Walt's Diner

Walt's Diner is a classic American diner tucked right into the business district of Old Forge, and it delivers exactly what you hope for when you stop in for a traditional breakfast. We went with the basics, scrambled eggs, sausage links, home fries, and added an order of Banana Nut Bread, plus a sausage, egg and chess on a hard roll. Every item hit the mark. The banana nut bread was the standout: excpetionally delicious, loaded with walnuts, rich banana flavor, and what tasted like a subtle hint of cinnamon that pulled it all together beautifully. The sausage links were grilled perfectly, the scrambled eggs were light and fluffy, and the home fries were well-seasoned without being overdone. The breakfast sandwich was simple and perfectly executed, no frills, just done right. Coffee was classic diner coffee: basic, but flavorful and satisfying. The diner itself was clean, the service was friendly and quick, and the whole experience felt comfortable and welcoming. If you're looking for a no-nonsense, well done breakfast in Old Forge, Walt's Doiner is an easy stop and well worth it.

The portions are generous and the service was outstanding; however, we had to keep asking for missing items. Their homemade Italian bread was delicious. The pancakes were plate size. We highly recommend these items. What would be nice would be for some gluten-free breakfast items such as bread, pancakes, French toast, and/or bagels. My daughter that needs to be gluten-free ate something that clearly had gluten which shouldn't have had; therefore, gluten-free items should be marked as such on the menu to ensure those that have dietary restrictions know what is safe to eat.

Cool diner right in the heart of old forge. It was a bit chilly when we went, but it was freezing outside. We stopped in for lunch and I had a blt which was excellent. We sat in the back, but I’d recommend sitting at the counter, it’s a cool place where you can see the cooks making the food. I’ll be going back!

This place had excellent food! I came in for the week and we ultimately settled on here based on reviews and it did not disappoint. I got the Western Omelette with feta which was so flavorful, my kids said the Mickey mouse pancakes were the best they've ever had and I have to agree. The grilled Banana Nut bread was phenomenal and my wife said the eggs Benedict was amazing. The service was the icing on the cake and when we come back to Old forge next year, we'll make sure to come here for food.

Restaurant was busy when we got in around 10:00am. Was seated fairly quickly though, within 10 minutes and without having to put our name on a list. The waitress was nice, albeit service overall was slow. Ordered waters (they only offer bottled water which you have to pay for, no tap water) initially which were forgotten until our meals were almost over, and then the bill was mixed up with the unreceived water. I’m pretty sure the eggs were powdered which I’m never a fan of. The grilled banana bread was delicious and the bacon was good too. I was told to mention that the chairs are obscenely loud when making any small adjustments while sitting. Getting the check and paying was slow, with my friend having to go to the counter to pay so we could make an upcoming reservation. Pricing was reasonable

I’m always on the lookout for great pancake spots, and this restaurant checked all the boxes. The pancakes were hot, moist, and absolutely delicious, served with plenty of syrup and fresh butter. The service was friendly, and our food came out quickly. We visited on a weekday, so there were a few open tables, which made for a relaxed dining experience. Definitely coming back, Thank You!!!

Food here is great! The cook is very good at his job. But unfortunately the waitress we had was not as desirable. Unless you are a regular or known, you get second rate service with attitude. This is unfortunate due to the reviews we heard and nearly the only place to go in the mornings. Funny watching everyone walk the streets to Walt’s to eat in the morning as the snowfall keeps everyone from using the sidewalks. Love the MONSTER pancakes!

Dined outside. Such perfect breakfast food! Best—seriously—Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had. Homefries were good…not crispy, but flavorful unlike others’. Omelette was delicious—bacon, sausage, & cheddar—and the homemade Italian bread was great. Lastly, very good biscuits’n’sausage gravy…biscuits had a bit of crisp to them, which I love, and weren’t heavy, hard, or dense. When you swing by, as for the server named Cosette, as she is friendly and quick. P.S. if you’re coming on the weekend, come early! As of July 2025, they’re open at 6 (9am and on, good luck as they may be packed, or even worse, swamped). Before it’s packed. If you can avoid coming on the weekend, smart move. No wait, food comes out fast and perfectly plated.

Walrs Diner was a perfect stop for an affordable quick lunch in a touristy town. We sat outside, our waitress was Cassidy and very friendly. Online it says they close at 3 pm, we were there at 1:30 and they said they were getting ready to close but could serve us so we were grateful. I ordered the Rueben sandwhich, it comes with a pickle and potato chips. When I got it I didn't see the pickle. It ended up being two very wet pickle slices under my sandwich which made my bread super soggy on one side. So make sure you ask for it to be separate. It was just okay. My hubby got the spaghetti and meatballs and he said it was good. We ordered fried mushrooms for an appetizer and they were delicious.

We were here last year when we were in town and really liked it. As we were getting in town today, I remarked to my husband that we are at a good place that had all kinds of funny signs on the walls, but I couldn't remember the name. Not thinking anymore about it, we stopped at Walt's Diner. As soon as we went in, I said, "This is the same place!" And the hostess seated us at the same table we sat at last year! It was destiny and it will be your destiny, too, if you try this place. They make their own Italian bread and it's yummy! They also have a great Haddock fish sandwich. Definitely visit here when in town.

Ate here on Friday 6 October 2023. Another dive and diner feel as it should have been. Stopped in here for lunch after a day of hiking I had the tuna sandwich, wife had chicken salad sandwich and my daughter had the BLT. The food was over decent. The tuna salad was a little dry but wasn't too bad. My wife loved hers and so did my daughter. Food 3 Service 4 Ambiance 4 Cleanliness 4

I don't leave reviews usually but l'm leaving one for this place. We had a horribly rude waitress. Worst diner experience we've ever had. Would not return even if it was the only restaurant in town open and would not recommend for anyone traveling as a family with kids, toddlers, or babies.

What awaits hungry diners behind the green door? Some of the best eats in the ADK mountains! This place has a loyal and dedicated local following, and for good reason ! As the food, portions, service and atmosphere is absolutely worth coming back over and over again. Especially for breakfast, as the food is exceptional, flavorful and delightful to endulge in. However, a word to the wise: be prepared as the portions are epic. (Think pancakes the size of dinner plates) Note: this place is ALWAYS busy for breakfast, but do not be daunted by lines as the staff is highly efficient at seating guests. And while sometimes there can be a short wait to get a booth, it is worth waiting 100% of the time. Clean: Ticket times: Menue verity & value: Order accuracy; Atmosphere: Cost: ($ = inexpensive to $$$$$ pricy): $$

Excellent food at reasonable prices & staff really knows what they are doing! Much different than our experience at Slickers last night. Sandwiches were simple & delicious with hand cut fries. Service was friendly & efficient

This is your typical neighborhood friendly, where everyone knows your name, mom and pop diner aka diamond in the rough. My boyfriend said it was the best damn French toast he's ever had in his life and I was so hungry that little ol me got the challenger. No judgment was given either haha. I'll post the pics for your own satisfaction. It was so good from the coffee to the food to the service we ate there every morning on our camping trip. Yep.... Sure did!!!

Can't say I feel very welcome here when you get seated and are told there is not tap water. Only bottled water is available for guests. We asked why this was and were told it would take 5 people to get a glass of water and it's not worth the cost. Maybe change your advertisement to "The Aliasso Family will nickel and dime you on your family vacation"

Price-$$ Ambiance-4/5 Food-4/5 Service-5/5 The price was expensive for fries and three sandwiches it was about 40 with tip. The ambiance was great just a little grimy. The food was okay it's hard to tell because it had mayo on it and I don't like mayo and then I added mustard and that does not go well together. But the fries were nice. The service was really good she was so nice!!

Have been here for breakfast (delicious) and also done take out of the Friday night fish fry. Very generous portions of either fried or broiled fish, prepped well to go. Highly recommend the macaroni salad as a side! Have their own parking lot (shared with Billy's) or can street park.

Fast service and great food! Waitress was very friendly and offered recommendations! Great location! Be sure to stop in when you're in the Old Forge area.

Fish and chips might be hard to come by most of the time in New York, but Walt is frying up some fresh haddock and potato sticks for a fantastic lunch. You had all your classic signs hung up on the walls with jokes on them, the ones you'll find at all the flea markets in your local area. It made a place that was not home, feel like home. The staff played an excellent joke on us, as they first took away half of our silverware for our party of 4, then ultimately gave us the silverware back. We all had a big laugh. I can't help but think Walt is secretly Walt Disney, the guy who did all those Disney theme parks and movies.

My fiance and I love a good diner. He and I came here before a hike at 7:30 AM on a Saturday morning in mid October. We sat at the counter. The waitress was super friendly and super attentive. I ordered a western omelet and my fiance ordered 2 eggs with bacon, toast, and homefries. We ordered 1 large chocolate chip pancake to share. The portions were large and tasty. The coffee was good and plentiful. No complaints here! We were well fed and ready for our 10 mile hike

Fresh haddock, amazing, fresh cut fries, amazing. Great service! Clean place! Loved it.

No frills breakfast. Good food and friendly service. Tasty hollandaise sauce on the eggs Benedict. Pancakes are oversized and one is plenty for kids. We went during the week off season. No wait to be seated. We've been coming for years - an old forge must.

With the exception of Fridays, this is breakfast and lunch only. From the outside, or even the inside for that matter, the place looks like a sub par diner. The food though is some of the best you will get in Old Forge or the ADK's. You can usually tell a good place by the parking lot and this place is almost always full. Wait staff is therefore busy but they are friendly and hustle to take care of you. Except for beverages, the prices are very reasonable. I feel it's hands down the best all around value in the area and I highly recommend stopping in.

Always interesting at this place, Harder than hell to get in here during busy season So today it wasn't the busy season so we stopped got right away. Definitely a tourist place our food and service was good. My wife had the open face Delmonico steak sandwich with onions and peppers it was delicious. I had the Philly steak sandwich that was on special also delicious. I tried the Homemade hot sauce very tasty and a pleasant surprise I had to take a bottle home which they have for sale. It's definitely a tourist place as I said before and it is pricey but the food was good there is no free water you here you have to Settle for a bottle of water which is nice and cold at $3.75 per. I had some unsweet iced tea and that was $3.00 With no refills. Just wanted to let you be aware there is no free water. Anyhow her experience was OK. Would we go again most likely After all it's a tradition and you're an Old Forge. As I said before the Both the service and food we're good.

Most u friendly restaurant i have been to in a long time. Won't give you a glass of water, but will be glad to sell you one for $2

Great food quick and great customer service. The eggs, bacon and corn beef hash were excellent. Second time here and will definitely be back again.

Fast food Good food Super service Good parking In center of town Lots of tables and chairs Spotlessly clean

We we're visiting the Adirondacks from CA. We had the omelette with everything in it. The omelettes were very good and we had an excellent server.

We got to Walt's about 30 minutes too late to order from their breakfast menu, which was too bad, because I've heard really good things about their breakfast offerings. Lunch was okay, but it was a little inconsistent. We ordered specials off the blackboard for lunch, and I ordered coffee with my meal. The coffee was better quality than I expected, as sometimes it can be bitter and strong at a diner. I noticed that some of the waitresses came around to every table with refills, and some only tended to their own customers. Mom was able to substitute cole slaw for fries with her chicken cordon bleu sandwich. She didn't rave about it, but she did say the chicken cutlet was very juicy. I ordered the firehouse burger. This came topped with melted cheddar cheese, pickled hot peppers, and a spicy mayo on the bun. Lettuce and tomato are extra - my waitress did not ask me if I wanted these, though the other waitresses did ask that of everyone who ordered any burger, even this special. Mine came with seasoned fries that were definitely homemade, though with a few smaller burnt "old maids." If you like things even spicier, their homemade hot sauce is seriously hot. I'm not sure when I'll be back to the area, but if I come to Walt's again, I would definitely want to try to get here in time to order from their breakfast menu, or on a Friday when they have their fish fry special.

Rude waitresses there and they like to talk crap about other customers right in front of them to other customers.

We came in for breakfast and wow, this place almost rivals our favorite diner back home. Food is fantastic, service is wonderful and decor is so funny. Will defiantly be back.

I'm not sure why this place has a reputation for having the best breakfast in town? The food is not good, there's no love or creativity with flavors or recipes. My husband ordered a traditional breakfast of eggs over easy, bacon, potatoes and toast. I ordered a ham quickie with toast and a side of gravy. I don't want to mean because we were guests from out of state but the potatoes tasted like they were frozen from a bag, the toast was soggy with a glob of butter in the middle and the gravy was like a paste that stuck to the spoon. I can't believe we actually waited to eat here. So many other better options.

HUGE PANCAKES!! Best breakfast place in Old Forge by far. The French toast is made on Italian Bread which makes it even better. And the homemade muffins are delicious. They have iced and hot coffee which was a plus for my girlfriend. We sat outside because it was the only table left as it was very busy. The line just kept on growing, which leads me to my only negative about this place. Our service was slow, like very slow. However, because of how good the food was, I will give this place 5 stars. The service was almost like they forgot about us outside. They might've been short staffed or maybe it was just super busy but the service was slow. Breakfast was GREAT, so we will return!

Bad corn beef hash (canned) Eggs were over cooked and the quickie looked like it came out of a steam bag. Toast was soggy. On upside the staff was friendly.

Best french toast I have ever had. Fast and efficient service. Reasonably priced. Would recommend!

This place gets it. Fully trained kitchen staff, experienced friendly servers and quick. Food tasted great. Only thing I would ask for is a sign that said no strollers, no high chairs, no kiddie meals.

Went for breakfast this week on a vacation up in Old Forge. Delicious breakfast and friendly service!

We stayed a week in Old Forge and rented a house right in town. Decided to go over to Walts Diner. They are pretty steady so try to get there early as possible. Only a 5 minute wait. Kelsey was our waitress and she was outstanding. The coffee is diner coffee and, it is free refills but it's really good coffee. The food is great, pancakes are huge and filling. They make a homemade hot sauce it's sweet and has a little tang to it with the after taste. The food comes out in a timely matter. The syrup containers are big so be careful. The six of us would definitely come back because the hospitality is great and you feel like you're a local.

We went here during covid because we saw they had outdoor dining. But we were seated inside because there were no tables outside. Bummer. But ok. Maybe. We were seated at a table next to the counter with someone less than 2 feet from us at the counter with another table that was wide open in a back corner away from all traffic. Luckily the person at the counter left quickly once we were seated. My kids ordered mozzarella sticks and said they were good and my son had the grilled cheese and was also happy. My husband had the fish sandwich and it was good and I had a blt and that was also good. We had a side of fries and also good. Nothing was blow me away amazing. But all was good. The bill was a bit pricey to me. I dunno. 50 dollars for mozzarella sticks and grilled cheese and a blt seemed a bit excessive. But I guess we are out of towners and from nj. Prices are different there. Covid is also taken more seriously and there is absolutely no indoor dining happening. So it was odd to be eating inside and we were a bit uneasy with it.

Wow! Really nice food and great service. I tried the Utica greens which is not a thing where we are from in Idaho. A lot spicier than I imagined, as I expected them to be more like turnip greens. A great little restaurant and a great town to come and do some touristy type shopping.

Didn't love the place. Kinda your classic dinner but with Denny's prices and smaller portions. Omelette clocked in at $9 and only came with toast. Alright people, here comes the fat comment: most places include two sides with that price range and with omelettes. The good news was the omelette was delicious. Home made Italian bread toast was a nice touch. The place was quite busy which seems normal for a Saturday morning. Waiters were friendly and on top of things.

Came here for breakfast at about 11am with a group of 7. They sat is at a table that normally holds 6. After we ordered we knew that the table would not hold all of our food. We kind of made the executive decision to sit at another table. Ikimd of wished they just put 2 tables together from the start, as it wasn't completely full. 3 of us just switched to table next to us and that solved the problem. A few of us ordered large stack of blueberry pancakes. Let me say that the large stack is a LARGE stack! The pancakes are the size of a large dinner plate and the plate the size of a charger setting! It is packed full of fresh blueberries. They are light, fluffy and yummy! The home fries are like little square fries. They are not the shredded kind that I don't really care for. They were also seasoned like French fries. Overall good experience. Friendly service.

Great little diner. Very COVID friendly. Breakfast opened at 6:00. Was eating by 6:10. Great food and service. They don't split checks.

Food is amazing it was a while to get a seat but i love it there the staff is super nice and the grilled cheese with bacon was amazing

An Old Forge institution. I don't get to OF very often but I know if I need to see my aunt and uncle (life-long residents) I can stop in to Walt's for breakfast. Good enough for them, good enough for me. Portion sizes are ample and service was good and relatively fast given how busy it can get in the summer time. My daughter, who hardly eats anything, devoured the Italian bread-based French toast on two occasions. I would go back to Walt's any time just to see her eat a full meal.

Very good service. Pancakes were very good and huge serving. Home fries were also very good. Would go back.

Delicious sandwiches, fast and friendly service. Busy, but no wait. Homemade fries were good too.

We overlooked this place for so many years! Great little spot with a big menu and hardworking employees. Sat at the bar and I swear the cooks never stopped moving. Pleasantly surprised with how fast our food came out & it all tasted great. Fish fry was delish. Enjoyed a nice chat with the friendly people next to us. We will def be back!

Terrible service. Hostess was rude and pushed through us to seat us. Limited menu after hours. Disappointed. We left.

We looked forward to dining at Walt's. Good reviews preceded our visit. I do not question the truthfulness of others' dining experiences at Walt's, but ours was disappointing. For a drink I asked for water, but was told only bottled water was available. Two others in our party asked for "hot water with lemon." Happily, they were served their water. But my tap water could not be accommodated. Two of our party were told our sandwiches would come on a bun; in fact one of us made a meal choice based on the bun. But we were served our sandwiches without a bun, on white bread. No apologies were offered by Walt's or check to see if we wanted something different. In fact, the sandwiches without the buns were simply delivered without comment. I protested. I was told they had just run out of buns. Why not tell us before substituting. I then asked for rye bread and was given it; my friend ate the substituted white bread sandwich and murmured that they would not have ordered what they had if they had known. I asked if they wanted me to speak up for them? I was told no. These are not big issues, like health or world peace. But in running a restaurant they are needless discourtesies, small pokes-in-the-eye. Attitudes and honesty matter. I found Walt's wanting on both.

I have to say i love this place. We come here every year and this is a must stop. Some of the guys want to try other places for Breakfast and they keep saying Walts is better. All i say is "I told You" The family is great as well. One of the Son's helped us get an older lady out of a ditch, we were the only snowmobiles to stop and help too, but the one son in the white truck was passing and helped us pull her out. Met Walt Jr too when we were out and he helped fix one of the sleds that broke down. I have to say the family and the Diner is great.

The hostess for today......please breathe. Sitting at the counter and couldn't enjoy my breakfast because I was floored by what I was hearing. "Inside or outside? Outside - ok then go outside," "yeah, I know what I'm doing," "Party complete? It's incomplete, see we can't be doing this," "you have to move, you're in the way," "you want a refill? It ain't free," Not to mention, I overheard you tell the regulars at the counter "Jesus the people today." I'm just baffled. Take a moment. Breathe. It will all be ok. Being in the business, I can attest that the customers are not always right. The energy you were exuding today was quite negative. You ARE in the hospitality business at the end of the day and no one deserves to be talked to like that. As for our server, thank you for smiling. Thank you for being pleasant.

Had breakfast here the 2 days we were in Old Forge last week. Normally my wife wouldn't eat at the same place twice in a row but I think she enjoyed watching the cooks as much as she enjoyed eating the breakfast. Day one we both had a single pancake because we were told how big they are. We shared an order of bacon and an order of homefries. The pancakes were huge one is all you need or want. I just finished my one pancake. Day two I ordered a pancake and we shared an order of bacon, my wife ordered two eggs. I couldn't finish my one pancake even after the wife had a few bites. Over the two days we went here we watched so many people order a short stack or more of pancakes and not a single person finished or came close to finishing there order. I watched one guy brush off the waitress when she tried to tell him how big the order was. He didn't finish a quarter of one pancake. You could see the embarrassment on his face when we walked past him. I think he noticed us comment when he was ordering it, it was hilarious. The waitresses we had were both friendly and fast. I never went without coffee in my cup and cream in the container in front of me. If we go back to the Old Forge area again and I'm sure we will, I wouldn't hesitate a second to go back. I suggest if you can sit at the counter sit around the left or right as far back as possible so you can watch the cooks work. It's almost poetic.

Terrible service. Offensive decor. Felt rushed out the door. Everyone here was rude ad unkind

I have to throw these guys the stars! In and out in under 30 minutes in a packed house. This place is the quintessential of old school diners you get to actually sit at the counter and watch the cooks make breakfast. We were greeted and sat coffee in front of us and our order taken within record time. The food was delivered just as ordered hot and fresh. This is another stop I will be repeating during a slower time so I can e experience the whole package. Watch out Walt's I am coming back!

Best breakfast in town! Huge and delicious pancakes. Cool atmosphere and the service is always great. If you like hot sauce they make their own and it's tasty as well.