Arlington Restaurant and Diner
134 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA, 02474
Arlington Restaurant and Diner Menu
-
Burgers
-
Healthy Meal suggestions for
-
Burgers
Healthy Meal suggestions for CheckersRally
-
Burgers
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
134 Massachusetts Ave
Arlington, MA, 02474 - Phone (781) 646-9266
- Website https://www.arlington-diner.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 8:3
- Mon : 6:30 am - 8:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Susan S.
I became a member of the "Clean Plate Club" here at the Arlington Restaurant again today. Finished every bite of my scrambled eggs with bacon and those amazing scalloped -sliced home fries. I love how they serve the potatoes in thin slices. This is my favorite breakfast spot in Arlington and I always find the food delicious and consistent. The bacon is always cooked exactly how I like it - crispy, but not too crispy. You must try the French toast - so good! This place can be busy on the weekends especially during the peak breakfast hours of 9-11am. A line may form at the door, but it moves quickly. The waitstaff is friendly and service is usually very fast. Lunch is served here until 3pm. I have never been here for anything other than the breakfast, but will have to try the lunch menu one day. I'm also planning on giving the Eggs Mykonos a try on my next visit.
(4)Meghan D.
**This is a counter service review** Before I go into the experience I need to say that the home fries are some of the best I ever had. Unfortunately I won't be eating them again since the service was absolutely deplorable. As referenced in a few other reviews we had the "pleasure" of the frazzled, cranky, forgetful waitress with the glasses. We waited a solid 5-10 minutes to even get acknowledged and even then I had to ask for the service. When she finally came over to us she was distracted and struck up a conversation with the regular sitting next to us. We had to repeat our order twice. Our order came out wrong - she forgot the side of hash, didn't butter our toast and my eggs were over easy instead of the requested over hard. She checked in when we were halfway thru the meal and brought the hash and made excuses of why my eggs were wrong. We had been finished a very long time and no one brought our bill. We asked the cashier, 2 separate servers - one of whom brought us the waitress. We reiterated that the order was wrong and she copped a huge attitude saying how it's not her fault. Another server overheard and took it off the check which I really appreciated. Best part about this is while we paid the cashier she started talking sh*t about us while we were still there. I know diners aren't known for their service but I truly believe the reviews here would be better if she found a new job or lost this one.
(1)Ferris H.
Most of the servers are great and most of the food is exactly what you want in a diner. One of the regular servers is horrible. She forgets stuff and has a bad attitude. Don't ask for scrambled eggs and cheese unless you want scrambled eggs with cold cheese laid on top. They refused to mix it in. Even though Arlington Diner is two blocks from our house we're on our way to Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown.
(3)Matt M.
We come here often. The customer service isn't horrible, it's cheap, the food is tasty and comes out fast. Sometimes it can be a little crowded but totally worth it.
(5)Cody F.
Great food. Often times really crowded and there is a chance you will get stuck with a grouchy waitress (50/50)
(3)Deonte L.
I heard some stories, so I was skeptical. But this place turned out awesome! All around!
(5)The Roving V.
We went here for breakfast since we still mourn the long-departed Broadway Diner. My friend liked her Eggs Mykonos and I enjoyed my veggie omelet (though it tasted a little fishy) ... and the service is OK ... BUT, the place is infested with small drain flies. (Look like fruitflies but aren't fruitflies ... they like standing water), although the diner appeared to be very clean, overall. The flies appeared when our food showed up and we had to swat them away as we ate (as did the guys in the booth behind us) and I killed a big one. We lost our appetites after one landed on the home fries. Once our food came our waitress became inattentive so we told the nice busboy about the flies ... he said, "Ok." For starters they could take the bus trays into the back, not leave 3 of them on the diner floor. As I know from running a coffee place, these drain flies LOVE any kind of standing water and bus trays are a prime spot. Ick. Not again.
(1)Sarah R.
Whenever I am in Boston, at least one visit to the Diner is on the cards! My niece and nephew love it! Food is always good and we love the servers. Personal recommendations - home fries, chicken kebab and French toast - not all on the same plate!! It's just a shame it doesn't open in the evening anymore.
(4)Christine J.
Horrible diner. They can't get my eggs right. twice. I asked for welldone eggs, meaning no runny yolk, dont like that. brought it back to me twice with runny yolks - not a little, fully uncooked yolks. really? bad customer service too, the waitress knew it wasn't what I asked for and just shoved it in my face anyway. Food taste pretty bad too. Do not come here.
(1)Eunice E.
There's nothing quite like brunch at a diner, especially on a Sunday morning. Add bottomless coffee, and I think you've got a little slice of heaven right there. Their eggs benedict a la Aegean is *scrumptious* -- the hollandaise sauce is creamy, but not overwhelming. The pancakes (you can order a single or a 'short stack' of two... or MORE if you're really hungry!) are light -- but not full of air, rich -- but not too dense. Aaaand the coffee is bottomless. OK, are you getting the picture? Their home fries are a little on the under-cooked side for my taste, but I am sure you could order them "well done" if you'd prefer... which is what I think I'm going to do next time. Those crispy pieces are just so much tastier! Overall, a great space with warm service, and never too, too much time for a wait (though, yes, there most likely WILL be a wait). Glad it's just a short ways away. I'll be back!
(4)Claire G.
The Arlington Diner is just average, I've had much better diner food in the past. If you go on a weekend, prepare for a line. It'll be full with families and older people who are regulars here. There is unlimited coffee, which is always a plus. I really enjoy the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, it's actually pretty good. Have never been a big fan of their home fries. They're sliced and wet but I personally prefer them crunchy. Be prepared to possibly be served cold eggs or a cold omelette. I don't think this is a big deal (I'm just not one of those people), but I wouldn't suggest coming here if you're looking for a fast and perfect breakfast.
(3)Marjoline F.
I was hoping to try their gyros because after all, it is a Greek diner, but I had to settle for an omelette since they apparently do not serve lunch on Sundays. Our food came out in about 5 minutes, which made me question the freshness of their food. The omelette and home fries weren't anything spectacular and I'm sure I can get better food at other diners. When the bill came, we were charged a dollar extra for cheese, which would've been nice to know if the waitress had told us so when we were ordering. And to our luck, the credit card machine was broken that day so we had to dig out the little cash that we had.
(2)Lisa C.
I take responsibility for ordering food and informing the server about my dairy allergy (actually my baby's). I'm quite clear about it. I specifically said, when I ordered, that I couldn't have anything with a milk product (milk, cheese, butter, etc), and made certain, or so I thought, that the meal would be dairy free. So I was quite surprised when the plate came with a heaping serving of feta cheese. The waitress was accommodating when I reminded her, "no cheese", but the plate only returned with the cheese removed and salad dressing with cheese in it covering everything.
(3)Remi C.
Cute little diner....good atmosphere, but there wasn't really anything special. Unlimited coffee....pretty good eggs/omelette....HUGE sausages. It's very busy, so expect a wait.
(3)Mel B.
I heard great things about this place so i was excited to finally try it today. When I got there, no one acknowledged us to be seated...and it was not busy. Once we were finally seated, the waitress took other tables orders that had gotten there after us, first. When she took our order, she was not friendly at all...we wondered if we had offended her in some way...she made us feel really uncomfortable! When we got Our orders they were both wrong and she took mine away from me then gave it back in the confusion of figuring out what meals went to what table. No toast came with the meals and no water like we were supposed to receive. The food was not bad but the the service completely ruined the experience. I wouldn't recommend this place because no one working there tried to make things right...weird experience.'
(1)Colin M.
Quick and reasonably priced. It's diner food. Coming here and seeking anything else seems misguided.
(5)Ana R.
Your local diner, packed with townies, providing classic diner faves at good prices. Not the cheapest diner in the area, but very good prices nonetheless. I had a really good cheese omelet and some delicious home fries. DELICIOUS! I'd have a mountain of these home fries. The only negative I have is that I smelled like fry grease the whole day. The smell wasn't overpowering when I was there, but it was so pungent on my clothes that I had to change.
(4)Arnold K.
A local favorite when I visit family in Boston. Hearty diner fare, great service, and a lively atmosphere.
(4)Jimmy C.
The price and how quick the food comes is the best part of the restaurant. The food is OK at best; maybe 1 of every 5 visits the food is OK. The wait on a Saturday or Sunday is absolutely not worth it. It's not a 2 hour sit down meal, but the waitress staff doesn't need to rush you out to open seats and tables. You can tell the people that know each other because they yell across the restaurant to each other; it's loud, obnoxious and supported by the workers like a really bad Boston tv show. The food is terrible, usually burnt and dry. I am not a cook, I don't claim to be a cook but I think you should be able to cook an egg or an omelette in a diner atmosphere. Sorry, just not a fan of dry food and obnoxious people who think they are part owners.
(2)Danny B.
Have been going here since I was a kid. Staff are always friendly. Food is good and priced reasonably. Reccomended for Sunday breakfast but they also have a great meatloaf dinner. I also like their club sandwiches.
(4)Tommy C.
I got a sausage egg and cheese which was decent at best and the pancakes I could have made at better at my house. The service was good other than the fact the waitress didn't shut up the whole time. She is still talking. 2 stars because this place is overrated
(2)Ingrid H.
Pretty average place, but keep getting drawn back in due to a dearth of breakfast places in Arlington. Let's put it this way - there is nothing terribly wrong with anything I've gotten here, but it was never that good either. -pancakes:yummy but not great -eggs Benedict: sizable portion, looks good, I doubt they make their own Hollandaise sauce -waffle: really mediocre, dry not fluffy -bkfast sausage: pleasantly surprised, they are much larger and meatier than usual -home fries: not consistent, either good or just soggy and bland -scrambled eggs: greasy, but good (I mean, how can you screw that up?) -misc: I hate the fake syrup and the butter pats, but I guess they are to be expected. Value: ok, but should probably be cheaper for the quality of the food. We can't all be Johny's Luncheonette in NYC, but I seem to remember better food for cheaper prices there (and in the heart of Midtown no less). Basically, a very mediocre diner with waitresses that are sometimes snarky and have a lot of local flavor. Personally, I got a kick out of the service (lighten up people!) but could see how some who expect their servers to be meek and colorless might be offended. Caution about seating on the weekends: it is CRAZY. Seems like all the families with small screaming children and seniors in Arlington suddenly decide to converge onto the diner all at once. Once again, not really due to the quality of the food but rather reflecting the lack of bkfast places in Arlington. I go sometimes to check it out and get a seat at the counter just to watch the mad rush unfold - it is truly awe inspiring seeing the short order cooks in their glory, the orders stacking up, the waitresses rushing to keep up, everything somehow working in perfect harmony to get everyone fed. Be advised though that the quality of the food understandably takes a dive under these stressed conditions.
(2)Ellen H.
Came here on a Monday holiday after hunting around EVERYWHERE only to find "Closed" sign after "Closed" sign. We were so happy to find an open breakfast place we practically broke down the door. The waitress who seated us was pleasant enough, but the waitress who served us was just plain MEAN! I work in a customer-facing industry, I know how annoying it can be, but she just opened with RUDE for no reason. She practically threw our silverware at us, and literally said "whattya want?" This place was such an emotional roller coaster for me. So happy that we found a place, so sad that she is so angry, so happy when I order my omelet and it comes with the veggies SAUTEED AND COOKED INTO THE EGG!!! Yes!!! I have been on the hunt for this type of omelet since moving to Medford a few months ago! And then... so sad to find it doesn't come with cheese. I didn't order it WITHOUT cheese, I just didn't specify what kind. No biggie, I just asked her for a piece of american next time she comes by... Except she never came back. Not ever. Not even when I was doing the "please come over and ask what I need" over-the-shoulder turn. Not even when I tried to flag her over. Nope she stayed farrrrr away from our poor table and gave us absolutely zero service. Disheartened and disappointed, I ate my dry omelet (which admittedly would have been friggen delicious had it had the aforementioned cheese!). Probably won't come back unless everything else is closed, and if we do.. I'll ask for extra cheese WHEN I order. Might not get another chance!
(2)Chris W.
My family has been going here for over twenty years. It's a great breakfast spot with a real neighborhood diner feel. They also offer fine Greek cuisine for meals later in the day. Great value for the $$$.
(5)Vanessa M.
I go there for breakfast food - it's good. I think after 1 pm (maybe after 2?) they serve fries instead of home fries/hash, but I prefer them so it doesn't bother me. The blueberry pancakes are great, eggs ok, but what I really love is the coffee. I can have 10 cups. Something about it - haven't found better. Also, the service was great - I took my parents when they came to visit, and the waitress was so sweet with them - that alone makes me want to go back.
(3)Tracy T.
We tried the Arlington Diner on a Sunday morning for breakfast and our experience was sub-par. We noticed they make huge stacks of coffee grounds with the filters ready to go on the counter so that it's faster to refill the coffee pot. At first we thought it was a good idea, but quickly found out that it makes for very weak coffee or rather, hot water that looked like coffee. The eggs were cooked perfectly to order and the toast was spot on, but the home fries were soggy and slimy and the food all around was practically flavorless - hot sauce to the rescue! Some salt and Tabasco made it bearable. The service was fast (which gets them the extra star) but overall the staff isn't very friendly and Sunday mornings seem to regularly be filled with screaming children - perfect if that's what you're into. In the future I'd much rather go to Broadway Diner just down the street. Quieter with better food and better prices.
(2)Zoe P.
Seriously people, I walked in with an open mind. Hungry. I like diners, I'm willing to overlook a lot when a place is walking distance from my house. We could have had something, me and the Arlington Diner. But no. The avgolemono was bad, the gyro was laughable - tough, sloppy, bland, small - and the turkey rueben was a total mess. The fries were nasty. The service was also bad - offhand and slightly rude, yes, but that's not a problem. I mean constantly confused and incapable of providing adequate water. Our waitress spent a lot of time trying to meet the needs of the four adorable seniors in the next booth, and for that I give her props. But she couldn't get it right at their table either, and they weren't that difficult to please. I feel sorry for them, if this is their diner - the elderly deserve a sharp, competent waitress and tasty, reliable diner food. And a clean restaurant in which to enjoy it. Hell, we all do. The clam chowder was mysteriously delicious. And maybe breakfast is better? I'll never know.* *Went back for breakfast one morning when the Broadway diner was closed. Worst thing about it was the cart of dirty dishes sitting in the middle of the restaurant. Food and service were passable.
(2)Courtney N.
I was a little apprehensive about eating at a self-proclaimed diner. Call me a snob, but I generally dislike the staff and food at diners. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the interior was at the Arlington Diner. Lots of comfy booths to choose from. Note that we went on a Wednesday afternoon, and it sounds like if you go during breakfast there is a seating problem. Go around 5 on a weekday and you'll be all set! I actually wanted to order breakfast, but they were only serving certain items. I'm not sure how you can have an omelet and not eggs benedict. Luckily, they had a ton of yummy Greek food on the menu. I ordered the moussakka and my boyfriend ordered the baked lamb. Both were delicious. I loved the Greek salad, and the portions were huge. The prices were great too. Much cheaper than other Greek restaurants we've visited in the area. Our waitress was very nice, and attentive. The staff seemed friendly and in good spirits. As I said before, I loved all of the options on the menu. I do want to try breakfast, as some of those combos looked great. In short, I think it's well worth visiting. It's not your typical diner- it's much better.
(4)Chelle C.
So... I was driving around, looking for some commercial Real Estate before I met my friend for acupuncture, hungry to high heaven! I was begging the universe to send me something that spoke of something decent enough not to be disappointed I spend money on. I saw this Diner and stopped by. I simply ordered home fries and 2 eggs scrambled. My only special request was that the home fries be crispy. I am a texture girl and like my food cooked thoroughly and never soggy. The food was less than $5, which was very pleasing and I saw the girl type in homefries extra well done. I was excited, because the food that I saw coming out of the kitchen looked really good. I waited outside and the server came to give me my food really quickly. The bag had two large containers in it. I never expected them to be completely filled with food. I opened the home fries and was a little disappointed at first when I saw that the potatoes were not "crispy". But I was so hungry and needed to go meet my friend so there was no returning... plus it was only $4... The disappointment flew out the window when I tasted the potatoes. They were cooked all the way through, not soggy and not under cooked and they were well seasoned. They were not the best home fries I had ... but they were worth writing about. I will probably return just for the home-fries because they were good and they did give a lot. The eggs on the other hand... smelled nasty, looked nasty and tasted nasty. They looked dry, they were over cooked, they resembled more of an omlette without cheese... than they did scrambled eggs. They clearly didn't use any butter or oil or even pam to make the eggs. I couldn't eat them, I gave them to my friends children who couldn't even eat them with ketchup.... However... it was take out ...and eggs are best eaten fresh on site anyway... so I will give them another shot... Besides, they had some pretty good looking deliciousness coming out of the kitchen that I would love to get my taste buds on. But they are worth going to sit down and eat breakfast at least once to form your own opinion!! I hope you enjoy!
(3)Helen L.
It's a diner. It's in Arlington. It's the Arlington diner!! Standard NJ-style "greasy spoon" diner. If you go for breakfast, you can get eggs or an omelette that are pretty good, plus a heaping pile of potatoes that satisfy, and of course toast. And, they have diner prices, so it all works out. Don't expect anything terribly exciting but, it has its place. Admit it: we all need diner food every once in a while.
(3)Susan S.
We love the Arlington Diner, but you must order their best items. The Avgolemono soup (chicken rice with lemon) is the best anywhere. The Greek salad with grilled chicken is the freshest you will find in any restaurant, with light fresh lemon and high-quality olive oil for the dressing. The grilled marinated chicken on top is made to order so it's warm on top. The Spanikopita (spinach pie) and Vegetarian plate is so good that we order extra and enjoy leftovers the next day. We are sad that they have not been open for dinner lately because we work and can't get there earlier.
(5)Mushhoor A.
I eat. A lot. I also know breakfast and I regretted stepping foot into this place the second our surly waitress sat us. I enjoy being greeted in the morning, helps me start my day off, ya know? She wasn't having it that day but besides that, the menu is lackluster, combinations of the same five items across the board and the food was just meh. As I was sitting there with my fam, the decor made me feel as though I was in the waiting room of a senior citizen home. The home fries were good but besides that, not much caught my attention.
(2)Jon W.
Top notch brunch - these are seriously the best omelets in the world! I tend to go for the spinach and feta omelet but the Eggs Benedict are also a wise choice. The potatoes are the best in the area - not those dry, puffy fried things that most brunch places do, but succulent scalloped potatoes! I moved to the area BECAUSE of this place and have never regretted it.
(5)S C.
It was a little disappointing to eat here. the atmosphere was decent. It has that little dinner feel, but the waitstaff weren't fun and the food was less than par. I got an egg and sausage sandwich and french toast. The sandwich was decent, nothing to write home about, but the french toast was boarding on the gross side. It was a bright yellow and the wrong texture. Plus the syrup was SUPER fake. The coffee tasted a little burned too. My friend got home fries, scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes. All of the above were kinda disappointing. Overall a sub-par experience.
(2)Marilyn T.
This place was always a favorite for breakfast....great food, clean, and good service. Please note the word "was"...returned after several months, only to be sadly disappointed. My nieces and I waited for about 10 minutes for a menu (and only because I flagged down the busperson)....after that, we waited another 10 for the waitress....she kept walking by, waving her index finger to indicate she'd be right with us. The French toast was a bizarre color and texture, the homefries and the bacon sides looked like they'd been "relocated" from another plate, and milk served in to go cups?...What's next, paper plates and plastic utensils? And if you're wondering, it wasn't that busy. Ok folks.....smarten up....I'll give you another chance....but that's it...just one...tbc
(2)T K.
Arlington is not a breakfast food Mecca...that is evident by the breakfast at the Arlington Diner...was not bad...but just very utilitarian. There is nothing to write home about this place. I got a sausage and cheese omelette and it was okay. They did have scali toast, which is a plus. The service was slow and the woman was very preoccupied by filling the sugar holders. Lining up each and every packet as if there was someone coming in with a level to make sure they were all even. Meanwhile people are looking at her to take their order. All in all, I would go back in a pinch, but there are better places not too far away in bordering communities. Arlington needs a stellar breakfast place...someone would make a ton of money if they opened one.
(3)Travis M.
Went on a Sunday and there was no wait. Drink order taken right away. Server was attentive.
(3)Kathleen M.
Stopped going here years ago because of the help. All new help, much better service. Food is the same, OK to good, overall not a bad place for a weekday breakfast.
(4)Steph P.
Gosh I love this place. Same owners as the ever popular Greek Corner. I have been here for both breakfast and lunch. The homefries are fantastic- red potatoes with spices, crispy and soft all at the same time. Eggs Mykonos with feta, tomatoes and oregano rock. The waffle, pancakes, just good old diner food. Coffee is always fresh and they have the best chocolate milk I have ever had. Lunchtime is great as well, the gyro kicks ass. Service is great. The waitresses are all nice and quick. Every time I have been there the manager has stopped by. More than one would expect from a diner, and lucky for me, walking distance from my apartment!
(4)Julie B.
Diners aren't usually my thing, but this one is great. I came on a Sunday morning/afternoon for brunch and was out within 25 minutes. Not only did I find a prime parking spot in front, but food came out lightening fast. The diner covers all the typical brunch bases and succeeds on all levels. They also take credit cards, which many diners do not do. From the home fries to the iced coffee, this place hits the spot and at $17 for brunch for two, I'll be coming back here for sure.
(5)Jen L.
I think I recall my friend telling me they changed management. Anywho, this place sucks. I went here on a weekday morning for breakfast. Only one waitress on the floor. Anyways, I stood, and stood, and stood at the door waiting for a table. The waitress decides to tell me to give her a minute. The first time she said so, I gave her time but she became too busy waiting on other tables that she forgets me and my friend so now we are pretty pissed. But next, she decides to change her shirt behind the counter and then points for us to sit down at a table. Like why didn't she do that in the first place? Well now we have a table but don't have menus, and so we wait for menus. It wasn't even busy so I don't even understand the wait! I must point out, my utensils were not thoroughly cleaned so I stole the utensils from another table. I got french toast and it was not the greatest or great at all. Also got a side of sausages and um, they gave me 2 and a half sausages. The fact that they'd go as far as cut off half of a sausage that is the size of your pinky is like disgusting. Never again will I go here.
(1)Heather M.
Ok, so dirtiness aside (it is a diner after all it's suppose to be a little dirty right?) the service was absolutely AWFUL. Our waitress was so rude. She was on her cellphone the entire time and we could not get her attention to get our bill. Finally after she came over, she said "what's the rush in getting outside? It's hot! Why would you want to go out there?' Ummmm, why would I want to stay inside with you in your dirty diner? I'm sorry, but I was just so upset over how these people treated their customers. Our waitress also messed up on our order, but was the least of my worries at this place. Skip this place and if you are looking for a Greek Style Diner go to Zoe's in Cambridge.
(1)Damien S.
Cozy, diner-y, cheap. It's not a rail car but whaddya gonna do? Four meals. Two huge reasons not to come back. ++ Beef and lamb gyro: Good show! Butcher this and you hang up your apron. + Veg omelet with home fries: Crispy potatoes. Almost too simple but many spots overseason the spuds, so kudos from this guy. The eggs were perfect, although the cooked down mixers may call for a menu rewrite. Can I get a frittata witness? - Eggs, toast and corned beef hash: Cat food hash. And I can speak from experience, as I grew up around cats and when a youngster, would occasionally nibble on the Meow Mix. Only the dry. I wasn't gross. - - - - - Fish and chips: Black, purple fish so obviously ill-fated, I almost warned my buddy as he went to take a bite. Almost. His reaction was worth it. "This is the worst fish I've ever eaten." - Jeremy L. Replaced with a BEC on English. He said the cheese was good. Huzzah! Prompt service with a smile, she was quick to replace the demonfish and extremely apologetic (it didn't take a skullish mushroom cloud of noxious fumes above the plate to tell her that sh*t was beat.) Bevs came with one refill and we were all over that. The toddler in the booth next to me had a damn fine looking grilled cheese. Despite all my wagering ways, he wouldn't hand over the other half. And I brought a 3-flavor pack of Fun Dip in to the mix. His dad almost cracked at the offer, but the littl'un was stone cold. The kid's good. With better options (read: Kelly's, Sound Bites, Renee's) closer to the casa, I'll leave my Arlington Diner experiences in the past.
(2)Carrie M.
My first visit here was a few months ago and it was excellent. The food was delicious, the service was good and the price for everything was even better. At that point they easily would have been four stars. A few weeks ago we got take out from here. It just wasn't good at all. I felt bad as I had suggested it since it was slightly cheaper than the Greek Corner and closer to us. My husband said it wasn't worth saving the dollar and the drive. I swear they're owned by the same people, but you never would have known that by this meal. Tonight was attempt number three, the one that would basically decide the number of stars the deserve. This time it was clear three was the way to go. While the food was good the service was horrible. I basically had to call to the waitress to get her attention. I will likely go back especially since I still want to try their breakfast, but I don't think I would go out of my way to suggest this place to people when there are so many other options in the neighborhood and the Greek corner just minutes down the street.
(3)Eric B.
In the past 10 years I have never had a bad experience-in fact its one of my favorites diners in the state (it doesn't hurt either that its only a mile away from where I live). The food is standard diner food and you get what you pay for. Try it out!
(5)Amelia T.
I sometimes stop by here when I want a bad eggs benedict. The service varies. Once I had a woman that was like my mother; called me hun, beat me to asking for refills, super sweet, etc. The most recent time I went, I had a woman who mostly ignored me and wouldn't seat me at a booth even though it was clearly off peak and I was one of like 5 people there. Most of the time I get a eggs benedict, coffee and ham or bacon side. It's a chloresteral fest. It's not that good, but it does the trick cheaply. The ham was pretty good. Too much hash browns which I never eat. Mean woman wouldn't let me sub a salad. Arlington Diner is full of old locals and is meh in a good sense in every way possible.
(3)Jessica M.
Am I the only one who thinks it is silly to crap on this place because of the ambiance/decor? This is the type of place you can get a huge tasty breakfast for about $6-$8 a person, so what do you expect? If you're paying $20+ for a plate of food, then yeah, I can understand that. Arlington Diner is clean, that's what matters to me. And yes, it is greasy. They have a dish that combines Eggs Benedict paired and cornbeef hash. Don't be surprised. It can be packed, and the waitresses can be surly at times, but they've never messed up my order and the food has always been consistently good. I don't know if I really am a fan of the way they do the home fries, but to me it isn't a big deal.
(4)John H.
Didn't feel like waiting 40 minutes at Za the other night so we walked the half block to grab some diner food instead. I'd only been for breakfast a few times and that was a couple of years ago. As soon as I saw pastrami I knew I had to have it. The meat was hot and greasy, bread perfectly toasted, (white, rye makes me physically gag) and the sauerkraut was way better than one expects sauerkraut to be (though I could have used about a quarter as much). The fries were good, not great, but hot and crispy. It was exactly what I wanted at that moment. The cheeseburger and "Happy Waitress" (open faced grilled cheese with bacon and tomatoes, if memory serves me) came with the same fries and were reported also very well executed. Bottom line: straight forward, un-ambitious food that delivers with out being exciting or inspired. But it's a fucking diner, what more do you want? If I wanted something shocking and creative I wouldn't have chosen a restaurant with half the menu crossed out in Sharpie.
(4)Vanilla P.
My Aegean Eggs Benedict With red potato home fries Left me full and comatose And yet I still yelp Hot bubbles of marigold yolk Lay in clouds of egg white Wilted spinach and pink tomato Sprinkled with a touch of salt Not one or two but FOUR kinds of jelly Grape, Strawberry, Apricot, Mixed fruit This alone draws me back
(4)Emerson O.
Best cheap breakfast in Arlington. Your wallet and empty stomach will thank you. Food is just like you make at home with that extra touch of a kitchen banging out the orders table by table. The basic fried egg, bacon, home fries and toast breakfast is why you come here. (It's $5!) Pancakes are so-so (avoid the thawed, frozen fruit toppings). The omlettes could taste a bit richer too, for some reason they don't have much cheese in them. Everything else on the breakfast menu is spot on. Coffee is agreeable, but these days we're all connoisseurs so most would agree they need a better brew. Lunch/dinner menu is infused with Greek and Mediterranean dishes. They also do some odd things like serve a reuben face up with the russian dressing on the side (weird, right?). Normally I only eat breakfast here, but in a pinch I'll stop for dinner. Staff is hit or miss. Some of the waitresses are a delight, others see you coming and you can tell you're a run of the mill customer to them. The place is always jammed from 9a-Noon on the weekends. All locals. My kids like the place because they have coloring books and crayons. If they run around a little bit or climb around on the booth, no one disapproves.
(4)Andrea E.
Typical Greasy-Spoon. OK eggs and toast and crispy bacon...Just don't look DOWN! I've seen cleaner floors in Truck Stop restrooms! Seriously disgusting....
(2)Trish V.
If I could give 10 stars for service I would. We love the waitresses there! You get lots of food at great prices. Everyone is friendly and the diner is always clean.
(5)Elle C.
only a 10 minute wait, and then amazing breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes. I would have sprung for the "real" maple syrup but they didn't have any on the menu. My brother got strawberry pancakes, poured on from the waffle part of the menu. We will come back!
(4)Lisa J.
I walked in here for a late brunch around 12:45 on a Saturday and was seated immediately. I had been a while since I've been to a diner, but this one definitely rekindled my enthusiasm for them. The service was quick and friendly, and my food came out quite promptly. I had the bacon egg and cheese sandwich on dark rye - it was very tasty and just the right amount of food. I also ordered a side of their "famous" homefries - $1.50 gets you an entire plate-full and they're pretty darn tasty! Great place that is exactly what it bills itself to be.
(4)John D.
Always good food cheap it is as simple as that . Nothing flashy just good old diner food
(3)JohnnyFoodface ..
It's a diner, for eggs, pancakes, and the like. Weekend mornings will have lines out the door and service will seat you timely. My experience with the waitstaff is hit-or-miss but usually hit; and they are usually chatty townie types, as per diner rules. The food is good but not luxury cuisine. The hash side is a bunch of sliced potatoes from the grill, not heavily fried. The Mykonos omelet is so tasty it has to be loaded with sodium. The plate will be filled and if you down it all you'll be home and napping before noon. The blueberry pancakes are good but could be bigger, but with the omelets, you can team up to make an eggs and pancakes meal for two. Not much replay value but good to have a diner nearby for those times you have friends and family visiting and want to go to a good breakfast place. If you want something fancy try brunch at Ole' in Inman.
(4)Nate K.
Nothing wrong with this place. I would say I have never been to a better diner, but I don't think I could like a diner more than what necessitates an A-OK rating :)
(3)ancaruci C.
I always have Greek food in this place, everything is delicious, and the prices are just perfect. The place is a typical dinner, nothing fancy but OK, the service is always good and quick. I recommend the souvlaki, it is delicious!
(4)Michael A.
I ate here TWO thursday mornings ago for breakfast and it was OK. I had a bacon omelette and it was a little dry. I had a grilled bagel instead of a toasted bagel and I regretted that decision (but it WAS my decision) as the bagel was toasted on the outside and still very chewy on the inside... And not that good chewy either, the kind of chewy of an old bagel and not a freshly toasted, soft, chewy, and moist scrumptious one. I prefer my potatoes crispy, but they were still decent. The sausage links were probably the best part of the meal because they're exactly what I expect sausage links to be. The orange juice though was a big no-no, it's was concentrate and I like that fresh squeezed deliciousness. As far as the service goes, it seemed to me that there were only two waitresses for the whole restaurant, but our waitress was on top I her stuff for serving our average food. So kudos to that. So, would I recommend this place? Maybe if I name every other better place to go in Arlington and the four surrounding cities first, I'd name it as a last resort.
(3)Elliot J.
You get what you pay for... and this place is consistently OK. Not Great, not lousy... The service is timely and a little impersonal. The place is clean. The menu is varied enough without being hip or creative, but God help you if you ask for them to burn the hash or the potatoes, make an egg white omelet, or do ANYTHING not listed in the menu. The anal idiot running the kitchen will not do it and the wait staff let you know it when you ask for it.
(3)Tree M.
Oh, the Arlington Diner. I still remember when it was a simple fruit stand that I walked to weekly, my wee little hand in that of my father's. But that was then and with the amazing fruit stand long gone, I now gingerly enter what is now known at the Arlington Diner. When you first opened your doors, I was bit skeptical since you had just replaced a cherished childhood place with a greasy diner where a few of the workers smoke weed out back on their breaks. In wife beaters stained with grease, the constant view of waiters and cooks smoking by the dumpsters isn't really something most diners would like to see right before entering your establishment. On two separate occasions, I tried to order the manicotti. One time was around 3:30 and I got it without incident. The second time was around 3:30 again and the waitress said that they didn't start the broiler until 4:30. For this, I was confused and I asked the waitress when I had been able to order it before 4:30 before. She just shrugged and walked away. The service is sub par, the prices expensive and the food boring. The servers are constantly chatting each other up or flirting with customers while ignoring their own. The wait staff looked like they'd rather be anywhere but there. On more than one occasion, my food has come out cold or just not at all until I talked to a manager. The food has been wrong and once, could have killed. I'm allergic to nuts and I ordered a menu item that normally came with nuts. I specified numerous times that I didn't want nuts on the plate. And what was on the plate when it came out? Nuts. Then, they just scraped off the nuts and thought all was fine and dandy. But no, even traces of nuts can cause me to have an allergic reaction. I didn't eat it and refused to pay. And on the topic of the food, where to start? It's bland and not exciting. I normally love diners and diner food but this place, the food is just mediocre. The food is either cold or way too hot. The one time I ordered a burger with fries, the fries were soggy and tasteless, and the burger? The cheese wasn't even melted, it was that cold. Of all the times I, or a dining partner, have ordered eggs, they come out runny and usually not the way the patron ordered them. One time, there was a rather large party trying to pay while I was eating there. The whole time I was eating, about 30 minutes, the large party was still trying to sort out the bill. They all wanted to pay separately or at least have the bill divided up amongst the different couples the group was composed of. Their waitress seemed utterly confused as to why they would want separate bills or how to do it. The cashier was looking at the register like it had three heads and spoke perfect Russian. They obviously had no clue what they were doing. Also, the owner/manager lady constantly brings her dog into the restaurant, letting the wait staff and the cooks pet said dog, and then go right back to preparing and serving food. The dog was also allowed to run around the kitchen. I refused to return after this. Despite the fact that it's about a block away from my house, I refuse to go there. I wouldn't wish the servers or the food on my worst enemies.
(1)Brittany H.
I grew up in New Jersey and have been to many, many a diner. So you can imagine my excitement when I moved to the area and found quaint looking Arlington Diner. I have only been to the Arlington Diner for breakfast, but I have to say my experiences at this place were quite disappointing. The food is mediocre at best (which does NOT warrant their prices) and service is not as attentive as it could be. It's a small place but you definitely don't get the homey small diner feel one might expect. When I brought my family here for a nice breakfast, my brother's french toast had a piece of wax paper stuck underneath it -- clearly a frozen slab they just heated up and didn't even bother taking off the packaging. My boyfriend vomited immediately after trying the eggs Benedict. Another time one of my relatives visited, he tried to stop there by himself for a quick bite before he made his way to the airport. He waited patiently for about 15-20 minutes, and no one would seat him. Parties of 3 or 4 would walk in after him and they would be seated immediately. What gives? Eventually he just left and grabbed a (much better) coffee down the street. I find it hard to believe that people are still lined up out the door for this place on the weekends! Maybe I just expected better.
(1)Kara S.
This is what a diner should be. So what if our waitress sort of threw our plates of food on our table with such aplomb that it spilled our drinks ever so slightly. It gave us something to giggle about while we ate our insanely delicious breakfast. I got my old standby the eggs benedict and it was pretty darn close to perfection. Perfect holondaise and eggs so silky and delicate I could have taken a nap on them. (Not really). This meal totally made up for my horrible eggs benedict at another establishment a week earlier. This place is no frills whatsoever, but it's good hearty kick-your-hangover's-ass grub.
(4)Jason C.
Awful breakfast choice. The food is nasty because they cater to people who haven't tasted their food since the 1980's. The cleanliness is also a huge issue.
(1)Melody M.
This place is pretty damn good for those weekend mornings when you want a quick eat before heading to the dog park. Either go early or go late, this place gets pretty packed. Luckily when I went it was about 12:30 and we got seated at a booth right on walk-in. The service was good, the food was great, definitely try the Eggs Mykonos, it's their best! The price is easily affordable (like a diner should be) and the coffee is tasty and not bitter or watered down! The only bum side is that the menu is nothing new and the portions are average. You're going to see eggs, bacon, hash browns, french toast (so delicious), oatmeal, and pancakes, but that's really it. So don't go in there expecting it to be like Johhny D's. But definitely go in there expecting to be served on time and with a smile. This is the kind of place that reminds you of those homely diners in the 'burbs. Ah, home...
(4)Dee S.
Mmmm, mmm good! I came here with my brother's lovely lady friend, and we had an excellent brunch. I had the Irish eggs benedict, which is a huge plate of eggs B with corn beef hash under the eggies over the English muffin and home fries on the side. I didn't come close to finishing my meal, but that's because the portions are huge.
(4)Jon R.
Breakfast here was cheap and delicious -- I don't know why all the other reviewers hate this place. Maybe lunch and dinner suck, I dunno, but you can't argue with breakfast. It was kind of busy but we still got a table with no more than 5 minutes of waiting. Service was fast, and the waitress pointed out to my vegetarian friend that it was cheaper to order a combo without the meat than to order a side of eggs and home fries. Which is good, because at some other diners (*cough* Andy's *cough*) they would never do that. The selection for breakfast isn't that huge, but it was good and cheap and was exactly what we were looking for.
(4)Patrick P.
Great breafast and good service every time I've been there. The homefries could use some help, but pretty good. Parking is on street and not a problem. Always a steady stream of people coming in the door. Be sure to sit on the right hand side in order to have the fabulous Diane as your waitress. A total pro, she makes breakfast here a real pleasure.
(4)Phil D.
Bears repeating: don't go on the weekend. This place serves one of the very best breakfasts around, though, so it's worth maybe getting up early and stopping in before work. You lazybum. Maybe tell your boss you have an "appointment," say, at around 10 or so and neglect to mention that you're meeting up with a bacon-cheddar omelette and some homefries. Ot perhaps you're unemployed? Fear not, this place is pretty cheap and lucky you-- you get to go any time you want! The location on Mass Ave. is very convenient. There's usually street parking and Arlington Diner is totally worth a trip on the 77 bus out from the Harvard/Porter area. It'll drop you off right across the street. One day I felt super-stuffed (pancakes), so tried to walk off my meal by traipsing to Alewife (it's not that far).
(5)John D.
As far as diners go, this one is pretty good. But I've only been for brunch on weekends, so I can't comment on dinner. And I've only ordered one thing, but I've ordered it many, many times: eggs benedict! I thought it was delicious. It came eggs-actly the way I ordered it - soft. You don't often see that. And it comes in a variety of ways: with spinach and tomatoes, with hash, or the regular way with ham. I've found the service to be very efficient and friendly every time I've been there.
(4)Joan B.
We had breakfast here on a Sunday. There was a slight wait for a table, but not bad. I had two eggs poached, bacon and home fries. Normally, I steer clear of home fries but I was assured there was no wheat, and after eating them, I think they must keep a very clean grill - they were fine, and uncontaminated. The poached eggs, however, were the best part of the meal; they were perfect. Others ordered toast, corned beef hash, pancakes, french toast and eggs over easy and sunny side up. The service was fine, but not overly friendly. All the food was good (we cleaned our plates) but not exceptional. Still, this is the best wheat-free diner breakfast experience I've had yet.
(3)Jonathan G.
A yeoman's breakfast establishment. The omlettes are good but the ingredients are boring. Friendly wait staff, but not very attentive to my coffee needs. (Indeed, I have coffee needs.) Almost nothing distinguishes this place from any other diner in the Bay State, which isn't a bad thing. If I lived next door to the place, I would most likely spend a great deal of time there. But if there is a diner closer to you, save yourself the trip.
(3)Laura H.
Weak coffee, mushy home fries, dry eggs...eh. I love diners: burnt coffee, greasy eggs and home fries, outdated decor, waitresses that sass. This place had none of that (actually, the decor was very 80s, so I guess it had some of that!). I don't think we'll be going back, even though we're about to move less than .5 miles away from this place.
(2)Mary P.
I would have given this a higher score - it's basic diner food - but the menu was so filthy I was concerned about the waitress touching my plate after handing it to me. So easy to fix!
(1)Paul L.
Mr. Paddy and I dined here before discovering Classic Cafe. This is truly a horrific establishment. The service is slow and surly; the decor is depressing; and the food is foul. I have felt ill every time I've dined here. Paddy and I will never, ever return.
(1)Conor C.
I lived down the street from this joint for 2 years, and went to this diner only on hung-over mornings. The food is generally very good, I recommend the Eggs MyKonos. Their omelette's are good as well, large and full of veggies. Their style of breakfast is perfect for the morning after a late night out. Their staff is usually good, but they are always running around on weekends making it hard to get the attention of your server. Sometimes they make it difficult to get a table when the line is long, but once you sit down the food always comes out very fast. Overall, I would recommend this diner if you live close by but it's not really worth a long trip.
(4)Lynn B.
Very disappointed this morning. Went in and sat at the bar. Sat there for 10 minutes and no one even said hi. One waitress was in front of us with creamers four times and she tried really hard not to make eye contact. Finally left and went to S&S in Cambridge
(1)C. R.
Holy hell, this place was a disaster! We like diners and are always scouting them for reliably unpretentious and greasy goodness. Sadly, this will not be a return spot. The staff was constitutionally grim, edging into the downright cantankerous. We were with friends who had an infant with them, and he was regarded with the kind of forbearance one usually reserves for drunk uncles at a family reunion--and the kid barely peeped the whole time. The food was seriously meh, unless you are looking for mid-priced and undistinguished food you could probably have the aforementioned drunk uncle slap together in your own kitchen. Skip this place, for real.
(1)Linda S.
Standard breakfast fare. It was a bit crowded when I went (Father's Day) but the wait wasn't that long. The staff was friendly if not also a bit harried (did I mention it was crowded and busy). The food was pretty good and coffee decent. My scrambled eggs were a bit greasy but isn't that why we all go to diners for breakfast?!?!?
(3)Rob B.
I expected grease, a limited menu, non-attentive waitstaff, and mediocre food. We got all of that plus downright rude service, terrible food, and a feeling that we'd made a horrible mistake within the first 15 seconds of walking in the joint. I loves me a good greasy spoon, but this sure as hell ain't it. My first negative Yelp review goes to these @ssclowns.
(1)M. Deloris D.
Solid, good cheap diner eats. The lines on the weekends...not that long. If you want a to see a long line, check out Johnny D's. I'm all for family fun in general, but be forewarned. This place can get overrun with children. The loud and inarticulate kind. The best way to avoid this is to arrive early on the weekends or go during the week when the kidlings are in daycare. The food is yummy. I'll say that the corned beef hash is nothing to write home about but disagree with Damien S.' cat food remark. This place is popular for its Greek fare...so try the Greek food already.
(4)Abby R.
Soooooooo greasy. Ugh. I know - you're wondering what I expected? Well, not THAT much grease. My cholesterol *must* have gone up 20 points from one meal. We came here New Year's Day because Classic Cafe was closed, and we won't go back. The food is okay, but Classic's food is 10x better, with more variety and amazingly friendly service. Plus, I'm scared to have a coronary on the table if I go back to Arlington Diner.
(1)Aaron B.
Straight-forward, standard diner fare, which is pretty much all you can ask of a diner, in my opinion. Coffee is reliable, but nothing to write home about. Service was friendly and the food came out quickly.
(3)Mark C.
I'm usually up for diner food, and how convenient that this place is just minutes away from where I live. Getting up late Sunday mornings and heading down the street for pancakes, eggs, coffee and OJ just never gets old. But, having said all that, I do find the place somewhat pricey, and that's usually a bummer for my wallet when I'm in the mood for a serious breakfast (read "all the fixin's). But convenience often wins on that one. Guess I'll see you there next Sunday?
(3)Will R.
Two-word review: don't bother Context: - I love breakfast - I generally love diners - I seek out local breakfast places where ever I go (I travel internationally) - I LIVED ACROSS THE STREET from the Arlington Diner. Review: - Average (mediocre) diner food (breakfast more-so than dinner) - Staff not attentive at all (coffee refill anyone) I don't know where all these rave reviews are coming from, I lived across the street for five years and only ate there when it was very convenient for a 'breakfast meeting' (probably 10 times). Also, living in Arlington for that time and visiting friends for another 15 years, I have NEVER heard a local rave about the AD, some like it because it is one of the few places in Arlington that has a liquor (beer) license. I have also found the wait-staff to be VERY annoying at times. A specific example would be coming in Wed AM at 9 (no one else in the place) and being asked to sit at a table as the 'booths are reserved for parties of 4 or more'. WTF? It should be said that there are very few good breakfast places in the area (Rene's and Sound bites being two) also in Arlington Heights there is a better place (intersection of Park and Mass Ave). Punchline is the menu is not creative, the ingredients are not creative and the prep is not creative. So if you are looking for some scrambled eggs and wheat toast and bad (re big undercooked slices of potato) home fries then this is the place for you! Oh and there are lines on the weekends although I cannot fathom why, I would rather drive to Sound bites/Rene's, find parking and wait in line over walking across the street to the Arlington Diner....
(2)Thomas M.
Typical diner, but also with a Greek flair...okay service, decently clean. I agree, it is very greasy -- large breakfast focus...would stay away from the seafood, and stick to burgers / gyros / clubs. On the fence if I would go back or not...
(3)Alice K.
It's the classic diner- breakfast-like food all day, endless supply of coffee and home fries with everything. The staff is cheerful, though the seating can be tough on weekend mornings. (They're perfectly willing to give a four-person table to the party of two next in line, even if a party of four is behind them.) Recommended: any of their omlettes.
(3)