Christmas Dinner at Marty's Suburban

located off of Route 19 in will serve its 41st Christmas dinner this year.

Owner Marion Deluca, who is the daughter of original owner Marty Deluca, recalls that her father first decided to serve dinner so the truckers who so frequently visited had a place to spend Christmas.

"Dad felt bad people didn't have anywhere to go on Christmas," she said.

Marion Deluca said there used to be a truck stop just up the road from Marty's. and many drivers would come to the lounge for food, drink and companionship.

A regular at Marty's, Bill drove a truck for years and stopped at the restaurant whenever he was in the area.

In a community that boasts a plethora of restaurants, Bill said, Marty's has that special something to help it stand out -- friends.

"Everybody knows each other," he said. "It's just a real good neighborhood place to stop."

Marion Deluca reiterated that sentiment.

"They're people here," she said. "It's a 'Cheers' kind of bar."

For Christmas, the large 55-seat dining room -- replete with Christmas tree and decorations -- will be open from 7 a.m. to  9 p.m.  The menu includes stuffed pork loin, duck breast with cherry sauce, traditional glazed ham, roast turkey, prime rib, cod roulaude and a variety of appetizers and soups.

Marty's Suburban also serves meals on Thanksgiving and Easter. The restaurant is open 365 days a year.

Marion Deluca admits it can be tiring to keep that rigorous schedule, but she said she will keep the dining room open on holidays in memory of her dad, who died a few years ago on Christmas Day.

Marty Deluca bought Marty's Suburban Bar in 1969 at the prompting of his wife, Annie.  Although he was a barber by trade, Marty Deluca also was an avid cook and loved to interact with people. It was no surprise that he acted as the front man for the lounge while Annie handled the business end of things.

From the start, Marty's Suburban was all about home-cooked meals. It still is today. Marion Deluca added that customers travel from miles around just to get a taste of their homemade shrimp bisque.

"We try to make as much as we can from scratch," she said. "Once, after eating the bisque, this woman started to pound on the table just like Meg Ryan in 'When Harry Met Sally.' "

People also pack the dining room to have a bite of breakfasts, which are served starting at 7 am daily.

According to Bill, whether you are stopping in for breakfast, Christmas dinner or a cup of soup, Marty's Suburban Bar can't be beat.

"(It's) a place where you can get good home cooking at a decent price and decent portions," he said.