddar, extra pickles. She’s been going there so long the wait staff knows her order. The Convention inspires that kind of long-term loyalty. While other restaurants wither and fade, the Convention is still doing what it does, and doing it well.
So, here’s to the old favorites. They may not be fancy, or make the press anymore, but they’re still here, and still serving great food. And that’s a pretty big deal.
The Convention Grill
3912 Sunnyside Road
Edina, MN 55424
952-920-6881
