Courtesy Diner

Diner · Clayton-Tamm

Courtesy Diner

Diner · Clayton-Tamm

1

1121 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139

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Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null
Courtesy Diner by null

Highlights

Classic 24/7 diner serving American food & all-day breakfast  

Featured in Eater
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1121 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139 Get directions

courtesy-diner.com

$10–20 · Menu

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1121 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139 Get directions

+1 314 644 2600
courtesy-diner.com
CourtesyDiner

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 24, 2025

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The 29 Best Diners in America | Eater

"With Formica counters, vinyl stools, cash-only service, and a jukebox that spans decades, this St. Louis diner keeps a no-frills honesty at its core. It’s synonymous locally with the Slinger—a hearty combo of eggs, hamburger, and hash browns smothered in a thick, bean-filled Edmond’s Chile Co. chili—and its remaining locations (Hampton Avenue or Laclede Station) preserve that late-night, everyman appeal." - Eater Staff

https://www.eater.com/23753457/best-diner-restaurants-america
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Matt Perrone

Google
Courtesy Diner is only a few minutes from the zoo and park, easy to get to. Parking here is in front and fine, although when it gets packed inside it can be tough to park. Inside they have probably a dozen tables along with a few counter top seats. Their menu isn't massive but pricing is decent for portion size. The food is good, both breakfast and lunch items, including the western BBQ burger. The staff are so nice, but when they get busy it can take a bit to get food since it's cooked fresh, so be patient. Overall it's a great place to eat, and it's cash only so be prepared (although they have an ATM still).

Donovan Wood

Google
Staff is always awesome. Steak is always cooked to my expectations. Overall the best breakfast spot in the Lou! South Sider here lol.

Jeremy Smith

Google
We have been frequent customers of the Courtesy Diner for many many years. The best "hole-in-the-wall" diner in St. Louis, IMHO. Our go-to one was on S. Kingshighway, but that one has since closed. Over the years, my wife and I have tried pretty much all that they have to offer on the menu. My favorite has always been the Slinger. Such a strange combination of flavors, but so tasty! It'll definitely fill you up. Their burgers, Chili Mac, regular breakfast items, everything is just amazing! The staff is always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is clean (unless during a rush. Then the floor can get a bit messy. They're quick to come in with a sweep after a table leaves, though. On top of it!) Though we no longer live in STL, this restaurant is a must when we are in town. The prices are very reasonable and the portion sizes are great. Can't wait to go back and devour another slinger. Side note: Cash Only... but they do have an ATM on site.

Dry Rub Smoker

Google
Great for breakfast. Busy on weekends. Cash only. Reasonably priced.

Azelia Adams

Google
Sat for almost 10 minutes being ignored by every waitress here. Watched them, serve 3 people who came in after me and had to ask for someone to please take my order. I won’t be back and thank you for the racism for breakfast. #beingblackinamerica

Chris X. Moloney

Google
Always used to go here late night for burgers and breakfast. Classic diner. We’ve had good food and good service, especially given the late hour. It is not fine dining but it is a classic diner experience. Being in the city, it draws an eclectic crowd. The jukebox is a classic touch as well. For some reason, dozens of people seem to play Ring of Fire if they are here late night.

Joshua Velez

Google
Really neat little diner with an old-school feel. Very good prices - the food is simple and nothing fancy, but the service is fast and friendly. Lots of bar seating, but there are also a few booths (some didn't look clean, so I opted for the bar). Bring cash, and to-go orders have an added gratuity. I visited St. Louis and tried a slinger for the first time - I don't have anything to compare it to, but I thought theirs was very good. They have a parking lot that has a decent amount of spots.

Mary Jasso

Google
Great food great prices. Cash only which I should have figured but they do have an ATM. I’d come back.
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Harrison A.

Yelp
I love this place and come often. Food good. Food cheap. Vibes. What more can you ask?
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P S.

Yelp
Whatever I've ordered has always been delicious and prepared perfectly!!!! Service is quick and prompt!!! Every worker there is on top of every detail!!! Good job Courtesy Diner!!!!
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Kevin H.

Yelp
I've lived in the city now for 7 years. I'm not sure how it took me so long to go to a courtesy diner, especially with one right here in dogtown! I will say, thay it won't take me long to go back. Offering your typical diner fare, courtesy diner does everything right. The food was tasty, and service was fast and friendly, and the space is exactly what you want a diner experience to be. Will definitely be going back for more breakfast, and even perhaps some late night eats.
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Kim W.

Yelp
These may have been the softest biscuits I've had in a long time. This is a cute spot. If you're solo, you'll have to sit at the counter because the booths are for 2+ diners. This is true diner food. It's greasy. Debbie was our server. She was awesome. She's currently boxing stuff up for us. The math ain't mathing on the bill though. 1st, it's cash only but they have an ATM on premise. It dispenses in multiples of $20. Both of our bills ended up being more than the math we added our bills up to be. Mine was almost $15 higher and my niece's was about $8 higher. There was no explanation or a receipt given (or offered) to us. I saw another review that mentioned the price difference so I didn't trip there. Anyway, TLDR, very much diner food. Prices may be eh.
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Allison W.

Yelp
Fresh food, quick & friendly service. I always have a good time when I come here. Fast turnaround, and there always seems to be a good crowd eating. Small menu but that doesn't mean it's not tasty! It is cash only though, so come prepared. 10% surcharge on takeout orders too. My dad likes the hangover skillet and I usually get a cheeseburger. Good prices too! Is it the best burger you'll ever have? Probably not, but all of the other qualities make it great for me.
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Kenny M.

Yelp
Always a great time at Courtesy Diner. Friendly and attentive service, delicious food for amazing prices. So happy to see they don't limit the Hangover and Hoosier to certain hours anymore!

Cynthia H.

Yelp
Breakfast was great! Patty melt was cut long ways but still good. Service was 10/10 - no nonsense. Very diner feel, gives spaceship but in a good way. Could use alittle more decorating.
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Adam A.

Yelp
This place is amazing! Great greasy diner food, so cheap. Big fan of the Hangover. The country fried steak is delicious and the gravy is perfection.
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Lexi M.

Yelp
If you're looking for a down home cooking diner, this should be your next stop. It's a cash only diner and the food is unbelievable. The prices are extremely fair and the portions are a great size. The menu is fairly big so there's something for everyone to choose from.

Will S.

Yelp
Great breakfast spot. Has everything you could want in a diner plus friendly staff. We got the slinger and it was the best for hangover.
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Ben M.

Yelp
Courtesy Diner is the best quick diner food you find in the North Hampton area. The food is delicious and the pancakes are surprisingly one the best I've had. All of the servers are friendly and efficient. The restaurant brings in a typical diner-crowd but it's an overall great atmosphere. My only complaint is that it's cash only so you have to be prepared for that when you come.
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Richard S.

Yelp
Now, let's keep this in the perspective of what this place is: a late night, getting in from the night before, or comfort not so healthy lunch place. I'd compare the place to a hopped up / bigger Waffle House....but even better food than a Waffle House. So what is that big slopping mess of food I'm showing? They call it a Slinger. Hashbrowns in the bottom. A burger patty. A couple of eggs. Chili...which was chili was pretty darn good. Then you top it off if you want...cheese, onion peppers...or nothing at all. It looks like a big mess...and it is....but....it's actually quite tasty. And...that's coming from a person...that (doesn't) like to mix his food all up...at all. The place on this day...was fairly clean...(not) a place I'd be afraid of contracting hepatitis or something...no...not at all. And I was especially impressed with the lady doing to the short order cooking on this Friday morning. She not only was fast...but she had a certain fluid motion to it all....that she was making the place "click" with ease. I liked the other place...for the kind of place it was. Don't worry....you will too...
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Jerome P.

Yelp
Went to Courtesy Diner for a quick breakfast on a Saturday morning. We chose a booth near the jukebox in the corner and were quickly visited by our waitress for our drink orders. After she returned with our beverages we ordered our food. I selected the classic St. Louis slinger and my girlfriend got the 2 eggs, choice of meat (bacon) and hash browns. Our food came out quickly and was great. If you're looking for a no frills diner where you can get cheap food fast this is the spot for you. The only downside was that the establishment is cash only so be prepared for that. I do believe there is an ATM on-site in case you forget though.
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Chad B.

Yelp
My wife, daughter and I went here after a recent evening event at the nearby Science Center. I had the slinger, my daughter a chili cheese burger and my wife had a cup of chili and cheese fries. They had just recovering from a rush of customers when we arrived, but they welcomed us, and came by promptly to get drink orders and see if we had any menu questions. A few minutes later they took our order, and food was out pretty quickly. They prepared the eggs on my slinger exactly the way I asked. They checked on us a few times but not too often. We enjoyed the meal, paid with cash and had some pleasant exchange as we were checking out. I'd definitely come back again.

Allison B.

Yelp
Will you find an unfried vegetable? No, but you will find food to appease the most finicky kids and angriest of hangovers along with the friendliest staff and practically pre-covid prices. Just be sure and bring cash!
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Sarah W.

Yelp
Tired this place for brunch on a Saturday morning and it was so good. We got mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, and the chili burger. The mozzarella sticks were 10/10. They taste fresh and we're super cheesy. My chicken tenders were okay, nothing special. I like my chicken tenders super crust and these had a thin layer of crust. Both of the entrees came with fries and they were not very crispy. For the price the quality is unbelievable. Warning, they only take cash! But there's an ATM if you forget.

James W.

Yelp
Good old fashioned American diner. I ordered the "Slinger" and it was the perfect St. Louis experience!
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Jubal H.

Yelp
It is 4:30am, Nov5th. I am sitting outside the 1121 Hampton Courtesy Diner listed as open 24 hours. It is not open. Also there is a sign saying they will be closed Nov 6th, and reopening Nov 7th. I had to drive 20 minutes to get here. I am very disappointed, and still hungry. I wish I could trust the data I see on yelp. This is not the first time I found someplace closed that was listed as open.
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Jennifer B.

Yelp
This picturesque diner was amazing! The iconic slinger was a hit with my husband! I really enjoyed the chili mac. The chocolate malts were a perfect addition. The staff was friendly & attentive. We will definitely be back & bring the whole family this time!
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Ian B.

Yelp
Cash Only $5-15 Kinda of that old style classic diner type feel to it. The food stuck to roots and was the classic and standard diner food. The food was prompt and well prepared.
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Tom J.

Yelp
I am from Cincinnati and had never before in my life had a Slinger. Well, that had to change :-), so I got myself to this diner and had one Now, the description on the menu doesnt mention having shredded cheese or diced onions on top, but since almost every pic of a slinger I have ever seen has these, I asked for it that way and got it that way. With eggs over easy, of course. Absolutely freakin' delicious Breakfast is served all day so you can have one for any meal here, but honestly, pretty much every plate I saw coming out to other tables looked great. Its easy to compare this place to a Waffle House, only this place is like 100 times better. What Waffle House wished it could be. Same no frills atmosphere and basic layout, though. And same 10% extra cost for carry out, which I had previously only ever seen at Waffle House. Service was amazingly friendly. The people working when I was there seemed like they wanted to be there, which seems like a rare thing these days. Plenty of free parking Cash only, with an ATM on-premises One minor issue: I dont recommend the pies, as these appeared to be made elsewhere and were meh. Strongly recommended
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Jay R.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and great service. Service here was fantastic, they understand hospitality and the food was amazing. You may ask how diner food is amazing? If you like traditional diner food, they do it right. Try the chili and tamale and cheese fries with cheez whiz, just add a little salt and Crystal hot sauce. You have to try this place.
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Amy L.

Yelp
If you love a greasy spoon hole-in-the-wall as much as I do, you'll love Courtesy. It's nothing special to look at, but it's always fresh food accomplished by a surprisingly nice and friendly staff. My favorites include the chili (with or without a tamale and/or spaghetti), the hamburger, the fries and the bacon and egg sandwich on toast. My son absolutely inhales their hashbrowns. Their grilled chicken sandwich is pretty decent. They used to be open later and even 24 hours, but I guess they've been hit by the economy like everyone else has. I always forget how much I like it here until I eat here the next time.

Sophia S.

Yelp
DO NOT EAT HERE UNLESS YOU WANT FOOD POISONING‼ I have never written a review before. However, my experience with Courtesy Diner made me feel like I NEEDED to speak on what happened to warn others. After eating at Courtesy diner, my stomach had a queasy feeling, which duh it's greasy diner food so I thought it was normal. It progressively got worse until the point where all I could do was lie in bed for 3 hours WRITHING in pain until I had this violent urge to throw up. And it kept. On. Coming. Out. I've never had food poisoning before and feel like Courtesy diner should be ashamed to cause such pain to their customers.
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Steven M.

Yelp
Meh. It's not the best food around but, you know, it's a diner. COVID style review! All the booths were taken when we arrived around 11:00. It was a little odd but then I noticed there were large plexiglass dividers between them. The bar has signs that one seat be left between people. (Not exactly 100% followed) All the staff was wearing masks. What I did NOT appreciate was the fact that one waitress was wiping down the table (wait, hold on, let me get to my point) then wiping down the seats then back on the table! I don't know if that's common practice but I just found that gross. There were some people there that I would have preferred NOT come to my table to wipe their ass on it. Several. I ordered the hangover which was a nicely breaded hamburger patty with some nice sausage gravy, side of some nice hash browns and I ordered some nice dry white toast. My wife had the stereotypical breakfast, eggs, bacon, hash browns and a lovely English muffin. Everything was prepared as you'd expect. Actually the bacon might have been the best part. Sorry, I have a really bad mosquito bite, I keep scratching the dang thing. But I'm back now. Hang on, let me reread... Oh that's right, the bacon. The next time I'll have to try something with bacon. I don't remember if they have a blt. Or a club sandwich. Oh my can you imagine this bacon on a club? If you've ever has the bacon there. Then again you wouldn't be looking at reviews if you'd have been there already. Forget I said all that But, ya, I'll be back to try it again at some point.
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Samantha H.

Yelp
The place is tiny. The service is meh. But the food. I ordered scramble eggs. I never get them. I get fried eggs. I even get something that looks like a bed sheet. But definitely not scrambled with cheese. The bacon is crisp & the juice cold. They always leave the ice out of my orange juice even tho I humbly request it. They put a pound of butter on your toast so it's soggy and terrible. I always roll my eyes when my husband says let's eat here. Because I know my toast & eggs will definitely be uneatable. I give them 2 stars.
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Michael S.

Yelp
I just wanted a very good, simple, fried hamburger--nothing complicated--with lettuce, pickle, onion, and mustard. I wanted it fast. And I didn't want five minutes of upselling: cheese, fries, dessert? (You know the drill.) Mission accomplished.
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Gwen J.

Yelp
This. Is. A. Diner. You will not get cloth napkins, candlelight or servers on tuxedo'd. You will get great food, large portions and wholesome prices. Service is efficient, fast and (as the name says) courteous. Seating *is* limited, but the counter is just as comfortable as a booth. Enjoy!
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Scott W.

Yelp
NOT open 24/7. They are only open until "9:30 PM" which isn't actually true either. I showed up at 9:15 PM and the front door was LOCKED. Change your hours! And then stay open until you say you will be!!
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Brett G.

Yelp
Pros: - Cheap prices - Open 24 hours - Average food Cons: - Horrifically bad service even during customer lulls (exception is one of the cooks - tall brother, who is amazing and should receive a pay increase) - Dirty - Non-trivial probability of being shot - Staff frequently loudly complaining about wanting to work elsewhere becomes annoying. I'd be willing to pay 30% higher prices if they had remotely good service. Can take an hour to even be seen once seated.

Cheryl J.

Yelp
We stopped by on a Sunday a few weeks ago and I decided to be adventurous and get a slinger. Haven't had me of these in years and it was great. Service was great!
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Doc O.

Yelp
One star for no food, no service, no ambience. A diner that advertises "open 24/7" should be open past 9:00PM. A business is entitled to change hours of operation but change your advertising and don't mislead potential customers!
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Stan B.

Yelp
Food that we eat was great (pancake stack, scrambled eggs,home fries ). Food that we ordered and paid for to go ,errr, was not what we ordered. To go order packed to guarantee biscuit gravy leaked. Apparently international ketchup pack shortage struck here heavily. None came with fries and home fries. The staff is clearly working very hard (truly) so don't expect smiles nor thank you/you're welcome. Cash only, which is good idea for businesses post-pandemic.

Timothy R.

Yelp
Service is good. Not the problem. The problem is pricing. Pricing doesn't match online menus or, in fact, the menu or other displays within the restaurant itself. Moreover, they have not been open 24 hours since Covid, but have not bothered to change that in any form of media. Short version, I went last week to get a Western Omelette a la carte. No coffee, no toast, no hash browns. They charged me $14. Think about that. I can make the same omelette at home for about $3. It's also twice the price advertised on Courtesy's own website: https://www.courtesydiner.com/. Western is listed as $7.50. Courtesy falsely advertises its services and grossly over charges customers. It falsely misleads the customer from operating hours to pricing.
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Michele S.

Yelp
Stopped here on a whim, was with my boss who said they made good cheese burgers. That's what he ordered, i went with the patty melt. The flavor was good, but it was thin meat, thin sautéed onions but they were tough, would not tear as you took bites , so long strings of onions hung out of burger & mouth after bites. I had to pull them off & eat separately so not to embarrass myself w long tough onions hanging. No fries came with it but the fryers were down anyways. It was a cash only place as well. Geez. Get with time times. Never need to go back. Steak & Shake is next door.
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Doug M.

Yelp
They do a decent slinger, and the short stack pancakes were fluffy and tasty. Pretty much standard diner fare in the standard, old-school diner environment.
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Tyler D.

Yelp
Food and service were great! Very traditional diner. We were seated quickly, our food came out soon after we ordered, and they were accommodating to our 2 toddler boys. The jukebox was a nice touch.
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Tina B.

Yelp
Never disappointed with courtesy diner! Great place to grab a bite, During the day, or even better, Late at night!!!

Kev C.

Yelp
Been coming here through the years, off & on since I was in my 30's...(I'm in my mid-fifties, now!)...Love the Ol'Skool DINER atmosphere!...Best Burgers, Malts... Crinkle -cut french fries, onion rings, bacon, pancakes!!....Just try everything on the menu to find YOUR favorite dish!...
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Kevin V.

Yelp
Been coming here since my undergraduate days (2011) and it's about time I wrote my review of my favorite diner in Saint Louis. The Slinger (or Devil's Delight) is a legendary Saint Louis icon. It is a delicious concoction of hash browns, chile, cheese, onions, and hamburger meat. You can get this heavenly mix for $7!! They are open 24/7 so you can get it anytime you want too! There is nothing I crave more at 1am after a night of heavy drinking and poor decisions. Is the service slow at times? Yup! Are the ingredients of questionable quality? Yup! Is it the best bang-for-your-buck 24/7 greasy breakfast food in Saint Louis? YUP! Do not delay your trip to this one-of-a-kind breakfast joint!

Angela W.

Yelp
Went for the slinger and it did not disappoint. My husband ordered that because it's a St. Louis original. I just had a grilled cheese sandwich, which was nothing to write home bout. If you go here, take cash because that's all they take. There is an ATM inside.
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Tony G.

Yelp
I have to admit, this place far exceeded my expectations. The service was great. The waitress was there when we needed and the food came fast. I ordered the slinger and it was everything I hoped it would be. Amazing little diner and I recommend it and look forward to coming back whenever I am up that way

Theresa C.

Yelp
Best food in town. Can't beat the slinger or chili Mac. Favorite food. Stop in after 4 for more dedicated service.

J. R.

Yelp
Quintessential Americana. Cash only, retro diner with good food and good service. I loved it. Would stop here again if I'm the area.
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Amy W.

Yelp
I do like this business for their food and their staff. However, the music that they play is far too loud. They have an old-fashioned jukebox which is cool, but unfortunately the speakers are above the booths, and if you're trying to have a conversation with your dining partner you cannot hear them. My husband and I went for breakfast there and although we enjoyed our food and our servers were kind and attentive, we left with headaches and they need to be in a quiet space.
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Courtney H.

Yelp
Let me preface this with the fact that I have a special place in my heart for diner food. I can eat at fancy places, but I love this kind of stuff. When it comes to diners, my standards are set differently. We came in for a quick lunch/brunch on the weekend, and decided to take a booth. The service is a little whacky, in that you'll probably encounter all of the waitresses at some point. We started with some mozzarella sticks to split. I decided on the patty melt and a side of hash browns, and we split a piece of pie for dessert. The appetizer was as expected, as were my hash browns. I really enjoyed my sandwich; the onions were done well, and the bread was toasted perfectly. We both enjoyed the pie as well. Considering it was $20 for the two of us, with an appetizer and dessert, you can't beat it. You will walk out of here with your pockets and belly full. I'll definitely be back.
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
For years I've listened to folks tell me how awesome this place is and finally today, I was able to put their feedback to the test. Meh. I stopped in for a late breakfast and hopped a seat at the counter. Note, booths are reserved for 2+ people and there are plenty of signs to remind you. I went with 2 eggs scrambled, crispy bacon, hash browns with onions and wheat toast. The eggs were fine, hash browns good, the bacon had a weird taste to it...somewhat fishy and the toast had too much butter. Would I go here over Waffle House, nah.
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Reagan H.

Yelp
they're good when they're open, but they aren't 24 hrs anymore and it's inconsistent when they're open and not... wish they would make the hours more clear so we could stop wasting our time
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J R.

Yelp
This has become my go to breakfast spot. It is easy on the pockets and the service is usually always great. When they are busy it is a bit slower but it is to be expected. Would definitely recommend!!