We love diners, corner restaurants, local eateries, etc. In Chicago, they’re just the local family or corner restaurant and most of them seem to be operated by Greek families… In the Northeast, most local restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner are called diners. While we love our new life in East Tennessee, real diners are few and far between…
So…as we neared our destination for the evening, a hotel in the Albany area, we were elated when we spotted the sign shown above! Our location for dinner was set…no search necessary. We checked in to our hotel and then immediately set our course back to the East Greenbush Diner!
The diner obviously hadn’t been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright or any other famous architect. On the other hand, we weren’t looking for an architectural masterpiece, just some comfort food to end our day of travel…
The interior was 'typical diner' chic… The only difference between the interior of the East Greenbush Diner and a neighborhood corner restaurant in the Chicago suburbs is the counter seating.
This diner is open 7 days a week and based on the menu it’s operated by a Greek family. Greek items on the menu include Stuffed Sole Athenian ($14.99), Moussaka ($9.99), Shrimp Santorini ($13.99), a Souvalaki Platter ($12.99), Spanakopita ($9.99), a Greek Salad ($7.99 to $9.99) and a true indicator…Gyros with pita and Tzatski Sauce! ($7.99)
Well, as you can see, despite the hour of the day, I was in the mood for breakfast! I might have over-ordered though…two eggs over easy, fried potatoes, sausage links plus a large split biscuit slathered with sausage gravy… ($8.99) With Tabasco and ketchup at hand, breakfast was served! It was a very good breakfast…
Breakfast is served all day at the East Greenbush Diner…a terrific feature that you can usually find only at the ‘same old’ restaurant chains in east Tennessee (Waffle House, Shoney’s, IHOP, etc.).
Laurie went with her favorite sandwich and French Fries… This is the Patty Melt on grilled rye bread with sauteed onions and Swiss cheese. ($7.99) It was a very nice sandwich…completely meeting Laurie’s high standards and requirements.
The expanded menu includes a number of seafood entrees…ranging from Clam Strips at $9.99 to the Captain’s Platters at $16.99. Steaks and chops range from $10.99 to $13.99. House favorites include a Half Chicken with stuffing, soup or salad, potato and vegetable for $10.99 or Meatloaf for $9.99. Other offerings include Italian entrees, dinner salads, wraps and pitas, deli sandwiches, burgers, specialty sandwiches, club sandwiches and hot sandwiches. Like most diners, the menu goes on and on with choices…
Checking the Internet after our visit to the East Greenbush Diner, I found reviews on various travel websites ranging from 5 ‘stars’ to 1 ‘star’. Some customers apparently really liked their experience while others really disliked this diner. Our experience was positive. While this wasn’t the best diner we’ve ever eaten at, what we had to eat was solid and satisfying, the place was clean and service was just fine. We would eat there again if we were back in this area. I guess that we’d give the East Greenbush Diner 3 ½ ‘stars’.
The East Greenbush Diner is located at 751 Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush New York. Phone: 518-477-8483. I couldn’t locate a website for this restaurant…
Just click on any photo to enlarge it…
Thanks for stopping by for a visit!
Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Your breakfast meal looks outstanding but maybe just a tad large.
ReplyDeleteDear Dave, The diner experience is disappearing in these parts. I think the economy is closing them down one by one. It really is a shame because the food in a diner is usually excellent with plentiful portions and great desserts!!
ReplyDeleteI like the show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I always get hungry watching it and just want to try to make everything!!
You can never go wrong ordering breakfast. It does look good. Laurie's dinner is one of my favorites too.
Blessings to you both, Catherine