Linda's Diner and Grill

It is not a classic dining setting, the restaurant wedged between the Domino Lounge and EZ Check Cashing, two doors down from the Yum Yum Express.

But never judge a book by its cover, and never judge a restaurant from the street.

This is fine grub made from scratch — breakfast all day, subs and melts, burgers and specials like fried chicken, 8-ounce rib-eyes and fried pork chops.

Husband and wife Mike and Linda Kouris own Linda's Diner, which turned a year old in April.

They met at the old Graffiti Grill, also on Dorchester Road. She worked as a waitress, and he'd drop by as a customer, encouraging her to open her own place.

See, Mike had an ace up his sleeve. Dude can cook.

He worked as an executive chef for 20 years, nabbing a number of corporate gigs.

And it shows. His fried chicken ($6.25, with baked or mashed potatoes and one side) is terrific, the skin perfectly seasoned.

Ask for the cucumber salad as a side; it's sweet and vinegary, and really good.

Likewise, the egg salad sandwich ($3.95) is another treat. Linda's also makes a French dip ($6.95), Philly cheese steak ($6.95), grilled Reuben ($6.95), tuna salad and chicken salad, and it's building a following for its burgers ($5.75) and omelets ($4.95-$7.25).

We were tempted by Linda's homemade desserts — made by Linda, naturally — including cherry pie, apple cobbler and chocolate swirl cake ($2.50/slice).

Alas we were too full. Another time, for sure.

Address: 6877 Dorchester Road, North Charleston

Phone: 225-3463

Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs.-Fri.; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.