The sign outside Tootsie’s Diner in Callao reads “bringing back the good ol’ days” and nothing says that quite like the diners of the 1950s.
Walk in and you’ll find a classic diner setting with black and white checkered floors, red vinyl and chrome seating, and vintage records all part of the decor. You’ll also see walls lined in vintage license plates, a nod to both the car culture that overlapped with the popularity of diners and also to the building’s former life as a service station. The awning that once covered gas pumps now provides a shady place to grab a bite during the Northern Neck’s warmer months.
The casual atmosphere at Tootsie’s Diner encourages a steady stream of neighbors and regulars, nearly all of whom co-owner Teresa Withers is able to greet by name. This being a neighborhood eatery, customers often do the same with each other. Withers also mans the busy phone, greeting callers with a friendly “what can I get you, honey?”
“We get a little bit of everybody,” said Jesse Gordon, Withers’ son and co-owner. “I went to high school with that guy,” he said gesturing to one of the booths during the lunch rush. Withers’ nephew Shane Withers runs the front, cheerfully and thoroughly answering questions about the large chalkboard menu behind the counter. It reflects the variety coming through the door, with a selection of salads, sandwiches, seafood and burgers to satisfy anyone.
“It’s good ol’ comfort food,” Gordon said, adding “everything is made from scratch with generous portions and at a good price.” Family runs deep within the business and not only because it is family owned and run. It is also a tribute to Gordon’s grandfather, Irving “Tootsie” Withers, who was born and raised in Callao. “Grandaddy would have loved this,” he said, noting the restaurant theme and menu.
Starters
At Gordon’s suggestion, I tried the Strawberry Pecan Salad. Like other salads on the menu, this was much more than a side dish. First, it was loaded with fresh greens and strawberries. Then, there was the candied pecans along with a sprinkling of bleu cheese. Finally, add the drizzle of either the poppyseed or raspberry vinaigrette and you have a meal full of flavor and textures. I cannot resist a crab cake, so I made the creamy, flavorful patty a wonderful side.
Other homemade sides on the menu include the standard french fries and onion rings, but also not-so-standard mac and cheese bites, jalapeño poppers and hush puppies. If you are in the mood for cold sides, pasta salad, potato salad, cole slaw or cucumber salad are options. The family-friendly eatery also includes choices suitable for kids like chicken tenders, chicken nuggets or hot dogs. In addition to the menu, daily specials like a chicken salad BLT or weekly specials like Meatloaf Monday are featured.
Burgers
You will need to come hungry if you are going to try one of Tootsie’s popular (and sizable) burgers. My husband joined me on this visit and tried the bacon cheeseburger—a half-pound, Angus beef patty, topped with generous amounts of cheese and bacon—and cooked perfectly. Given the size, it was easy to share and wonderfully messy. Other inventive burger options include the jalapeño popper burger, pizza burger and the totally unexpected PB&J. A creation from the minds of little brother Jasen Lewis and Dawn Taylor, it is a burger topped with peanut butter, hot pepper jam, cheddar cheese and bacon. Since my husband had never had them before, we ordered a side of fried pickles. The crunchy breading on the soft dill pickle spears was a great combo, especially dipped in tartar sauce.
The fried pickles would pair well with a cold beer and while they do not serve alcohol at the diner, they do deliver regularly to the nearby Callao Brewing Company on Friday and Saturday nights. You can also arrange to have Tootsie’s cater your next event with any items from the menu. It will be the same homemade quality that folks have come to expect when they visit the diner. “I’ve got 60 pounds of potato salad to make for this weekend,” Teresa mentioned during our visit.
If you have room, and sadly we did not, desserts like fried Oreos or hand scooped Blue Bell ice cream, can round out your meal. And like any good diner, they have milkshakes.
From the surroundings to the service, everything about this diner feels homey and comfortable. “Tootsie” Withers would indeed be proud of this local diner, in the neighborhood he called home—back in the good ol’ days.
Tootsie’s Diner
255 Northumberland Highway, Callao
529-1019
Open
Mondays – Saturdays
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Staff Picks
Half-pound burgers
Crab cake sandwich
Did you know?
Tootsie’s offers weekly and daily specials.
Catering is also available.
