It's Monday night at 11, and a group of friends is taking a break from their books to grab a bite at Philly Diner.
College and Wharton senior Varun Jalan says the group has been at the 3925 Walnut St. restaurant many times in the last four years, even when their studies kept them up until 3 or 4 a.m.
"Philly Diner is the only place open past 11:30 or midnight that serves food," Jalan said. "I'm a senior, so this place is like home."
The diner's current location on the 3900 block of Walnut Street, which has been home to this campus staple for the past five years, is closing to make way for work that will result in University-owned off-campus apartments and retail. But Jalan will still be able to get his Philly Diner fix - just a block away.
The restaurant is moving to the site of what was formerly College Buffet at 3901 Walnut St., and renovations - the spot is getting a new exterior and refurbishing - are expected to be complete by the end of the week. The Diner will then move in sometime within the two following weeks.
"It was important for us to stay nearby for Penn students, so they can have a place open 24 hours," Mark Saleh, the manager, said. "Being here has really made a name for Philly Diner."
But that doesn't mean that changes are not in store.
The restaurant plans to hire more servers, lower some prices and add some new menu items, Saleh said.
Additionally, traditional Philly Diner specials such as coconut shrimp, sirloin steak and lasagna, which have always been printed by hand on a large chalkboard above the cash register, will be added to the printed menu.
Lorraine Davis was hired last week as part of the expanding staff, and she said she chose to work there because of the "relaxed atmosphere with all of the college kids." For her, working at the diner will be a chance to build memories and friendships as she adjusts to her first time living in a city, she said.
For Jalan and his friend, Anant Jatia, a Wharton and Engineering senior, the building has been the site of many late night adventures.
"We've been here when there was a fight involving four tables," Jalan said.
"And there've plenty of times when people puke after drinking on a weekend night," he said. "The best part is that, even though you know people got shot here, you still come," he added, alluding to an incident last Christmas, when a man was shot and killed in the diner.
Jalan and Jatia are not the only ones who value the Diner's presence nearby.
The Undergraduate Assembly worked with Penn officials last year to preserve the only 24-hour eatery on campus, UA Chairman Brett Thalmann said.
"All you have to do is look at the number of students who frequent Philly Diner on the weekend or late at night, and it is the only option on campus, and we want it to be maintained," Thalmann said.
Ed Datz, Penn's executive director of real estate, added that the University also worked to make sure that Philly Diner stayed close by even though its current location is being demolished.
Jalan said he hopes Philly Diner will keep its atmosphere in spite of its new location.
"I hope they keep the same homey feeling," he said. "The wooden tables, wooden chairs - you know, the classic diner feel."
