The Back Street Diner not only sounds like something straight out of the States, it looks like that too. Located behind Al-Nakheel Supermarket off Jeddah’s Prince Sultan Street, this relatively new burger outlet aroused my curiosity so much that I decided to venture inside. The decor at The Back Street is interesting to say the least. With leather bar stools and a marble-topped bar counter, the American diner theme shines through (as do the metal tables).

Pictures of motorcycles and pool tables adorn the walls. Had the place been slightly larger, it would have been easy to picture a real pool table fitting in rather well. The venue seems to be targeting a younger market and will undoubtedly be a hit with local teenagers. Movies play on a flat screen on the wall, which keep diners (and staff) occupied, a nice change from the usual music videos or news channels.

Memories of student cafeterias came to my mind, as did that old TV show “Saved by the Bell” for some reason. Perhaps it was the abundance of purple generously splashed across the walls, along with the faux brick work poster hanging from it, or maybe the soft purple glow of the recessed ceiling lights. Retro 90s sprang to mind, if such a thing exists.

As it is still in its early days, the menu is rather limited, but dishes include grilled fillet of Hamour with steamed rice and vegetables, Hickory grilled chicken, baseball sized hotdogs, pepper steaks and BBQ Hickory smoked burgers

Prices set the place apart from the competition, with dishes starting from as little as SR12, which should leave a smile on your face. The most expensive item on the menu that I could see was the 180g Fillet Rib Eye Steak and even that was a snap at only SR20. I went for one of the advertised combo meals (SR20). For the same small amount you get a freshly prepared Hickory smoked BBQ hamburger, two pieces of fried chicken, french fries, and a soft drink. Other combos include more interesting options including spaghetti.

Service was swift — a short wait of not more than 15 minutes and my food was ready. The burger was particularly good, to be honest.

The bread was soft, doughy almost muffin-like. The burger was rich, flavorsome and covered in a liberally applied sauce that made it all the more enjoyable.

Fries were cut from fresh potatoes, not the usually pre-frozen fare. And while the fried chicken wasn’t as impressive, the burger more than made up for this.

The kitchen was out of sight (it’s located on the second floor). I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the hickory wood and I was told it was there and came via Dubai.

Desserts were also not on the menu but this can easily be remedied, and after eating most of my combo meal I had little need for it anyway. The restaurant was empty during my visit, perhaps I arrived too early after Maghreb, or maybe most opt for takeout.

For those who can’t get enough carbohydrates and aren’t watching their waist-line I thoroughly recommend the Hickory smoked BBQ burger at Back Street Diner.

Reasonable prices will appeal to customers looking for their next burger hit. It’s a bachelor’s affair for the time being though a family area is in the works. In the meantime, families can still enjoy takeout.

Tel: 02-6825440 or Call Lhito on 0509767774.

Location: Areed Ibn Mahsha Street, Off Prince Sultan Street, behind Al-Nakheel Supermarket.

(Rashed Islam is a food critic who hosts Jeddahfood.com)