Deluxe Town Diner
627 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA, 02472
Deluxe Town Diner Menu
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Diabetics at Jason's Deli
Diabetics must not get carried away at Jason's Deli as there are several tempting items on their menu to easily spike your blood sugar. You can try the salads at Jason Deli's or start your meal with hot soup to ensure that you don't stuff too much while at Jason's Deli. You can also pick the right kind of sandwiches to complete your meal.
Foods to Avoid at Jason's Deli for Diabetics:
You must skip all kinds of sandwiches, wraps, and paninis at Jason's Deli for their high sodium content. Even among the salads, avoid the regular ones such as Chicken Club Salad, The Big Chef, Mesa Chicken Salad and go for the lighter versions. In addition, it is also recommended to avoid desserts totally while dining at Jason's Deli.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Jason's Deli:
Breakfast Sammy
Nutritional Facts: 250 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 370mg sodium, 23g carbs, 3g sugar, 0g fiber, 12g Protein
Chicken Club Salad (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 540 calories, 44g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 8g), 900mg sodium, 11g carbs, 3g sugar, 3g fiber, 24g Protein
Mesa Chicken Salad (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 460 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 850mg sodium, 26g carbs, 4g sugar, 7g fiber, 22g Protein
Spinach Veggie Wrap
Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 830mg sodium, 51g carbs, 5g sugar, 12g fiber, 16g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Black Currant Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Organic Green Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Unsweetened Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Watertown for healthy meals suggestion.
High Blood Pressure at Jason's Deli
Blood pressure patients mustn't indulge in sandwiches offered on Jason Deli's menu. Most sandwiches, whether Muffalettas or Po'boys, are high in sodium and could easily spike your blood pressure. Be careful while you order at Jason's Deli and opt for healthy food options such as salads, soups, or soups to ease your cravings.
Foods to Avoid at Jason's Deli for High Blood Pressure
Sandwiches must be avoided at all costs at Jason's Deli as they are loaded with sodium. You must also skip the paninis and wraps if possible and stick to healthy salads and soups while dining at Jason's Deli. Skip adding any kinds of salad dressing, extra cheese, croutons, etc. in your order to limit your sodium intake for the day.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Jason's Deli
Banana Nut Muffin
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 170mg sodium, 25g carbs, 14g sugar, 1g fiber, 5g Protein
A bowl of Fresh Fruits
Nutritional Facts: 390 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 45mg sodium, 23g carbs, 62g sugar, 9g fiber, 6g Protein
Pollo Mexicano (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 800 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 12g), 550mg sodium, 121g carbs, 14g sugar, 11g fiber, 30g Protein
Gluten Free Snickerdoodle Cookie
Nutritional Facts: 210 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 150mg sodium, 34g carbs, 17g sugar, 0g fiber, 1g Protein
Wild Berry Hibiscus Tea with Pure Cane Sugar
Nutritional Facts: 100 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 26g carbs, 26g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Black Currant Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Organic Green Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Unsweetened Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Watertown for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Jason's Deli
If you are concerned about your cholesterol, then you got to be very cautious at Jason's Deli. Most sandwiches available on Jason's Deli's menu are high in cholesterol and sodium content. You must choose wisely and opt for salads or soups to please your appetite.
Foods to Avoid at Jason's Deli for High Cholesterol
Avoiding foods at Jason's Deli can be trickier if you are a foodie. It is recommended to skip the heavy sandwiches which are both high in cholesterol and sodium at Jason's Deli. You must also avoid paninis and wraps at Jason Deli's or order the lighter version to reduce your calorie intake.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Jason's Deli
Blueberry Muffin
Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 180mg sodium, 34g carbs, 19g sugar, 1g fiber, 3g Protein
Nutty Mixed Up Salad (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 430 calories, 21g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 810mg sodium, 41g carbs, 33g sugar, 3g fiber, 21g Protein
Texas Style Spud (Lighter)
Nutritional Facts: 830 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 11g), 740mg sodium, 139g carbs, 27g sugar, 14g fiber, 29g Protein
Jason's Deli Bottled Ginger Ale
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 36g carbs, 36g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Black Currant Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Organic Green Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Fresh-Brewed Unsweetened Tea.
Nutritional Facts: 0calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Watertown for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A on Jason's Deli
When did Jason's Deli open?
First Jason's Deli was started on 30th November 1976 at Beaumont, Texas, United States.
Where's the nearby Jason's Deli?
There are around 275 delis in 28 states of the United States. You can locate a nearby Jason's Deli by using our Restaurant Listings Directory.
When does Jason's Deli open and close?
Jason's Deli opens early in the morning daily at 6 AM and closes at 6 PM on weekdays and 3 PM on weekends.
Does Jason's Deli have a drive through?
Yes, Jason's Deli has a drive-through. Besides the drive-thru, Jason's Deli also set up Jason's Express especially for on-the-go families to make things faster. Drive-thru and take-out options help individuals and families to order and pick their meal quickly while on a busy schedule.
Does Jason's Deli serve gluten-free items on the menu?
Jason's Deli isn't entirely a gluten-free environment, but it does offer a gluten-sensitive menu. You can order food from the gluten-sensitive menu to ensure your food is gluten-free.
Does Jason's Deli serve vegan items on the menu?
Yes, they do. The vegan options are limited at Jason's Deli. You can try the organic vegetable soup, spinach veggie wraps w/o cheese, hummus, salsa, guacamole, and many other options from the salad menu.
Does Jason's Deli Cater?
Yes, it does. You can use Jason's Deli's catering service to serve hot and fresh foods to your guests. Whether you want to feed 5 or 5000, Jason's Deli's experienced team can handle your catering order and ensure timely delivery.
What's on Jason's Deli breakfast menu?
Jason's Deli serves a variety of different items on their breakfast menu. You can try the breakfast sandwiches or wraps prepared with fresh-cracked eggs. You can pick up breakfast as early as 6 AM at any Jason's Deli nearby.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli is a popular bakery restaurant in the United States. Jason's Deli started its operation in Beaumont, Texas on 30th November 1976. The bakery restaurant was started by four partners: Joe Tortorice Jr., Rusty Coco, Pete Verde, and Pat Broussard. Currently, the delicatessen restaurant chain operates in more than 268 locations across 26 states in the United States. Jason's Deli is one of the most successful restaurant chains with under 300 locations.
Deli Management Inc. owns Jason's Deli along with several other deli restaurants in the United States. Jason's Deli is famous for its standard deli style menu where the customers can order from traditional sandwiches to salads, baked potatoes, and pasta. After initiating a health drive in 2000, Jason's Deli successfully eliminated added trans-fat from its food in 2005, later got rid of high fructose syrup in 2008, and finally removed MSG from its food. Today, Jason's Deli offers a wide range of food items including vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Healthy Food Options at Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli offers a standard deli style menu which consists of traditional sandwiches, soups, pasta, baked potatoes, wraps, and salads. If you choose wisely and skip the extra sides or dressings as you order at Jason's Deli, you can find a good variety of healthy food options at Jason's Deli.
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Address :
627 Mt Auburn St
Watertown, MA, 02472 - Phone (617) 926-8400
- Website https://www.deluxetowndiner.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast, Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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James R.
July 4th Morning. So it's my birthday today... Yeah, yeah...I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy... You hope I have a "blast" today... I'm a real Firecracker... If there is a July 4th Birthday wisecrack, I've heard it. :) This morning, some friends and I took a little trip to Watertown, MA. This town is pretty awesome for some great little eateries...and from all the reviews here, us breakfast aficionados thought we'd give this place a try. First off...it's small. It's a small Diner where everyone sits quite cozy. The wait looked like it was going to be a little while, but it couldn't have been more than 5 minutes on this good lookin July 4th morning. So once inside, we sat across from 3 other patrons that we may as well have walked in with...as the tables are close and conversations are easily struck up between anyone friendly enough to say "hey'. I had the Colossal Breakfast...as I 'had' to try the Potato Pancakes...with my normal breakfast measure of eggs, potatoes and some form of meat or another. I had my usual two eggs over medium, home fries, white toast, sausage patty with the potato pancakes. Grapefruit Juice and coffee of course too. - NY Style Potato Pancakes: So I am a potato fan...in fact, a huge fan of the spud. But for potato pancakes, I am more a German Style kinda guy...these were the usual cross between a hash brown you'd get at McDonald's and mashed potatoes. They were sided up with applesauce and sour cream. I actually put some Tabasco sauce on them to spice them up a bit. Eh, I tried 'em. - Eggs; Cooked perfect. - Home Fries: Not a HUGE fan of Home Fries, but for Home Fries these were some of the better I've had. Baked with what tastes like SnP and maybe some Garlic Powder/Salt. There were pretty good...not overly greasy like most places. - Sausage Patty: This tasted like a cheap version of Bob Evans patty sausage. Something you'd get at a middle-school lunch cafeteria. I was hoping their linguica was an option with this meal, but it wasn't. - Toast: This was, man the name escapes me, but a kind of bread that's really soft in the middle and has an awesomely chewy crust on the outside. Toasted and buttered perfectly, a definite highlight of the meal. - Coffee: If ya like rich, dark roasted coffee..similar to Starbucks, you'll like this coffee. Me...eh, nah-so-much. My buddy loved his toast too...disliked the coffee too...but raved about the Corned Beef Hash. It was more like the corned beef you'd get out of a boiled dinner...which he claimed he would not expect when ordering corned beef hash. So if you're a boiled dinner fan, you'll love this. I tried some...it was good...but if you're in the mood for a typical corned beef hash, this isn't it. Prices here are a little high for breakfast, but I don't think that would stop me from coming back. I get the feeling from some of the other reviews, I would have been happier with an omelet, some homies and some toast. The party across from us got the pancakes and those are really big...and they looked as if they really enjoying them. All in all...ALMOST a 4-star rating...if the food had knocked my socks off, I wouldn't have minded the heftier bill...maybe my next visit will be.
(3)Tessa T.
I went here today with my Mom for one of our very occasional breakfasts out. Although our food was good, we were extremely disappointed with the service. I originally thought our waitress had to be sick or something because she was so dismissive and spoke so little to us. She didn't refill our coffees (which cost $2.25) even after multiple requests. Overall, we went to town diner for a quick and friendly experience and got neither of those things. Perhaps we came on a bad day but I certainly would not suggest this place to a friend.
(2)Sylvia B.
Just wonderful! One of my favorite places. Once I got married, it became one of my husband's favorite places too. We have to drive there but it's worth it. Good food, friendly service, and nice music (very often jazz!) that is played at a comfortable volume so you can still have a conversation. Add to all that they heat the place by using their own cooking oil! (They use vegetable oil for all their frying, and then they filter and refine it to use for heat.) That is just great. Oh, and they serve real maple syrup! Deluxe Town Diner is simply a classic.
(5)Natalie W.
Best breakfast place in Watertown. The service was fast and friendly. The sourdough bread was delicious. And they cook the bacon just right. Deluxe Town Diner has a great 1950s feel that's kind and cozy.
(4)Catie F.
I don't really get the hype. My boyfriend and some others had been talkig this place up - not to mention all the awesome pancake reviews. I was pumped for some sweet blueberry cakes... but totally under-whelmed. The pancakes were just pancakes as far as I'm concerned. Nothing at all special... The eggs-benedict type dishes looked yummy but portions were on the smaller side. Not too small but not the large portions I'd heard about either. The juice was $4 a glass, a total rip-off. The best thing I had was the soy sausage patty, which was probably packaged and microwaved. Delicious nonetheless. Also appreciate that this place stocks plenty of red and green tabasco sauces. Overall, a fine place for breakfast but I'm in no rush to go back.
(3)Hayley M.
Held off writing my 200th review to find a place that inspires me. A place I love. Well, it's been too long and I'm itching to finally bite the bullet, so here comes my review Deluxe Town Diner even though I would have preferred ye-ole-200th to have been a 5 star. Anyway, I have been there a handful of times now and I always leave the same way: full. Really really full. Totally satisfied and ready for a nap. Exactly the way you should leave a diner. I always order an omelet, usually something with green veggies and goat cheese. Today I went with the Goat Cheese and Spinach, and added broccoli. They come with a choice of home fries or salad (seriously? Who are these people choosing salads with their brunch? Those people should find me and I will slap them). Plus omelets provide an insane choice of toast: sourdough, white, whole wheat, 7-grain, pumpernickel, rye, raisin, rosemary garlic, or nuts & dried fruit. Personally I like the rosemary garlic, but you really can't go wrong. The pancakes are also to-die-for, but really any breakfast food is solid here. My one beef is that they rush you here, the check comes immediately after the food and as soon as you pay, they shuffle you out. Overall a great brunch, or breakfast anytime. I've heard mixed reviews about the non-breakfast foods, so stick to the most important meal of the day.
(4)Keith E.
Food is yummy. But wait times are not honest: on the phone, they said 10 mins &we put our name in. Actual wait time: over 30 mins.
(2)Marcia E.
Recently in Boston for a visit to see our son. He suggested brunch on Sunday at this diner, he goes there often. We got there about 1:30 p.m. and were seated immediately. The menu had many, many options! Our son is a vegetarian and had the hungry person's breakfast with soy based "meat". I ordered something I know - eggs Benedict - and was very pleased. The hollindaise sauce was the best I've ever tasted, the eggs were cooked perfectly and the Canadian bacon was great. This dish is easy to screw up, so I was very pleased. My husband had sort of a hash Benedict hash with eggs and hollindaise and he loved it. The "home fries" were also spectacular! I'll never accept those previously frozen mushy, funny tasting things again! Breakfast here was a culinary adventure! Yeah, it's a diner, it's shabby and packed with real people and it didn't cost any more than breakfast at Bob Evans! Take the bus from the Harvard T station and have some great food! And afterwards walk it off like we did with a visit to Mt. Auburn Cemetery for a great view of Boston from the tower!
(5)Lisa W.
I'm wavering between 3 and 4 stars. Let's say 3.5. We've come here several times when the husband is craving a burger. Overall the food is ~4. What we've had is usually delicious (fried chicken dinner, kobe beef burger, noodle salad, ruben). One thing that really stuck out was the fresh veggies they serve as sides. I expected frozen, blah veggies when I go to a diner, but their veggies are really great! You can tell that the spinach is sauteed fresh, and the green beans are vibrantly green and crispy. Our waitress was.. meh. We got the same one every single time we've been there, and she ALWAYS messes up. She's nice and well-intentioned, but thoughts just seem to leave her head as soon as she turns around. So the summary is - good food, great veggies, must try sour cream pancakes, and don't expect great service.
(4)Tamarleigh G.
We really like this place. We always know we can find something we'll both enjoy, even though my significant other is a meat-lover and I don't eat meat. The PLOYES are fantastic. NO sugar, NO dairy, NO wheat, and NO eggs--but absolutely yummy. Ployes were invented in Maine. Maine rocks. And so does Deluxe Town Diner!
(4)Sharon O.
We were so happy to find the Deluxe Town Diner. It's cozy, upbeat, quirky, and cute on the inside and the menu surprised us! Not just typical diner fair... the food has flair. They offer ordinary and extraordinary. Personally, I always choose breakfast... our favorites are the spinach & goat cheese omelet and the apple cinnamon babka (french toasty goodness). We've never had too long of a wait... there is decent seating on the inside (from the looks outside) but it is a smaller venue. Seems to me that it's totally worth the wait. There's a bus stop right outside, so probably easier to take it rather than hunt for parking.
(4)Rene' Y.
I gave it 4 stars because I am a fan to their Blueberries Flapjacks (aka Pancakes). Best Panckaes I ever had. They also only serve Vermont Maple Syurp not your cheap fake "sugary syrup". It is a bit pricy for a diner but I will be back for the Flapjacks, maybe next time I will try a different flaovrs, and hope it will be as good as the blueberries.
(4)Traci K.
Breakfast! Yes! A few of us decided to Deluxe Town Diner it up on late Sunday morning and (shockingly) we didn't have to wait for a table. Was it luck? Most definitely. The other times I've been on a Sunday, there's usually a pretty decent wait - and nowhere to hang out except on the sidewalk. No bigs. The sweet breakfast is great - nice array of pancakes and the french toast is super delicious. A lovely spread of eggs and omelettes and other savory breakfast treats. The bacon? Delightful. Gotta have bacon. The service is surprisingly good for the amount of people that are jammed into the place. Our server was attentive and friendly. The food came out quick and hot. Can't ask for more.
(4)Stephanie F.
Boston needs more diners. Don't get me wrong, I love cafes and all, but the Cambridge cafe scene -- college students bombarding the tables with their books and laptops; or cafes just having a wide range of espresso and coffee drinks, with bagels or something healthy to eat -- just doesn't cut it sometimes. I want a breakfast place that has a running list of OMELETTES, or BREAKFAST SANDWICHES -- an upscale IHOP! If that's what you're looking for, travel to Watertown and come to this place. I've only been here once, and yes I've had to wait. But there were no silly college students working on their thesis, or reading books or anything like that. People were here to EAT, damnit. So yes, this place gets 5 stars from me. I'd add another one just because their pancakes are the bombdiggity-dawgs.
(5)Susan D.
Okay, I'm a little biased because I'm friends with the owners' daughter, but I love the Deluxe Town Diner! The menu is huge, with all kinds of choices. I'm particularly impressed by the number of vegetarian options offered. I like the sweet potato pancakes (with pecans, of course), and today I had them with a side order of linguica. The home fries are also delicious, and if you like hash, this is the best around. If only the restaurant weren't all the way in Watertown--but it's worth the drive. And real maple syrup--no upcharge for it!
(5)Erik O.
Awesome brunch spot! (probably good for lunch and diner too) had a few itmes, all where very good. the water comes in a nice carafe that says "tap water" on it. nice touch. not much else to say. tight seating. great food.
(5)chungo m.
good good good. breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, dinner, desert: this place does it right. Seriously I could live here. The prices ain't too bad, but higher than a normal diner, though so is the quality! can say no wrong.
(4)AB H.
The food here is good, but not outstanding. I much prefer Center Street Cafe or even Sorella's. I had a chili omelet: regular, thick round layer of eggs folded in half with chili inside and melted cheese on top. Good, but bot incredible. I do like their teas (loose), and they are super friendly.
(3)Stephanie M.
While I can honestly say I haven't been to this place nearly as many times as some of the other yelpers have been, I think I can still give a pretty accurate description and review of the diner in itself. I'll start off by saying I've always been a big fan of diners. Especially ones that truly have the "diner" feel to them. Booths, twirly chairs, and old photographs on the wall. I was hooked. We didn't have to wait long at all for a table (seated as soon as we walked in) and it was thankfully in the back away from everyone. My first encounter I ordered the turkey club. This is my absolute go to anytime I eat somewhere. Especially if I've never been there before. There wasn't anything spectacular about it, but it wasn't terrible. The bread was a little too hard for my liking and I felt like I had to dip it in water just to make it manageable. Fries = can never go wrong in my eyes. At the end of our meal we did get to listen to some aging hippies talk about their favorites types of tea and gardening tips. All in all, I'd go back. But would probably try a more breakfast item. Omelets looked amazing.
(3)Gab G.
So good. So good. So good. So good. Have I made my point? Visit this place. Be prepared to wait in the cold for about 15-20 minutes no matter what time of day you visit, but it is worth it. Ate today: I got the combo meal thingie, it included a short stack of sweet potato pecan pancakes (if you haven't had these yet, then you haven't lived), home fries, harvest toast (awesome toast with fruit and nuts in it), bacon, scrambled eggs, and bottomless coffee.
(5)Anastashia M.
Their food is good. The pancakes are amazing and my friends keep coming back for more. But every time I come back here with friends, I'm too grossed out to eat. I know it's a diner but this place needs to be shut down and undergo major clean-up/renovations.
(1)Bruce B.
20 minute wait not too bad for noon time on a Saturday. We knew that breakfast was up all day so what's a wait. Ordered the Hash Omelet and Johnny Cakes. Ohhhh the Hash. not some ground meat and some pearled potatoes. This was the real deal. Johnny Cakes had a good consistency but wasn't exactly what my date had expected. Service was very prompt for the crowd in the diner. We had a Phantom Gourmet gift card that was supposed to be accepted here, but to no avail. No matter we'll use it somewhere else. Only major downside proved itself when we left there was a woman with a walker that couldn't find a handicapped accessible way to get in. Luckily she had the support of the rest of her group to get her inside for the great food. But a wheel chair is not getting in or moving around in there.
(4)Andrew M.
I was really in the mood for franks and beans, and franks and beans was what I got. I was very well satisfied, and I'd like to return soon for breakfast.
(4)Dessa R.
Pancake perfection!! I went for the Sour Cream Buttermilk Flapjacks-- they were the BEST pancakes I have ever had. My breakfast buddy enjoyed the Blue Cornmeal pancakes-- which were purplish on the inside, grainy, and fluffy. Also delicious. The 'cakes came with some fantastic Vermont maple, although they would have stood alone without it. I'm not surprised Food Network dubbed this place as some of the best pancakes in the country. Their homefries were also a huge hit-- crispy skin on the outside, moist potato goodness on the inside. Bacon? Check. Thick, crisp, and smoky. Eggs were great. A beautiful breakfast experience, all around. An added bonus? You can call ahead when you're en route and put your name on the list. Deluxe Town Diner does NOT mess around when it comes to breakfast. If you get a hankering for some pancakes, hotcakes, flapjacks, or short stacks, find your way to Watertown. Your tummy will thank you.
(4)Cindy K.
I like this place because the menu is huge. I like coming here on the weekend for breakfast but an option of lunch. Portions are great and the place is big. Every time I have been here, there has been a wait, but its well worth it. I also like the huge tea selection they have here as well!
(4)Jessica W.
I recently moved right around the corner from the Deluxe Town Diner and decided to check it out after hearing such great things about it. I usually don't love diner food because it tends to be greasy and gross, but Deluxe Town Diner has some quality food. They get extra points from me for having vegan options on their menu, including a homemade veggie burger, tofu scramble, and pancakes. It's hard to find a place like this that's vegan-friendly. The food is good. Not amazing, but good. The waitress I've had the two times I was there is so sweet. She remembered me when I came back, and gave me incredibly fast and pleasant service both times. Deluxe Town Diner would surely satisfy vegans and carnivores with their extensive menu. I definitely plan to go back.
(4)Robert D.
This place is just amazing. Not just a great classic diner, but also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Their coffee is perfection. They've just overhauled the menu and have a veggie breakfast wrap that is amazing. Their veggie burgers and ployes are also great options for vegan/vegetarian types. The service is great too, prompt and friendly and they are vigilant about keeping a list of people waiting. Be prepared to wait on weekends.
(5)Jen A.
Updated 5/15/2010 The prices seem to have gone up here and the food quality has gone down. This diner still has charm but the food is lacking. If a diner can't do bacon they need to re-think things! The lunches are still OK, but skip the long breakfast lines and try Uncommon Grounds down the road for better food at lower prices. Friendly staff, great strong coffee (which weird navy mug will I get this time?) and a breakfast menu to die for. The dinners and lunches are only OK, but the breakfast menu is great and the pancakes and sour dough toast (they call it white toast now I think?) are worth the trip alone. I love the atmosphere and all the fun vintage posters from the Funtiques store down the road. It's always crazy busy weekend mornings so I prefer to go during the week when there's more old guys and fewer loud hipster kids. It still has all the 50s fittings so table space can be pretty tight, but that's part of the charm of the place.
(2)James B.
i saw this place on tv and drive buy Sunday morning wow must have good food. I went with b my roommate, 7pm weeknight he got turkey dinner, i got tenderloin and potato pancakes . my food sucked , my tip sandwich was like eating ass out of a rhino , coleslaw good,pancakes greasy,too much onion, b turkey was just OK. we get the bill of 32.00. i could have eaten anywhere and got a lot more. the waitress was tall dirty looking didn't understand english well, i sat at a round table my stomach was squished,so uncomfortable. the inside is old rickety greasy spoon. i just don't like it and i would go back.peolpe hanging around. the waitress boyfriend glearing at me when i came in and left, like to have smaked him on the way out for a tip
(1)Alyssa N.
The Astro-Turf green raspberry-lime rickey tasted way better than it looked. The sour cream pancakes are great too. The Sunday morning wait was long and took place mostly in small spaces, but the staff does their best to keep things moving.
(4)Sarah G.
JALAPENO POLENTA FRIES!!! I want to shout it from the rooftops - best fried thing I've ever eaten. I also spread the garlic aioli that comes with it on every other bit of dinner I can put it on. Very vegetarian friendly. We take all our out of town guests here so we've seen a lot of things ordered off the menu. Breakfast/brunch is awesome. I love the sweet potato pancakes and hash browns, which aren't hash browns at all but roasted rosemary potatoes. They offer a wide variety of really great breads baked by a local bakery instead of your standard white, wheat or rye toast. My boyfriend & various people we've gone with have raved about the hash especially, cod cakes, veggie burgers, chicken soup, and even beans & franks. The crowd on weekend mornings can be daunting, but we've never waited for more than 15 minutes. Cupcakes next door are cute but expensive.
(5)Cindy G.
First, I LOVE this diner. It's got to be best one I've been to. Second, the diner hasn't changed too much from since it first started doing business. Still small and cozy. Of course, it's been repaired a bit, but it still has the small town diner look. The staff is friendly. Good service. Food comes out pretty quick. Thirdly - food. AWESOME. The pancakes are pretty much the size of the plate, which is pretty big. My friends and I can never finish a half stack (2), therefore we have never ordered the full stack (3). Another dish breakfast item I usually order is the huevos rancheros. Salsa, sour cream, scrambled eggs, 2 tortillas, home fries, and black beans I believe. If you haven't tried it, you should! Anyways, most of the menu are breakfast foods. But they also have burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and dinner selections, which I'm sure are all very good as well. Line can get a little long, but the wait isn't bad. Prices are decent. Food's good - that's all matters. You get what you pay for here! ..maybe more!
(5)Lynne K.
We saw this place on the food network as #1 for best pancakes in america and said we had to go! Whoever wrote to call-ahead - great advice! We called, were told 30 minutes. When we arrive 30 minutes later, we had to wait an additional 10 minutes, which was fine. People were everywhere waiting to be seated! There were 4 of us, and we ordered a short stack of the blueberry sourcream pancakes for the table. They were delicious! And the diner serves real maple syrup, not the crappy aunt jemima stuff. I would highly recommend the pancakes to anyone that visits this diner. I decided to make my own omlet with goat cheese, tomatoe and avocado. The omlet was burnt and over cooked. It was more of a scrabbled egg pancake than a true omlet. The fillings were baked in, rather than in the middle. The home fries were good, big pieces and not too salty. Bacon was cooked perfectly. Coffee was horrible. Absoultely atrocious.My hsuband got a rasberry lime rickey because the coffee was bad. The rickey was a perfect blend of syrup and soda. My husband got hash and eggs. The hash didn't have any fillers, which was great, but was extremely salty. Clearly they don't use kosher meat. He is a hash fanatic, and was disaapointed (he used the word horrible) in this hash. Our friend did eggs benedict with pastrami and liked that. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked. Our other friend did eggs and home fries, and said her meal was okay. The diner was packed, and the watiresses handled the amount of people well. They weren't overly friendly or nice, but did their job in an efficient way. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back, but if in the area, wouldn't oppose stopping by for a bite.
(3)Daniel M.
Since I'm review #133, or 1,000,000, or whatever for the Deluxe Town Diner, I won't reiterate everything that's already been said about it. Suffice to say that it's a landmark in Watertown...and should be, for it's got very good food, a traditional diner atmosphere without the kitsch, and both very good fries and excellent burgers. Coffee, while satisfying, is just OK. It's not too dressed up, patrons aren't rushed around if they want to linger and so it makes a good low-key date place. Prices, though, are a bit steep, and that takes away something from the experience. It's way better than average, a bit more expensive than it should be, but still a place to which I'll return when in Watertown.
(3)Eugena O.
You can't go wrong with any of their breakfast options. They have solid coffee frappes. And I tried their catfish po'boy on a whim on day-- it comes with homemade potato chips. Amazing.
(4)erica c.
Buckwheat pancakes with lusciously delicious maple syrup and bottomless coffee... As long as you don't mind going home smelling like a diner, this is brunch heaven. The staff is quick, efficient and friendly and the menu options are aplenty! I agree about the omelette's but to be honest i have yet to find a fluffy french omelet here in Boston so it'll do for me! Wake up early folks this place is always packed.
(5)Anne K.
I've been going to this place for years. They have a great breakfast (available all day,,,,yeah) and also their lunch and dinners are really good (not what you might expect from a diner). Their coffee is decent for a diner, and they have a nice selection of teas that they bring to you in a tea pot (none of that Liption in a cup crap). My husband loves their blue plate turkey dinner, and I am always getting the breakfast items. I also love that they have great vegetarian items on the menu, like veggie sausage and veggie burgers. This is hard to find at most diners. SO I highly recommend you check this place out. The place has a diner feel, because, well, it's a diner! For breakfast we always go to either here or Uncommon Grounds nearby.
(5)Olivia C.
Yea buy the Middle Eastern Sampler in this Armenian neighborhood or better yet try the homemade gourmet all-day breakfast, gourmet without being overwhelming, loving pancakes! I didn't get into ME food until after 911 and Deluxe Diner has the real deal, made and served my friendly Middle Eastern peoples, like that open till 2 falafel place in Central Square, you know the one. Middle Eastern Sampler. So many little lovelies, including fresh yogurt, feta, tabbouleh salad,and olives, roasted red peppers. Lovely tasty, large, but manageable nutritious portion, good for sharing. Worth the 9.50. biatch. The Deluxe French Bread The diner French Toast I am used to comes with a side of cherry flavored antacids.- With extra thick Challah bread, cinnamon and nutmeg that is so light and fluffy. It's what French Toast is supposed to be!! Heavenly dripped bread egg balance without dying and feeling fat after. The French know what's up with toast and Watertown respects dat. Rhode Island J'onny Cakes. They are tasty stone ground corn meal but don't be fooled, they are not typical breakfast pleaser, as an extremely old school food, pre-colonist we-don't-have-any -other -food old-school. We got these cakes to start trying everything on the extremely extensive and vegetarian-friendly menu, and to pay tribute to the state of Rhode Island. My poor friend, still huge Deluxe T D fan, said they were so heavy they wouldn't suck up any of the homemade syrup, and he couldn't save room for that dessert he promised. In short, you could save getting the Corn Cakes for when you are visiting Sturbridge Village and eating with the real Native Americans. Lime Rickies, they taste like those freeze pops, and look like green nucleic acid, too sweet! Must be a New England thing. NEW ORLEANS Sweet Potato PANCAKES!!! They are not what you think, as in they are not too potato tasting or too sweet, get them with PECANS, they are absolutely lightish and fabulous!! Sorry didn't try the fake meat but it looked pretty good made me want to try to real meat next time. I biked 40 minutes from JP to get brunch here and it wasn't delicious just because of the Mecca journey or the hunger, this place lives up to it's rep. And I'm from Long Island diner land. Yea go north friend and look for the turquoise vintage haven, ready to sell you art deco, risk-taking home style comfort, ethnic, vegetarian, and every-damn-thing food. The quality of the food is surprisingly excellent, there is a diner for us-
(5)Jonathan G.
5 stars, despite the slightly over-priced breakfast or the slightly rude Saturday morning waitstaff. Best: --Pie --Breakfast Breads --Veggie Sausage --Tea of any diner in the area.
(5)Melinda M.
This place is dirty. There were several layers of dust on all the surfaces (even extremely accessible ones!) It's falling apart. Not only did the cushion of our booth have duct tape all over it, but it slid off the bench every time we moved. And if you leaned a little too much on the table, it tipped and threatened to cover your lap in the blue plate special. There are no gray-haired ladies in pink uniforms, but tattooed 20-somethings who weren't in the mood to impress. The prices were mostly over $10, which isn't usually a big deal except I think it's a lot to ask in such a ghetto atmosphere. The food was kind of hit and miss, the mashed potatoes were so watered down, but overall everyone was pretty happy with the quality. All these negatives aside, I still like the place. And if you've made it through this review thinking, "Ok yeah, but is there pie?" then you will too! Because there is pie, mmm a la mode. And an awesome tea menu. And vegetarian options. And breakfast all day! This place is like an old broken-down Denny's with a few quirks (like a rather extensive seafood menu) and portions on steroids.
(3)Amy E.
Yum yum! When I do eat red meat, it has to be really good. The Corned Beef hash is freakin awesome - and Harvest Toast - mmmmmm. I love this place. I love breakfast for dinner and I love the Earl Grey tea here. Ten stars!
(5)Anna F.
Just went back Sunday and had one of their omlettes (dill and cream cheese)- came with a side salad and their harvest bread toast. Made with cage free eggs. Can this place get any more spectacular!!
(5)Jim S.
Number 71 bus from Harvard Square. Pretty good food. Good music. This is a nice place to get a chicken fried steak with a side of mashed and sauteed spinach. Like a lot of places these days, pepsi...they don't serve coke, ... is over two dollars. Service is good but perfunctory. Once, I asked for onions on my chili dog and was charged an extra 50 cents!
(4)reese w.
Wonderful food here! I've never been for anything other than brunch, but I don't see why it wouldn't be tasty as well. The food is cheap and excellent and you may have a small wait on the weekends. While others have said that the decor is amazing, I find it really similar to a lot of diners where I grew up (New Jersey), but more rundown. The seats are torn and the tables have seen better days, but you could attribute it to the place's charm.
(4)Katia M.
I love you, Deluxe Town Diner. I first went to you with my roommate a couple weeks after I moved here. The food was good, but you remained forgotten. I thought I wouldn't have the occasion to be in the h2o again, and yet I managed to find my way out there again. It was early, so the wait was short, and we were tucked back in a corner and were greeted with tasty omelets and those awesome Rhode Island Jo'nny Cakes (where is the "h"?) and ... oh man. We left stuffed full of goodness and coffee. Mmmm.
(4)Sean E.
It is a good question as to whether or not this place can really be considered a diner. But no matter -- this is good food. Even when your standing outside on a weekend morning/afternoon, you don't have to wait tooo long. And it's always been worth it. Top notch pancakes here. They even sell their mix in the little store around the corner. Their omelets are a bit weird -- I'm not even sure if you can really call them omelets, and if I were to point out one bad thing about them, this would be it. But french toast? Yes. One of the best french toasts around. And I'm not sure what kind they use, but their bacon is meaty, crisp and delicious. Great, fresh toppings too. Even the cubano sandwiches are pretty good. It's kind of the same reason I like a lot of the places I do -- the ingredients are well chosen and used while they are fresh. I've often thought that you can judge a place by the quality of ham they use. They use good quality ham here. Oh, and do yourself a favor and go 'round the corner to that little store I was tellin' you about and get a cupcake. No, really, get a cupcake. I swear you'll thank me.
(4)Mats K.
People go to diners for a number of reasons including good cheap eats, and the diner atmosphere. The food here wasn't bad, but it definitely was not cheap. Granted I had a huge portion of breakfast food, but $11 is - in my humble opinion - a bit more than I should pay for anything at a diner. With the prices being a bit higher, one might think you get something extra for that money. Well, if one does, I sure couldn't figure out what it was. The place was dirty, with food rests all over the floor. The booth we were seated at (and it looks like all booths were the same) wasn't anchored properly to the wall, so the back moved with every little motion. That wouldn't be a problem if there wasn't someone sitting behind you moving as well, making it a very motion filled meal. Anyway, for this type of money, I could spend just a little bit more and go to S&S Deli in Inman Sq. instead and get much better food, service and cleanliness.
(3)L-Train A.
This is not your typical neighborhood diner. This place has good vegan sausage, and I am not even vegan. Best pancakes in town - the butteriest moistest buttermilk discs of goodness ever. (defintely not vegan) Better than homemade. This diner uses authentic artisan bread from the Nashoba Brook Bakery, has unusual offerings, vegetarian and vegan specialities, good staff and clientele, and you must go early on the weekends or you will wait in line. HOWEVER! Crappy coffee that cannot be redeemed no matter what combination of sugar and milk you throw at it, and they charge a buck seventy-five for it. We often wait and get coffee somewhere good afterwards, so you know this is serious business! Expensive sides as well, but high quality.
(4)Karen K.
Random thoughts: I like their sandwiches a lot - the falafel, turkey avocado club, middle eastern wrap - and the fact that they offer so many vegetarian options. Yay to their good, strong coffee. Although it was highly recommended, the apple-turkey curry burger had to be one of the weirdest-tasting things I've ever eaten in my life. $3 for a cupcake??? UPDATE : After many, many dining experiences, it's become clear that timing is everything with the Deluxe. A second try at the apple-turkey burger was fabulous, and totally different from the first time. The cole slaw seems to suffer similar inconsistencies - sometimes it's great, sometimes it's awful.
(4)Philip C.
I love this place and probably always will. Saturday brunch? Deluxe Town Diner. Sunday brunch? Deluxe Town Diner. Monday Holiday brunch? Deluxe Town Diner. Lunch? Dinner? Deluxe Town Diner. I cannot say enough good things about this place and even when the service wasn't on point, I didn't really care. It's never been so bad that I would turn my back on DTD. Delicious feel good breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, healthy food options, cage free eggs, tap water served in a bottle, bottomless coffee, MEM teas. I'll wait for my table at Deluxe Town Diner and you should be prepared to wait too, especially if you go on a Saturday or Sunday morning/afternoon. But don't worry, it's worth it. Eggs Benedict, Fresh Fruit and Greek Yogurt with Honey, Breakfast Club Sandwich, Blueberry Pancakes, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Bison Burger, the list goes on and on. This place is an old-fashioned diner with awesome food and that is what you should expect. Deluxe Town Diner serves up the goodness for every meal. I'll see you there!
(5)brian c.
Deluxe Town Diner serves all three meals. They have a big menu, especially for breakfast. Their Sour Cream panckaes are really fantastic. They also have buckwheat and jonny cakes as well. Their sweet potato pancakes looked good. The place was clean and the service was prompt. Prices are high for diner food, but the food is very good. Come early on the weekends, especially if you come in a group of 3 or more.
(4)Loan L.
It's all about the service folks. Way back in the day, i used to be a server and so I understand how hectic it can be. However, there is absolutely no excuse for our waitress's poor service. We sat down and it took a while for our server to greet us. I ordered coffee which I swear, she probably went to Columbia to get the damn grinds because it never came, I ended up asking another waitress for the coffee. The food is mediocre, i've had much better breakfast at home. Then, we were anxious to leave but can't because of our incompetent waitress. I watched her as she was too busy filling up all the salt and pepper shakers, wash the menus, fill up the napkin bins to even notice us. It wasn't even close to closing yet and she was so consumed with packing up early. Then when we finally got her attention to get the bill, she put it on our table and darted off to do her friggen chores. We finally hunted her down and stood there as she tallied up our bill. Crap service and will never go back again!
(1)Angela M.
This was my favorite place when I moved to Watertown 4 years ago. They have a pretty diverse menu, with many vegetarian options, and they even have soy milk! As time went on, though, I noticed more and more that eating at the Town Diner was really not a diner experience, because, 1) The food is overpriced, and 2) They don't have diner hours--they close too early at night. To their credit, they do really well on their pancakes, and even have real maple syrup, but honestly, I think this place is very over-rated. If you want a great breakfast with a similar low-key vibe, walk down to the next block to Uncommon Grounds...and, their coffee is much better, too!
(2)Joey T.
There's not much to add after 134 reviews of this place. Suffice to say, the food is swell and the prices aren't too bad. What happened when the companionable Trixy and I dropped by the other night has nothing to do with the diner, and everything to do with Trixy. First. For those of you who don't know the girl, she is a good eater. What I mean by that is she can put away three times her weight of creme brulee in one sitting. And you wouldn't know it to look at her. Her clothing runs to children's sizes. Second. She is accustomed to dining out 5 nights a week. I managed to convince her that the Ritz-Carlton was out of the question and the Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown might provide a satisfyingly filling meal. Our waiter seemed confused when she ordered stinging nettle soup and a side of bamboo rice with licorice root, but when I suggested the grilled cheese might be equally amusing she relented, grasping the stem of her red wine glass and chugging the beverage in one, swift motion. After a short, frantic period of mastication punctuated by rude exclamations directed at the kitchen ("I THOUGHT A DINER WAS SUPPOSED TO SERVE BIG PORTIONS! WHAT THE !@%* IS THIS?") it was time to go. By then, she was in a state I will charitably refer to as "tanky-ness". As she fumbled with the sleeves of her Volkswagen-sized fox fur coat, her Ugg-booted leg somehow got caught up in a string of Christmas lights and yanked down a sizeable Yuletide display. By the time we got out of there, the girl literally trailed a string of broken Christmas angels, tinsel, and busted up Santa Claus debris onto the street, elbowing her way past a group of small, tearful children frightened by the unexplained violence of holiday decorations being abused. I can however report that the New York style potato pancakes were very good.
(3)Jessica K.
The line was intimidating, but it moved pretty quickly. And hooray for Dr. Brown's Black Cherry soda, and an omelette into which I could put veggie sausage! (Hooray, generally, for any breakfast place that carries vegetarian sausage!) The food was tasty, and the ambience was definitely diner... in a good way.
(4)jen f.
fine. i had some really good blueberry pancakes and some mighty tasty water. maybe even some tea. i don't remember. i think there was a mistake on the bill and we won. my friends complained about the service but i was on sedatives so i didn't notice.
(3)Molly S.
We just had our last dinner at Deluxe Town diner. While the pancakes are fantastic the service and prices leave something to be desired. After waiting 30 min for a $30 scrambled eggs and a sandwich, the wait staff blatantly ignored us. The owner eager to film a movie, tossed us out. This party of two has plenty of other places for our dining dollars.
(2)Walt Z.
This place isn't that bad. The coffee is probably the best part of it, however. The way they actually make their scrambled eggs is just the way i like it, which is nice, too. But too often the service tends to be on the slower side, and sometimes the food can be inconsistent. A good place to go, but nothing to get too hyped up over.
(3)Ben K.
Wow, I didn't like it here. At all. Service was quick but not very friendly, and the food was pretty bad. I had expensive crabcakes and they tasted really bready and mushy--not very crabby. I also had the cubano, which I don't recommend at all. It's like regurgitated chemicals in a sandwich. I might give it another chance, but they really got this all wrong.
(2)Carolyn B.
Mmmm...Breakfast... The sweet potato pancakes are heavenly. The coffee isn't the best, but if you need a good jolt of energy in the AM hours a cup or two does the trick. Either go early or go during the week because this place gets pretty crowded on the weekends. I haven't eaten lunch or dinner here, but the breakfast is definately worth getting up for.
(5)Tina L.
I love this diner! It's not really what you expect from a diner. They have twists on regular diner fare. I think the prices are fair, but it's because I think of them more as a restaurant. I love their turkey curry burger. It's by far one of my favorites there and I would go just to eat it again! I've also tried their Harvest French Toast, Falafel Sandwich, and Spinach and Goat Cheese Omelet. The omelet was not what I expected (more like a pancake. The french toast was different, the bread made it uniquely dense - I think I would prefer regular Challah french toast in the future. And the Falafel was delicious. Well done and not TOO fried.
(4)Mary M.
We had breakfast here, it was great. We're moving to Watertown come august so we'll probably go back there again.. i was disappointed that they didn't have the veggie sausage (they were out of it) but i ate a regular sausage and it was good, it was a patty not the links.. I don't usually like the patties but i like this one. Their home-fries were tasty too. We sat at the bar, it was neat seeing the cooks in their assembly line format. They were real quick. We didn't wait long for 2 people, they seemed to move fast there. We got good service too.
(4)Pete S.
Don't get me wrong -- I like creative touches. And the (now-"Deluxe") Town Diner has lots of them. But did the new owners have to dump old standbys like the locanico and eggs, and jack up the prices so much? Of course they did, because this is not a diner, it's a diner-themed restaurant. The target market is no longer the early-shifters rolling in at 5:00 am that were in there a few years ago, it's the young and moneyed who moved to Watertown recently because it's "so cute." The food is not bad, but it is not a place I'd make my regular coffee-and-eggs place. The menu is just too scattered with bells and whistles, not enough focus on the basics. I don't care if you have Kobe beef if you can't get the home fries right. Really, I think they rubbed me the wrong way the moment I first walked in, where a sign smugly declared, "no iceberg lettuce." I mean, people may think you a snob, but must you go and prove it?
(3)Jungmin L.
Sweet potato pancakes w pecans!!! YUM. Moist, good flavor, nice crisp at the edge when hot and softness when cooled down. I can't wait to try the blue corn pancakes. French toast is Meh. It's ok, Challah could have been soaked at least a minute longer. It wasn't that moist. Outside crisp was also lacking. The corned beef is REALLY good. It's not as salty as in other places (or they must have soaked it a bit before making the omelette), but well seasoned and just the right amount of grease and chew in the beef. It actually tastes like meat and looks like meat. Recommend the omelettes and pancakes.
(4)Scarlett G.
Funky, little "diner" place along the trafficy mt. auburn. What makes it a "diner" is pretty much it's shape, location and the booths, and of course the name. The food though is not limited by the diner terms...had wild mushroom ravioli - that was served super warm, creamy and tasty, minus the piece of chicken in there. Served by a sweet lady, though seemingly inexperienced - and I don't think she ate there much. Cool fact: they reuse their cooking oil to heat the place!! So i give them a 4th star, instead of 3...
(4)Maro B.
I like to come here for breakfast, even if I have to wait outside to get a table.Many typical breakfast/brunch options with several unique dishes (check out the variety of pancakes) offered. Now I am using spoolads.com coupons.
(5)Greg K.
My first timing to the Deluxe Town Diner was this Saturday and let me tell you, we've found a winner The workers were super friendly The menu was so loaded that it took me a while to decide what to get and people at the table were talking about what they'd be getting NEXT time we came for breakfast And, to top things off, they put a candle in Miss Meggo's omelet and the whole staff sang her Happy Birthday Wow! Yes I'll be coming back 5 stars Thanka you very much I'll be coming back for Pie I know that much
(5)Tani S.
We were looking for a good breakfast place since shopping was our primary purpose on Saturday (Watertown Mall)...This place was perfect and the diner that we've been looking for! The wait at noon wasn't too bad even though there were lots of people waiting it was roughly the 10-15 minutes the host told us when we put our name down. I love the atmosphere, people are friendly, and the booths are comfy... Prices are reasonable, which seems surprising for the East coast with everything feeling so expensive here! I loved the Greek omelette while my husband really enjoyed the pancake breakfast (the blueberry ones are delicious) and our toddler finished off her children's breakfast... The white bread was yummy bakery bread with a hard crust and the home fries were impeccably seasoned. We'll definitely head back even if we're not in the area for shopping...
(4)Nicole K.
This place makes me happy :-)
(4)Nathaniel C.
Classic diner with the chrome and all! The staff is very pleasant and the food is great! I had the Ruben sandwich with sweet potato fries! Coffee is smooth and very good!
(4)Jackey B.
I really liked this place when I went and plan to go back. I met a friend here for lunch and despite the iffy parking situation, everything was great. I had the Rueben which was delicious; exactly what I would expect from a great diner. I like the feel of the old-school diner setting and have been wanting to go back for breakfast! Definitely try this place out, I hear everything on the menu is good.
(5)Dena M.
Wow. I drove past this place on my way back from somewhere else and thought "Man, I wish this place was easier to get to!" I usually take the T everywhere, and it would take me well over an hour to get there that way. But today we were in the area and decided to stop in. It was worth the nearly 30 minute wait, and I'd even go so far as to say it would be worth the extra-long bus trip if I didn't have the car. I had the sour cream flapjacks. Let me tell you something about me and sour cream. We don't get along. It's gross. But, I figured, they're pancakes. They can't taste like sour creamy death. And they didn't. They were some of the best pancakes I've ever had. My guy and I also split an order or biscuits and gravy -- the first time we've been able to find decent sausage gravy since moving here -- and it was also amazing. For the record, he had the Harvest french toast. I didn't try it because I'm pretty dang picky, but he loved it. With butter and powdered sugar, he said, it didn't even need syrup. (And it's REAL Vermont maple syrup too, not the fake Log Cabin crap! I'm pretty sure he's crazy.) I'd give it six stars if I could.
(5)Lindley E.
I hate diners. I really hate diners. I hate bad omelets, I hate toast soggy with butter, I hate gravy out of a can. I hate most pancake mixes, I hate 'syrup' , I hate coffee made with robusta beans. And thank goodness, Deluxe Town Diner doesn't have any of that crap. The only thing diner-like about the diner is, in fact, the building: a diner. And that most of the food is short order, cranked out by two guys at a griddle and a stove and a couple guys in the back, picking up the slack and washing dishes. If you are looking for cheap, skip DTD and go down the street to one of the other diners. You know, the ones with the $2.99 breakfast special. A short stack of blueberry pancakes can set you back nearly $9, depending on which ones you order. And there are many types of pancakes on the menu. I'm not usually a pancake person, but Mike, who suggested we eat at the DTD, insisted I order the ployes, a French-Canadian buckwheat pancake made without eggs or fat. Of course we slathered them in butter and maple syrup, which is on every table. I also tried the Jo'nny Cakes, a Rhode Island specialty, made from corn meal and very creamy inside. Essentially a thin polenta, made into a pancake. When slathered in butter and maple syrup, they were divine. Coffee was good and strong. Service was curt but efficient. And we were very happy when we left. I'll be back.
(4)Cathy Y.
Love this place but refuse to pay the full cost for a meal for my two 11 year olds, $12 plus. The kid's menu is for 10 and under. It is a little over priced already so for my family of 4 we need to eat eslewhere. This is so disappointing.
(3)Liz C.
Quintessential diner. Amazing food, fabulous service, awesome atmosphere. Excellent for kids, too.
(5)Mamab C.
I have to preface my review by saying I'm a regular, and for good reason! This place is great! Blueberry pancakes-fantastic! Coffee- not great Wait on the weekend- not great But aside from that, you can be sure you're going to get good food here. The option of vegan sausage is awesome, not many places in Boston do that. And, they have mimosa's! I did notice that the prices went up slightly recently. But you're still going to leave insanely full, the plates are filled, no skimping.
(4)K J.
It is more like 4.25 stars. The first time I went here, I probably had the best seat in the place. At the counter, right in front of the cooking range. I mean I saw everything there, from the toast being made to the home fries sliding in from the kitchen behind, from the pancakes being made to chocolate chips and blueberries being thrown on top of them. Did I say it smelled so good too? My choice of breakfast has always been a two egg omlette with sausage and Swiss cheese w/ wheat toast and home fires. Comes to $7. Add a never ending refill of coffee and your meal will be around $10. A teeny tiny taddy overpriced, but don't cry for the food tastes good and service is spot on. On an occasion I did have the Kobe beef burger which I felt was a little undercooked that my requested medium rare. But that burger was a monster. Tried hard to finish it much to the amusement of the millions of babies around. On occasions, I even sampled some of their smoked salmon platter which L loves. To sum it up, my way to start a lazy Sunday. Expect tourists and locals alike to start swarming this place late mornings. Parking might be a hassle on Sunday morning due to the church crowd nearby, but head along Mt Auburn street and you should be able to find a spot with a fair walking distance.
(4)S B.
Good French Toast but sweet potato fries were bad, very dissapointing. TERRIBLE SERVICE. the server only asked us how everything was when we were done, and instead of getting the dressing i asked for, she stood RIGHT in front of our table gossiping with the other server and never got it for me till I asked her again. totally didnt give a krap about us. and we were very nice to her. and it was so cold in that place. i WONT go back.
(2)Dana G.
Since the time of my last review I have braved the diner for breakfast, and I was not disappointed! Yes, there was a bit of a wait, but people cycle in and out pretty quickly and anyway, the wait was worth it. Despite the fact that the place was packed, the service didn't suffer at all. Our waitress was really nice and attentive, and our food actually came out quicker than it does in the evenings. Plus, during brunch hours, you can get sweet potato waffles, which are wonderfully delicious. I've also gone to DTD for dinner several more times since my last review, and I have yet to be disappointed. Each month they offer new specials, and I love that there's consistently something for everyone - vegetarians, meat lovers, people who don't do the gluten thing, etc. DTD is definitely one of my favorite food spots.
(5)Janna H.
Went here the other day with my boyfriend as I heard it was a decent spot in the town. Food was fine and came out fast. I had the Kobe Beef burger which was pretty meh, but of course I still ate it BUT I've definitely had better Kobe burgers. Nothing amazing, but it definitely hit the spot as I was having an off night beforehand. Also, the service was incredibly bad, even though there were only 2 other people in whole place at the time. Our server was extremely quiet, inattentive and didn't even ask us how everything was, WHICH IS fine if the place was busy, but it wasn't. At all. Which I understand because it was like 4 pm. Being a waitress myself, I'm very understanding when it comes to waitstaff, but this was just ridiculous. Zoes in Cambridge has much better service. Regardless, it's a decent spot, even though I sat on a duct tape chair and that stuck to my jeans when I tried to get up. Meh.
(3)Garrett E.
Any Diner that has Roasted Beets, Jalapeno Polenta Fries, and Sweet Potato Pecan Pancakes is ace in my book. Come hungry and come often in the mood for the unconventional. Decor runs the gambit from eclectic to classic diner. Prices can get a little high but for food like this who cares. A great appetizer when featured are the Jalapeno Polenta Fries. Certainly no greater dish was ever made with polenta. Served with a Garlic Aioli its sized to share but you won't want to. If not on the menu the falafel is perfectly cooked and seasoned and a welcomed delight. Sweet or Savory is your big choice since breakfast is served all the time. If your a morning person who appreciates a good hearty breakfast try the Sweet Potato Pancakes add pecans and you will never have a Pancake anywhere else that compares. Also surprising was the side of REAL Corned Beef hash, yes real and not the canned product that's made by Hormel in the same factory that makes dog food. If you opt for something more savory another pleasant diversion to Southern cuisine can be found in the Chicken Fried Steak, it comes with Mashed potatoes and a perfectly seasoned white gravy. You have an option for another side but to get anything else other than the Roasted Beets would be a crime. I honestly can not tell you about dessert as I never seem to be able to have enough room for any. I will mention that they have a nice selection of Teas, and for someone like myself who prefers tea to coffee its very welcoming to get a steaming pot of Jasmine tea. Seating is always going to be tight, and there will most likely be a line, but it is worth the wait.
(5)Alan Y.
Best Breakfast/Lunch spot I've been to in Boston hands down. Everything is good: omletes, pancakes, French toast, burgers, soups....the list goes on. Everyone I've brought here has loved it, even the pickiest of eaters find things to eat here that they enjoy. Service is always good enough if not excellent depending on the waitress. The atmosphere is that of an old school diner, which is dissapearing and I'm nostalgic about. Go. Get the fries. Get everything it's all good. Just don't go on weekend mornings...I don't want to wait for my usual table.
(5)Jeremy H.
Wow...what a great place. I have had Breakfast and lunch here countless times. There are two rules to follow: 1) Come early or end up waiting outside with a lot of people 2) Get a side of grilled Linguica. A lot of people do not know much about this fabulous sausage. It the Portuguese sausage from heaven, like a peppier & spicier version of Churrico The selections of Tea is breathtaking and delicious, and they are all for sale in the side entrance. So it is easy to stock up on your favorite tea to your liking. The pancakes are to die for! There is a decent variety, but they are all awesome. I love the plain ones, and my wife flips for the blueberry ones. It is a real culinary treat if you can get to a weekend breakfast and sit at the counter near the grill. that is because you can watch the calm genius of breakfast ninjas pump out huge amounts of tantalizing breakfasts. I have eaten half the breakfast menu, and everything is phenomenal! At lunch I have had some superb sandwiches. They really can seem to do no wrong. In short if you want a good old American style breakfast this is where you want to go. Just get ready to rub elbows with people from all walks and get your grub on.
(5)Matt S.
I realize, looking at my review distribution, I'm a more positive reviewer than I am a negative one. I've gotten to the point that I'm almost hoping I can have a negative experience soon, luck needs to run out eventually. The Deluxe Town Diner won't be the place to change that though, this review - based on two separate experiences - is entirely positive. The two times I've been to the Deluxe Town Diner were breakfast related, so I can't honestly comment on the lunches (which I've heard are great). Breakfast at Deluxe is a treat in and of itself though, and the crowds that amass out front on Saturday and Sunday mornings are a testament to the good eats that are served up here. First time I went, I had the Spinach and Goat Cheese omelette. The spinach was fresh and the goat cheese was delicious. Definitely a winner. Second time, I decided to get the Corned beef hash and eggs. The Hash wasn't canned - it was made of some shredded corned beef, which is a nice thing to see. It's disenheartening when you go to a breakfast place and get the equivalent of Hormel canned hash. This was anything but, and it was outstanding. The thing that I've noticed about the Deluxe Town Diner's breakfast menu that's one of the pieces that put it above the rest, however? The Home fries. All too many breakfast places place home fries in a backseat. They're often bland, just offering an option to, at best, fill you. Not so at the Deluxe. The home fries are generous and very tasty, especially with a little Tabasco on 'em. All said, my two experiences here at the Deluxe will have me returning for breakfast, and surely sometime soon, lunch. It's practically next door, so after these pleasurable visits, I've no excuse. The great food, courteous service (waitresses are not only personable but very on point), and the fact that it nails that old Diner feel make the Deluxe Town Diner a surefire hit, and much worth those previously mentioned weekend morning waits.
(5)Amanda L.
The seal of a real honest to goodness diner, is how much duck and electrical tape makes up the seats in the booths, contrary to what some other people think ;) The prices were a little more on the expensive side, especially for a diner, but the taste definitely did not disappoint. I started off with a chocolate frappe, and it had a nice consistency, although I wish I was a little thicker. For dinner, I had breakfast of course! Spinach and goat cheese omelette. It was divine! I am a goat cheese whore, so this was just simply awesome. They stop serving home fries after 4PM, so we were given fries instead. These fries were GOOD. They had a really interesting seasoning to them, and I was glad that half my serving was full of nubs. I feel that the smaller the fry, the crispier and the more seasoning they sop up. Man it was good. And, best of all, they serve linguica! Anytime a diner serves up some linguica, I am SO THERE. And they did not disappoint. Grilled to perfection, it was juicy and tasty throughout. The service was at best minimal, and it's not like he was really busy, but I don't expect good service when I come to diners, so I am ok with it. Definitely a place to check out, even when there are torrential downpours going on around you.
(4)Alan L.
We went there today for brunch and it was ok. The food was good, but the service was a-ok. I expected to wait due to the time but it was pretty long for party of 5. Actually, I like the coffee the most. I had the hungry man special and it was ok...the banana walnut pancake was good, but everything else...well...not worth the wait.
(3)Hungry B.
I used to like this place a lot more and have been here many times, but almost feel that I like it a little less each time I eat there. Its got a fun feel and its a cool, somewhat retro little place. Most of the food is pretty good, some of it great - pancakes are amazing - but there's plenty not to like as well... Most breakfast places try to cram in as many little two seaters' as they can, but this place goes too far, I hate being crammed in so tightly with everyone else in there. And personally I think the service is never really great, mostly just ok at best (and sometimes not so great). Some items, more on the lunch and dinner end, can be a little over priced too, for a diner anyway. Overall, wanted to give them four stars, its a neat place, but pretty much just "eh".
(3)Phil B.
I went there today and had their burger. I ordered it "medium rare," so I'd have all of those delicious beef juices dripping down onto my onion rings. While the burger wasn't dramatically overcooked, it was definitely cooked medium and not quite as juicy as I had hoped it would be. Now, here's the weird thing... The burger was served on a whole wheat bun. Huh? Usually, when a sandwich of some sort is served on whole wheat, that's listed on the menu or the customer is offered (on the menu or by the server's description) a choice of white, wheat, or whatever. Had I known it was normally served on whole wheat, I would have asked to substitute a different sort of roll or ordered something else from the menu. It just seemed odd to me that whole wheat is the default bun used when burgers are served. Bread aside, it wasn't a bad burger, by any means, but I've certainly had much better at many places in the Boston area.
(2)Vanilla P.
The table tops are sticky, the restrooms are decorated in adobe and olive green, and the waitress wore sweats, but that won't stop me from returning to Deluxe Town Diner every weekend til death. At lunchtime, Deluxe is practically a ghost town, with endless barstools empty and booths craving customers, so our wait was nonexistent. I ordered the challah bread french toast with veggie sausage and a side of home fries. The toast was moist, chewy, and extraordinary, with real butter drolling off the top, lazily swimming it's way around the warm plate. The veggie sausage was crispy and tender in the center, just like real sausage. The home fries were actually halves of red potatoes, spiced extra nice with the perfect skin crispness. My friends had the tuna melt and homemade chicken noodle soup, and were blown away with the yum factor of their meals (four out of five yums). Great ambiance, great food, GREAT prices. $28 for three? I didn't spend my allowance in one place! They also serve alcohol.
(5)Matthew K.
Hands down the best diner in the Boston area !! Not only does it provide classic diner food . The menu offers many different choices including items you would not see on any other. Diner menu . Great bacon and really. Cool decor and artwork in and outside on the back wall .. great place , good people , good service , good times!
(5)Joseph L.
We go to the Town Diner now and then, we are by no means regulars, but I work nearby and it's a fine place to go when I'm not in the mood to cook. It usually is pretty good, with a huge menu that is helpful when you're hungry but have no idea what you want. Service has been fine in the past, but we've had the same woman (tall blonde) a few times and her service is simply irritating beyond belief. One of those servers who don't come over to you until you've set your menus aside - hey, there's no way she's making more than one trip to take your drink and dinner order separately! So here's how the night went: I want water, he wants a Coke. Out of Coke, she comes back and tells me (really? We just ordered 45 seconds ago and you've forgotten who ordered it?) I order a cup of soup of the day, he orders a bowl. I receive a cup of the Chicken Noodle. Oh, she says, I wrote it down wrong - except she didn't write the order down. Fish and chips come, missing its cole slaw. Sounding pettier by the minute I guess, but this trend of servers who think that waiting on people is simply a matter of bringing food from point A to point B is driving me crazy. The problem is she simply wasn't listening. Such disrespect towards guests does not merit a good tip (my first 15% tip in years, and even that was unearned). If you go for the fun atmosphere, the good food, the neighborhood feeling, wait for a table in anyone else's section.
(2)Alison P.
Short review while its fresh in my mind. 1. Great food. Blue corn pancakes. MMM! 2. Very pricey. $2.25 for absolutely dismal coffee? Awful. 3. Packed packed packed. The very pleasant man at the door told everyone as they streamed in for a table this morning, "oh, about 15 minutes." We waited at least 25, in the cold, because there is just nowhere to go. 4. Great atmosphere and service - its a real diner. All in all its worth a visit, don't go on a Saturday morning, and its not diner cheap. Don't get coffee.
(3)Sarah P.
1 coffee, 1 large OJ, hash & eggs, 2 johnnycakes and a side of limp bacon = $26. Bland homefries and I had to ask for new cream for my coffee. Who knows how long it was sitting there? Overpriced and not too thrilling. The food was decent, but I've had better for less money at smaller diners on the south shore. Maybe they just had an off day, but $6 for two small pancakes is pretty ridiculous.
(2)M K.
I am going to echo the sentiments about their incredible pancakes! (Only get the full stack if you're really hungry, btw.) I had to knock off one star for the lengthy wait on the weekends and due to the fact that it's quite a trip out there if you don't have a car. My favorite breakfast place in Boston, certainly! Love this place.
(4)Meltem D.
This is one of my favourite places in the area. Definitely the best for brunch. At my last visit, I ordered the crab cakes eggs benedict and it was amazing! The sandwiches are great too. I've never been disappointed with their breakfast food. There is usually a long wait though, on the weekends expect to wait at least 15 minutes. Also, I'm not crazy about their lunch/dinner menu.
(5)Eva F.
The food is great. Delicious, imaginative, well-presented, good portion size. Most of the staff are quite nice. And I'm a sucker for a trip back to the 50s in architecture and furnishings. But. Is that worth the ridiculously high prices? Lunch for me alone was $18 last time I went. And although I was eating alone, I wasn't gorging myself, so that's not it! They have some beautiful baked goods in the little shop at the side, but those are so pricey I've never tried them! And, truth be told, the aforementioned decor is not kept in the best condition or state of cleanliness. For $18 I shouldn't have to wipe the table before I can set my purse down!
(3)Erin M.
I love the old-timey railcar diner atmosphere at the Deluxe Diner. But even more, I love the delicious, rich, soft and moist sour cream flapjacks. Until this morning I had never had pancakes made with sour cream - but it is amazing. I would highly recommend them as possibly the most delicious pancakes I have ever tasted. I am going to find out how to make these!
(4)Betty P.
It's a stone's throw for my house which is great. I definitely recommend breakfast/brunch here over dinner although my friend swears by the kobe beef burger and the milkshakes. I have had their meatloaf for dinner and I've had better elsewhere. It's a diner so the rushed service, the sticky tabletops, tacky decor, and tight spaces is to be expected. Some things here are better than others. I am also not a big fan of the sausage patties bc me like dem in link form. But the home fries, pancakes, and french toast are top-notch . . . I can never finish the pancakes and french toast. The coffee is hit or miss. If you're going on a weekend morning, either arrive early or after 1p. The rush is usually between 10a-12p. Otherwise, you can always pass your time at the nearby Dunkin' Donuts or mingle with the other nice and hungry folk waiting outside. Thank goodness I live within walking distance! Don Levy, the owner, is really nice and is usually there on the weekends. When he is not frantic, you should also chat with him -- he's a funny guy!
(4)Anna P.
Right now, I'm craving their blue corn pancakes with blueberries and pecans. Come to think of it, I've been craving them all week. If you love a tea-and-pancake breakfast, this is the perfect diner. You have TONS of options to choose from. For lunch, I recommend the apple curry turkey burger. Or the pancakes. Oh, and when they say "salmon burger" they mean a nice, fresh piece of salmon on a bun (no creepy seafood patties here). I also enjoy their spinach salad. People who come here craving typical diner fare might be disappointed - their best stuff is on the unusual side. Come in with an empty stomach AND an open mind.
(5)Anastasia R.
I used to work at a residential facility for at risk youth and come here for breakfast after my overnight shifts. It may have been the sleep deprivation, but I awlays thought this place had the best omlets on this side of the river. I guess that's why I was disappointed when I ordered a Greek Omlet and it came with ham instead of Greek sausage and cubed cheddar cheese instead of crumbled feta. The home fries are still killer though, and you can't get a bigger glass of juice. They don't even put ice in as filler. Plus they have good coffee.
(3)Julia F.
It has been ages since I've been here. I wanted to write a review, but I wanted to go again to see if it was as I remember. I went tonight for a bit of breakfast for dinner with a friend, as our usual Sunday Supper place was closed. We seated ourselves around the right side, away from the door, the lights, and the walking to and fro. We were on the sleepy side, we just wanted to chat and munch on something while we did so. I got challah french toast (short stack) and a vanilla frappe, he got steak and eggs, and a chocolate frappe. We both happen to be masochistic-lactose-intolerant-people, apparently.... Our waitress was really nice, god knows how long her shift was, but she seemed really worn out, and stumbled on a few words, we were not in the best frames of mind as well, so we all patiently tried to get through the ordering process together. We ate until we were done, chatted a bit, got the check and left. I like not being bothered when eating, I like the minimalist style of attention from people who know how to do their jobs well. The food has always been good here, and always hits the spot. I wouldn't try to go on a weekend in the morning or afternoon though, that seems like asking for trouble...
(4)Abby J.
This is NOT your average diner-grub. I just moved across the street (not JUST to be near the diner, per se) and I am soooo excited. Although I haven't (yet) sampled everything on the menu... everything i've had has been great. The pancakes are, obviously, where it's at... i prefer them just plain, but the blueberry ones are amazing as well (and i dont even like blueberries), and the sweet potato ones are delish. Chicken salad was yummmmy, even the coleslaw is amazing! Only advice I have is to AVOID Sat & Sun brunch (that is, wait until at least 1pm). It gets sooo packed, that the food hardly seems worth the slow service and packed seating. They seriously try to seat so many people at once that you'll find yourself inadvertently SHARING a table with another couple. And let me tell you, it sucks having waited 45 min for a table, and finding yourself sitting side-by-side with your dining partner, staring at strangers 3 feet away shoveling delicious pancakes in their mouths. With the exception of that small window of time, this place needs to be experienced. EDIT: I just read a previous reviewer noting the expensive OJ... I've always gotten a medium and been perfectly satisfied... but the point being that they fresh squeeze their OJ and grapefruit juice too, I believe. Just another delicious note I thought of sharing.
(4)Marilyn T.
It's a bit of a drive to Watertown, but it's worth it. Good to know - you can't make reservations, but you can call ahead and let them know you'll be arriving soon, and they'll put your name down for you - this cuts down on the wait by a lot. I was disappointed that certain more unique dishes weren't available during Sunday brunch, like the vegetarian loaf. However, the pancakes are really what you should be there for anyway. The potato pancakes are my favorite - savory and so satisfying on a Sunday morning. There are so many kinds of non-traditional pancakes, including corn Johnnycakes and others. There's a cute shop next door on your way out, where you can buy the mix from the pancakes. I initially saw the place on Food Network and wanted to try it but was skeptical at the same time; however, it turned out to be a lot of food and good food.
(4)Kylie B.
Our long wait (40 minutes) was worth it! We got seats at the bar behind the pancake men. I was concerned that it would be awkward rubbing elbows with random people at the bar, but the seats are spacious and afforded a view of the cooking station. It was like dinner theater--so much fun watching them pour perfect pancakes and cook flawless-looking breakfast sandwiches and eggs. My chocolate chip pancakes were filled with chips. My plate looked like I'd eaten a cake when I got through, not pancakes. That was great, but I recommend milk. So delicious! I am definitely trying the blueberry ones the next time I go back. Hashbrowns were average, if a little flavorless. Omelet was tasty with a great ratio of egg to filling. Orange juice was nice and service was fairly snappy, especially with a full house. Their bread (from my vantage point watching them cook with it) looked ridiculous. Try the challah--I know I will!
(4)Deb F.
Great tuna melt on the rosemary garlic bread, with cheddar and tomato. How can something so basic be so delicious? I like it with the side salad with the nice light herb vinaigrette dressing instead of cole slaw. The upcharge is worth it. Although my husband doesn't like cole slaw and liked Deluxe's anyway. It isn't goopy at all. The half cantaloupe starter was actually ripe, sweet, and delicious. I can't remember the last time I had ripe cantaloupe at a restaurant. Great iced coffee (and hot coffee too, but not on this trip). From previous visits: +Yes, the corned beef hash is amazing. Again, I prefer it with the side salad to the home fries. The home fries are probably Deluxe's weakest link. +The sweet potato pancakes don't even need any of the (real!) maple syrup they come with, they're that good. +Better Johnny Cakes than we've had in RI. +Nicely cooked, quality bacon. +Avocado Turkey Club. It works! It really does! The linguica could use a little more of a sear, so maybe stick with the bacon here. In summary: This is one of the best diners I've eaten at. I've eaten at a lot of diners (2 today).
(5)Kar M.
Few things... Yay for the yummy falafel sandwich Yay for the kid friendly insides Boo for the fan that doesnt work in the back corner... ah well...its not the cheapest diner...but its not just another greasy spoon :) Definitely kid friendly
(4)Magda T.
The best breakfast spot in the Cambridge/Boston area. Fantastic homemade breads (their sourdough bread is amazing). Don't miss their blue corn pancakes. Gourmet omelets. Harvest or challah French toast. And they serve good coffee too. Very good prices for gourmet food. I only had one disappointing meal: Huevos rancheros. Otherwise, amazing food: prepared with care.
(5)Kelly G.
The Deluxe Diner is pretty average for diner fare. GF and I had brunch there this morning. My steak and eggs were underwhelming, they brought me homefries instead of a salad and then I got both...eh... They do have Egg Creams which I love (and it didn't make me sick to my stomach for drinking the whole thing like the ones at JP Licks do). And the art nouveau posters were not the same old one that you see everywhere - bonus. Also, I'm a big eavesdropper-- can't help it-- and the bourgeois gays at the table next to us were having a great conversation about how they hate swiss people and some properties they were looking at buying-- and this definitely added to the experience.
(3)Jeff S.
The sentiment of "meh" associated with Yelp's 2-star rating is perfect. The Deluxe Town Diner has been talked up by several friends and coworkers and I finally made a trip a couple of weeks ago. Here's what we were met with: - A tomato, spinach, and cheese omelet that somehow cost $10. Eggs inside liquid, ingredients flavorless - A stack of blueberry pancakes that were burned on the outside, slimy and undercooked on the inside - Literally the worst cup of coffee I have ever been served in my life - An 18-minute wait for what any other diner could have turned around in 5 So we walked away annoyed, disappointed, and confused considering the Best of Boston awards strewn about the place. This past Sunday, we were in the mood for diner food again and every other diner in Watertown was closed at 3:00pm. "Let's give Deluxe Town Diner another try" I said. We even brought a guest for an outside opinion. Everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone, that is, except the Deluxe Town Diner. Details of Round 2: - Another $10 omelet. "Corned beef hash" inside that was simply chopped corned beef. A paper-thin layer of egg wrapped around this mass of meat and a slice of American cheese slapped on top. I mean seriously... - A western omelet that was lazily prepared: A couple of eggs with ingredients thrown into a skillet and then slapped on a plate. No foldover to let the ingredients and egg finish cooking inside. Another slice of American cheese slapped on top. Slimy, flavorless homefries. - The coffee stayed consistently atrocious. It would be one thing if Deluxe Town Diner served this type of food at a dirt-cheap rate and made its business work on volume. But a meal for 3 came out to more than $35. At that price, I would expect a cut above from a diner and Deluxe Town Diner comes in woefully short of even an IHOP. Never again.
(2)Laura K.
When I visit my friends in Watertown we ALWAYS must go to the diner. Everything is good, and by "everything" I mean pancakes with stuff in them, eg. blueberries and pecans, and coffee and bacon. That's as far as I've gotten on the menu. The pancakes are almost as good as my dad's. I love the bustling atmosphere and it's kid friendly and I just love old diners. Plus they have a cute shop with fun gifts and essentials like their pancake mix so touristas like me can take home the Town Diner.
(4)Roderick D.
Salmon. Benedict. Seriously? Amazing meal, salty smoked salmon, two perfectly poached eggs, well-seasoned home-fries, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead. This is what Saturday morning is all about!! The wait was 10min or less @ midday on a Sat, the service courteous, and the price reasonable (~$30 for two, one of which was the salmon).
(5)Jasper F.
Having just moved to Watertown from the SE I was excited to try this place I had heard so much about. HUGE disappointment! I ordered the meatloaf sandwich and being a diner I was expecting much more than a quarter of an inch slice of meatloaf on a thin piece of toast. And they had the nerve to charge 9 bucks for it! I'm had MUCH better from Market Basket! I won't be returning...thankfully there are lots of better places in Watertown to frequent for lunch or breakfast.
(1)Matt P.
I love this place, I really do. But I feel like it's time I jumped off the DTD bandwagon. Despite the amazing food and faith-in-the-human-race combo of wide vegan options and extreme popularity, the place has just let me down far too consistently in service. Please prove me wrong, Deluxe! I know, it's extremely busy, it's a madhouse, etc.., But as one reviewer recently noted, all I really care about, when it comes down to it, is coffee refills. Yes, especially in the morning. Yes, esPECIALLY when it's 7:30am on a weekday and there are only a handful of people there. It costs $2.50 for a "bottomless cup," but no one at our table was once offered a single warm-up or refill. I even tried to flag the waitress down, about 40 minutes after our food had been served, and she straight up ignored me. We were sitting next to the coffee pot, so I thought "forget this," got up and filled the cups myself (well, as much as I could -- the pot was more or less empty). This happens literally every time I've visited this place in the last two years. Too ruff to have the servers do it? Take a hint from the Centre Street Cafe and make it DIY. Works out awesome for them. No one at the table was offered water, as well. Really, Deluxe! You're too great of a diner for me to be getting caught up in pandering to my caffeine addiction. But it's like, c'mon. Pleeeeeez bring me my coffee and water. I'll take it all back.
(3)Peter G.
New England's first Green Diner! So diner food is generally considered to be comfort food. We all know what comfort food means: unhealthy. So one would think a diner that made healthy food would fail, right? Deluxe Town Diner has rises to the challenge producing healthy but delicious diner food all the while maintaining that authentic and comforting diner experience. Deluxe does this with such finesse that the only reason lines aren't constantly snaking out the door is its location out in Watertown. But that doesn't stop a steady stream of pilgrims seeking their place at the altar of one of Massachusetts' best diners. Deluxe's unique combination of nostalgia and progressivism means there's something for everyone here whether you're health-conscious, comfort-food minded, a vegetarian, or even a vegan. It is absolutely not your average diner and that is what makes it awesome.
(5)Jen N.
I've heard it called the Deluxe, the Watertown Diner, the Deluxe Town Diner, That Diner in Watertown, The Place With The Eggs, and a number of other variations. I call it The Place Where I Can Order Huevos Rancheros With A Side Of Cheese And Gravy Fries And A Chai Tea Chaser. How awesome is that? (Not for my heart, but for my soul...)
(5)Kza W.
Yum Yum... thx VENUS...she knows food...and I know how to eat it!!!
(5)Charlie T.
The best local diner, hands down. The food here is great, consistently.
(4)Josh L.
This takes you back home, wherever you are. They take care of people like me, the kind that doesnt need a menu and knows what he wants, I grew up with Moodys Diner in downeast Maine and today I do the Deluxe. I kind of have a crush on a waitress there.
(5)P C.
We went for breakfast today around 1100, there was maybe 4 or 5 tables. Not at all busy. We were seated instantly and our waitress was sitting at the counter reading a newspaper. She came promptly but without a smile and took our drink order. 10 minutes later she disappeared. The other two waitresses were standing there doing nothing and we were waiting to order. The service is terrible here, and they didn't make much of an effort. We got up, left our bitter coffee on the table and walked out....never to return again. They also seem to nickle and dime you, and if you are like us and share a meal, they charge $2.50 extra.......that's BS. Also, They leave the cream on the table????? This is disgusting. It was like 90 degrees in there and she says, "cream is in that container"..pointing to the gross condiments. This place is way over-rated, and I would be willing to bet 90% of these reviews are complete BS. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.
(1)Alexandra M.
After years of loyal patronage, I decided to write a review because today not only was my waitress prompt and sweet, but the hostesss/owner came over to make sure that all of my concerns had been addressed regarding my gluten allergy. I asked if the fried potatoes had any dredging or flour and she assured me they didn't and even made sure that my order had nothing glutenous in it. That extra special step really touched me even though I am already extremely loyal to this place. It really doesn't get any better.
(5)Ian H.
This is just the best diner. Everything I have had is excellent. Pancake, Eggs Benedict, Omelette, Chicken Pot Pie, Meatloaf and much more. Get there early for breakfast at the weekend as there is always a line.
(5)Josh C.
Waiting in line in my pajama in early morning was just RIDICULOUS. Ridiculously cold! But ridiculous worth it. Sweet Potatoe Pancake is ridiculously delicious. Seriously.....that pancake ridiculously made my day. I ordered goat cheese and spinach ( I know I know...this is a girlish breakfast ). Man got to eat healthy sometime. My friend ordered Codcake Florentine. It should be recalled " Brandade de Florentine. CHRIST! Codcake tasted like Salted Cod. Not bad but not great. Should stick with Egg Benedict. Breakfast can't be perfect without a good cup of jo. Their coffee was good. Server kept refilling it. She need some training though. She seems to rush customer to order and panic. My eyes were in Burger section the whole time when I browsed through menu. Wow, American Kobe Beef Burger for 11 bucks. I've one more reason to return here. A juicy and tender Kobe Beef burger and the BEST sweet potato pancakes. Overall, this is one good diner. Edit : Second visit on Nov 23, 2007 for dinner It was not busy because of Thanksgiving holiday. We ordered... Polenta fries - very good, but clearly not house made. Come with good Aioli Sauteed chicken liver with onion - our favorite dish Kobe beer burger on Pretzel roll - American Wagyu for $11 ? Can't beat that. Very good burger with good fries Meatloaf - excellent -one of the best I ever had. Server - a guy (don't want to bury this career) but his attitude and "hey, ready?" kinda attitude and bang every dishes on the table as if he was bothered to be our server. Owner was there but didn't seem to notice. Other servers were friendly. If I own this place, he will be fired or demoted to be a restroom attendant. Still gave him 25% tips ( my usual ). But I like the food, super friendly owner, and etc and don't want to take out a star because of him.
(5)Scott F.
Diners are comfy places where people named Flo top off yer coffee, and you can get breakfast as late or as early as you want. On this chilly morning, I sat bleary-eyed at the counter and ordered up some hash 'n' eggs and a cuppa coffee. The coffee was dark, strong, and served (of course) in a diner mug - which kept it hot for a while, or at least 'til "Flo" topped it off. The Hash was the best I've had in a LONG time. Rather than that Alpo consistency that seems to be the norm, this was full of big pieces of corned beef and had a very buttery flavor. My guess is that flavor was from butter, but hey, it's a diner. I'm not here for my health... The eggs were cooked perfectly, potatos were nice 'n' crispy, and it was just full of morningy awesomeness. Hash 'n' eggs 'n' coffee came to $12. A little steep, but definitely tasty all around. My grits were not kissed, there was no dingbat, and I don't think her name was actually Flo. Alas ...
(4)S Z.
Diner food with a gourmet edge. Our "go to" place in Watertown.
(4)Ben E.
Possibly the best breakfast place I've ever been to. The food is high quality, the selection is great, and the atmosphere is perfect diner ambiance. The homemade corned beef hash is top-notch, the homefries are deliciously seasoned, and the pancakes are unbeatable; big flapjacks that are the right blend of fluffy and stick-to-your-ribs. They play jazz and classical over the radio, and you can sit at the counter to watch the cooks work; my favorite place in the area.
(5)Heather S.
Best Burger Around! How can you top a burger made from cows who spend their lives receiving the loving gift of massage? Add some of the most deliciously seasoned fries and a vanilla frap and you have found burger heaven! Order the Kobe Beef burger and fries. You won't regret it!
(5)Paul F.
I love the pancakes here and the historic diner itself. There are a couple of servers who have been there for a long time and can't figure out why, they are awful servers, not very friendly and never liked them. I have been a customer here since 1998 and been here atleast 60-70 times. The long lines since airing on Phantom has ruined the secret of the place. Now so many people go here, guess thats good but being a born/raised local I can't enjoy my pancakes as much, but its all good. I just go down the street to the New Yorker, they have awesome food too and its a diner, yes I like diners.
(3)Ryan C.
Long wait. Restaurant prices. Delicious food. The only thing I have to add to the discussion is that the corned beef hash has more corned beef than hash. Not entirely sure how I feel about this. I advocate a balanced amount of hash and beef.
(4)Pauline M.
My husband and I usually end up here after our morning walk. I always order the Ployes. My husband decided to order them today and asked for a side of 'fresh' fruit ($2.00 extra with the Ployes as specified on the menu). Unfortunately, the only 'fresh fruit' were the apple chunks. When the bill came my husband noticed he was charged $4.95 for the fruit. He questioned the waitress and she said they have two sizes......the $2 and the $4.95. He said he order the $2 side and brought it to her attention to the menu. She had no answer for 'her' mistake and didn't plan to do anything about it. To bad, my husband is a 20% (or more) tipper.............she missed out.
(4)Mushhoor A.
If my family loves it I love it. Everyone there knows us by name and treat us like family. Every time we head over I find myself saying I'll order something different today and time and time again I order the steak and eggs. this place is a bit pricey but most consistent out of the diners we head over to on Tuesday mornings. Only problem is that they never bring my water when I ask for it. strange
(4)Kimberly P.
Great inexpensive brunch spot. If a cheap date tries to take you to IHOP, slap his momma because Deluxe Town diner is so much better at similar prices. Cute, kitchy atmosphere and the Colossal Hungry Person's Breakfast is where it's at. Any style pancakes, eggs, homefries, toast, meat and unlimited coffee for $10.95? Shut your mouth! Only minus is that they dont take reservations. Iff you just show up on a Sunday am, you will wait but you can call ahead to put your name on the list.
(5)Deb K.
Greasy crispy homefries, omelette with egg whites and 7-grain toast so I feel healthy - $8 Orange marmalade not from a packet - Free Bottomless cup of coffee - $2 Somehow timing it so we didn't have to wait in line - Priceless I will be back. I hear the burger is killer, but it seemed weird to get that during Sunday bunch at a diner. Hopefully we will time it again to not have to wait in line, although it would be worth it.
(5)Katie A.
My husband and I originally started going here because we read a review that it was vegetarian friendly. We have been here more than a dozen times since then and we have never had a bad meal. Breakfast/brunch is where they really shine. Their sweet potato pancakes are wonderful. I always appreciate being able to add extra things to pancakes like chocolate chips, pecans, blueberries or bananas. A word of caution to vegans who venture here for lunch or dinner. Their menu claims that their veggie burger is vegan but I have been told on multiple occasions that it is not vegan. Their sweet potato fries are worth the trip. Non vegans should try their cupcakes. They have all different flavors and they are all very good. Their non-alcoholic drink menu is great and I love their raspberry lime rickeys.
(4)Beth M.
Deluxe Town Diner rocks. They serve up diner fare but with some semblance of regard for the health of their customers. The food is indeed still semi-greasy and fun, but think buckwheat pancakes and corn flapjacks along side the standard bacon and cheese omelettes and fluffy buttery syrupy french toast on the menu. You really can't go wrong here-- yummy bagels, eggs, pancakes, coffee, a nice selection of teas (for a diner)...everything is cooked up fresh and fast. The booths are cozy and the service is friendly. There is a considerable wait time to eat here on weekend mornings, but it goes by quickly as you and your party stand by the big display of pink flamingos out front...and it's well worth it. Definitely make the trip out to Watertown!
(5)Elissa S.
Deluxe Town Diner has the best pancakes I have ever had! I recommend trying them all... but the original sour cream flapjacks are unforgettable! It has a great retro feel and lots of surprises that separate them from other diners. To the side there is a little store where they sell their pancake mix and some fun kitchy items. It's a great place to check out while you wait to be seated.
(4)Lauren B.
I love hipster meets old people diners. They warm my heart. I love the uniforms, the decor, the big laminated menus, how the always refill your coffee cup (even if you didn't order coffee) . DeLuxe Town Diner is no different. Like all the new age diners, it's an upscale version of where my parents used to eat. I went for dinner and there were many vegetarian options- including gourmet-ish salads- in addition to pages of burgers and blue plate specials. Even so, I always end up ordering the same thing at these places-grilled cheese and tomato with either a Dr. Brown soda or a milkshake. In the end, it's more about the experience than the food.
(4)M D.
I love this place. Friendly, efficient service. Really great food (try the open face turkey sandwich if they have it). Cute retro decor. Expect a wait on Sunday mornings.
(5)Ben B.
So this morning waking up, my wife and I were craving pancakes. now, even though we recently moved to Acton, we know that the best damn pancakes in the world are not at Bickfords or Ihop, but in good old Watertown at the Deluxe Town Diner. Whether it is he classic sour cream pancakes, or the tasty sweet potato pancakes, you can't go wrong here.
(5)Deepa C.
Came here with Josh C. for lunch today and just remembered that I had been here before a few months ago for a late breakfast with the hubby and his mom. Everything was pretty consistent: Service - fast, smiley but not overbearing. Our late breakfast was a little slow coming out, but they were crowded, no worries there. Food - good, but not great. So good but not great, that i can't really recall what I had the first time - an omelet i think. today it was potato pancakes. I wish they had come with a side of some sort, they looked so sad all alone. Josh's club looked good, though. Prices - again good, but not great. I feel like one dollar less would have been better, but I didn't feel ripped off. The place itself - I kind of like the enclosed feeling, but I can see myself not liking it as much when it is really crazy. as everyone has said, there is a lot of choice for vegans, vegetarians and those who like the meat. a good place for a group if you don't mind squishing.
(3)Scott B.
I don't know what all the hype is about. Won't be back again. The pancakes, which everyone raves about, were way too sweet. And the service was bad. We could see our food waiting on the counter getting cold while the waitress did nothing. A couple weeks previously we at the nearby Uncommon Grounds (loved it!) but wanted to try something else in the neighborhood. Next time we'll just go back to Uncommon Grounds; breakfast is much better there.
(1)Bill B.
overrated, overpriced. wait staff are mostly excellent. if you do takeout, it is always cold. food is creative and often good but not gourmet as they would like to believe - and too pricy for a diner. their falafel is better than fordees down the street but costs too much. flapjacks are always good. bench seats are extremely uncomfortable. but, after all that, not a bad place to check out and certainly better than standard diner "food". overall they have better food than average but the prices are higher than what one should pay for the quality of what you get - maybe the price premium is due to the atmosphere and the cool waitresses. red lentil across the street is about the same price and has better food (and the best gourmet pizza in town, by the way).
(2)Erin K.
5 stars for pancakes alone. These puppies are incredible, melt-in-your-mouth, moist, tasty goodness. They very well may be the best pancakes I have ever had. (at least of the buttermilk variety, I haven't managed to stray to the other types although they sound great as well) The other things i've sampled have been excellent as well. the yogurt-curry-apple turkey burger was unusual and awesome, fries and sweet-potato fries top-notch. They deep fry the home potatoes which I find bizarre but un-surprisingly with most deep-fried items they taste great and are awesomely seasoned. The omelettes are a decent alternative and if you order salad instead of potatoes you get a surprisingly sophisticated mixed greens with red and yellow cherry tomatoes, an unexpected touch for diner food and can make you feel the slightest bit healthier. I love this place, wait or whatever, patchy service so what, the food always delivers!
(5)Seth B.
Been here a couple times now and have enjoyed it. There is a line both times I've gone. First off I have to say if you like corned beef hash, this is the place to get it. Not premade from a can, this is made in-house with big pieces of beef and chunks of carrot and potato. I got mine with soft poached eggs on top. Also the Challah french toast is some of the better I've had. Decent service. Not the cleanest in the world, but this is a diner we're talking about. Well worth checking out.
(4)Pete G.
I love this place. They have the very best pancakes around. AND they use the real maple syrup. I love how they'll let you have a salad instead of homefries if you don't want 'em. They do a good burger too. The morning waits though, are really awful. The coffee is pretty mediocre. I really ought to try their tea selections, as it seems like they put more effort into their tea than their coffee. You should go get pancakes for dinner. It's never as packed at night as it is after 9 on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I repeat: their pancakes are awesome.
(4)Elliot K.
Taking a stripped-down blue collar dining concept and slutting it up for the indie hipster crowd seems to be very popular in the restaurant business right now. In most of these places, you either lose most of the original charm or you end up paying upscale prices for sub-standard "fancy" food. Deluxe Town Diner is a refreshing change - down home meets upscale done right. You'll find all of the stuff you love about diners - the greasy breakfast food, the visible griddle, the blue plate specials and the milkshakes. Most of this stuff is more expensive than the average diner, but it's also a little better. And hey, it's deluxe! Some of the nice non-traditional touches include their delicious faux-Kobe beef burger and extensive selection of high quality teas.
(4)Crystal K.
OLD REVIEW '06: Hands down one of the best diners in the entire Boston area. It's been a local favorite for years and we're regulars here, struggling out of bed on a Saturday or Sunday and hoping we manage to beat the long line that begins to form after 10AM. Their omelettes aren't the best but their pancakes certainly are. Try the sweet potato with pecan pancakes!! Mmmm. Their egg sandwiches will easily fill you up till dinner. The home fries are really some of the best around. They even serve ployes--a traditional Acadian buckwheat pancake! As for their dinners, they serve good homecooked fare. Not only can you pick up a Kobe beef burger or a Greek burger with feta but they serve a wide range of delicious entrees from salmon to mac and cheese to steak tips. REVIEW AS OF '07 I find myself somewhat disappointed with my last few visits to the diner. We used to be regulars but have stopped going lately. I had food poisoning over the Xmas break from a chicken wrap that almost deterred me but since we have been going there at least 4-5 times a month for years we gave it a few more tries. Each time we have been to the diner this year we have been disappointed with the food. They have recently raised the prices on everything and weirdest of all if you want fries with your burger you have to pay more--who does that at a diner???? Not that it really matters--the fries are mostly a lump of greasy mush when you get them these days so you probably don't want to pay extra for them anyway. But overall the quality of the food has drastically gone down. After ordering the turkey burger this last time and trying to figure out where on earth the turkey actually was (seemed like it was mostly bread and yogurt with some spices but no meat--absolutely awful), we probably won't be visiting much again. Revised from 5 stars to 2 stars.
(2)Graham C.
Hit up this place for breakfast this morning. Yes, it was a Sunday, and yes I know there are lines. However, my brother and I fancy ourselves working stiffs and we prefer to sit at the counter. It also gives you a chance to see how the staff works with your food and drinks. Had the sour cream pancakes. I have a cold, so I couldn't taste all their goodness, but I know it was there. Get the short stack. Pancakes are deceptively heavy and you think you're really hungry but you get halfway through and feel like you swallowed an anvil. The tea selection is awesome and the staff at the counter was really nice. Go for the pancakes and then waddle your ass back to your car and think about all the starving children who could have eaten the rest of that full stack.
(4)Torie B.
My best friend & I visit this diner whenever I'm in town. Every meal I've had is great. Good tea & coffee.
(4)Kris L.
I have to write a review about this place seeing that I am here at least 3 days out of the week. When I first started coming here about 14 years ago, it wasn't what it is today. It was a greasy spoon and not a good one. It has changed in a posotive manner. The service is diner style ( they take pretty good care of the customers but aren't there to kiss your ass) and the food is good. Appears to even be "healthy" as far as diner food goes. Well worth every penny. And they don't charge 3$ extra for gravy on your fries like some other places. Speaking of fries, if you aren't big into salt...make sure you tell them not to put seasoning on the fries.
(5)Jessica T.
Totally rockin' upscale diner with not your average diner fare. But dont worry, the menu us huge and chock full of all the standards and favorites too! Don't come here for breakfast on the weekends unless you want to wait for an hour for a table. But that is just a sign of a good restaurant I guess! Food is amazing! I crave their sweet potato pancakes and come from the north shore often just for that! A bit dissapointed the last time I came though because mine came chock full of pecans when i had ordered them plain. Other than that I can't complain!
(4)Erica Y.
Delicious food! 1950's diner with a twist of modern yuppie...with their huge selection of teas and organic coffee. I came back craving their sweet potato & pecan pancakes (which are the size of a dinner plate btw) but got the harvest french toast instead. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu... The Reuben sandwich is divine, though the sweet potato fries were a little soggy. We requested to switch it to french fries and the folks were more than accommodating. Prices are a little high for diner food, but well worth it.
(4)Casey F.
For me, a diner is defined as such due to refill after refill of crappy coffee. This place was severely lacking in that department. We actually had to ASK for refills! What?!? Isn't this a diner? Aren't I drinking coffee? Yes, the sour cream pancakes were really good. So was the sourdough toast. However, the bacon was gross, and the Greek sausage tasted like it was made last Christmas. Service was sub par, even by diner standards. Food was kind of pricey. In addition to asking for coffee, we had to ask three times for a glass of water. And we had to wait 20 minutes for a table for four.. but that's pretty standard for popular breakfast joints. On the random side, the hand drier in the men's bathroom is from like 1947, which is kind of cool. The bathroom looks like that was the last time it was cleaned... All in all, we won't be returning here. It's the Breakfast Club or Kelly's for this diner fan.
(3)Rebecca A.
pancakes!!!
(4)Jen L.
It's a diner, but apparently not cheap. I grew up here so I cannot wax poetically about the inexpensive gourmand diner paradise that is New Jersey so I guess I don't know what I am missing. I have been to DTD several times (I used to live a 10 minute walk away). Generally, I try to avoid the brunch crowd, so I arrive at around 3 or 4pm. I love the food here. I have had the omelets (good), the pancakes (YUM -- and I generally don't love pancakes). However, time and time again, I have the same thing here: THE KOBE BEEF BURGER. It is served on a toasted bun (I want to say challah or brioche, but I am not certain) with either fries, salad, or sweet potato fries (small extra charge for the side). I get my burger with cheese (cheddar normally), lettuce, and tomato. The meat is juicy, flavorful and always cooked as requested. This has ousted RF O'Sullivans as my all time favorite place for a burger. Though I love O'Sullivan's fries (aka, 1/4 of a potato), the thinly cut real potatoes with Montreal seasoning compliment the juicy beef awesome perfectly. Bonus is the great selection of tea. Service has been fine the times I have been -- no complaints on any fronts.
(4)Christopher C.
Excellent food at reasonable prices. I'm a vegetarian, and there are many, many options for vegetarians here -- including some surprises, like Middle Eastern wraps and such. The only negatives were parking (good luck finding it on the street) and the diner itself is pretty crammed.
(4)Sara K.
Wow!!!!! A craving for hometown diner food (NY/NJ) led to a google search for a nearby diner. Well thanks to Yelpers recommending this place, we checked it out. What a pleasant surprise! I had watched a couple episodes of the "Phantom Gourmet," but have yet to know of any that were in my immediate area. Well it was great to see a "the Phantom Gourmet was here" sticker on the front door! The place is a quaint, old diner, rather small. We had ~10 minute wait, which was unfortunately outside in the foyer, and the outside door was open. Thankfully it was not too cold outside. We were told by the manager that a new, larger version is opening up soon in Newton Center too, and that a call-ahead would have negated much of the wait. Counter seating was available, but we wanted a booth so we waited. We were soon seated, and quickly attended to. Tap water arrived in a large bottle, such a great idea so that the waitress doesn't have to be bothered often! We ordered the deluxe a) shrimp quesadilla, and substituted mac n cheese for the side, the b) swordfish steak with melon salsa with the fresh spinach and mac n cheese sides. We also got the vegetarian entree of c) eggplant french fries with marinara sauce. What wonderful, large entrees! a) I asked for salsa on the side, and apparently they put both salsa and beans in the quesadilla- not my thing... but I took most of the beans out- and the salsa actually added a decent flavor besides. Great plump shrimp. I also cannot rave enough about the decadent, fresh baked mac n cheese! I also ate most of the spinach, freshly sauteed and flavorful! b) The salsa on the swordfish was really delicious! The mac n cheese on the swordfish entree, and the fish were both colder than desired- so the waitress promptly went to heat them up. They arrived quickly again, and while the swordfish was slightly dry - (must of been from reheating) both were deliciousss! c) WOWWWW soft and sweet on the inside, light and crispy outside! Nice chunky flavorful marinara sauce too. Very enjoyable. Overall, a wonderful, homey, place, with delicious food.
(5)Benjamin N.
If its all about the food, Deluxe Town Diner is the place to go for brunch in Boston. While New Jersey may claim a hegemony on the diner, Boston answerers this challenge with its own version of an awesome upscale Jersey diner. I have eaten here with friends for numerous Sunday brunches, and it has never let us down. The sour cream pancakes are a staple, very good, and the sweet potato pancakes will prove the existence of god. The omelets use fresh ingredients, and the eggs are not overcooked. The quality of the bacon, the quality of the ham, and attention to the cooking and seasoning of the home fries all show a serious attention to detail. The bacon was thick cut, crispy and flavorful, the ham juicy and tender, and the home fries are crispy and well seasoned to just the right level of awesomeness. If you're not careful you might find yourself reenacting a scene from When Harry Met Sally. If you have a party larger than four, there can be a bit of a wait, otherwise the line can be long but generally moves quickly. One morning when there was a particularly long wait the host offered to call my phone when a table was ready, an uncommon courtesy. Just down the street is an interesting local market, which provides a great distraction instead of standing by the door. Inside, a nice mix of elderly locals and roaming hipsters fill the tables, which makes for a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. The interior could use some renovation, the coffee could be refilled more often, and the wait staff could be more attentive, but then it would just be a cafe.
(5)Heather B.
The worst thing to happen to this place was...success. Now they are way too into themselves. $10 for a cheeseburger club that doesn't come with fries?! I have been there many times and everything on the menu is mediocre and overpriced. Disappointing. Oh yeah, today the owner comes outside to let us know the table is ready then goes inside while letting the door shut in my face - nice.
(1)Nicole D.
We go here pretty much every weekend and no matter what, it is worth the wait. This is why the Deluxe deserves 5 stars: - the potatoes and the eggs - I pretty much rank breakfast places on these two factors and in both, they exceed my expectations: the eggs are fluffy and light and the potatoes are that perfect mix of expertly seasoned, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside - extensive loose-leaf tea menu & really cute personal tea pots - honey for my tea, green Tabasco for my eggs - mimosas & sake mary's (plus a creative beer list) - veggie sausage - an impressive combination of "greasy spoon diner"-feel without the grease - two types of potato pancakes - get as much or as little food as you want - leave feeling ready for a nap or ready to tackle your weekend (I hate being served a ridiculous amount of food that I could never finish unless I plan on sleeping the whole rest of the day - but if that's your thing, they've got it) - they play jazz on the weekends (sometimes it's hard to hear if it's busy) - they're fast! - the waitstaff and owners are really nice - they have a coffee shop next door where you can wait if it's cold and get a nice hot beverage or buy interesting novelty items like pancake mix or a phone-book-lookalike booster seat I'm probably forgetting some reasons - I'll just leave it that we don't go out for breakfast anywhere else
(5)Perri M.
Incredible. Best breakfast we've had in Boston.
(5)Molly S.
What a great find. I read reviews about this online, so when my boyfriend and I decided it would be a larf to get dinner in Watertown, this was the only place I would consider (for the first time). The menu really wow'ed us. Such a variety, and I was impressed by some of the specialties you can't find many places across MA. Wets (Fries with Gravy) and Egg Cream. I thought I had died and gone to the best of New Jersey. I had the egg cream, which was awesome - it's a lighter (though probably not calorie-wise) alternative to a full on frappe (with ice cream). I got the veggie burger, which was fresh and home-made, bursting with vegetables (the menu wasn't kidding), and fries- which were seasoned with celery salt and "seasoned salt". That was a pleasant surprise. Boyfriend had meatloaf with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables - no complaints from him. The service was fast, and the place was relatively clean. The bathroom was tiny - so I don't know if I would risk going there after having a lot to drink or on a busy day - but on off peak hours it was fine. And of course we split a famous cupcake. The frosting was excellent! Not too sweet like cavity-inducing grocery store cake frosting. The cake itself was moist. Without a doubt I'd come here for dinner again.
(5)Sham Y.
I've only had the mac and cheese here and it's good enough that I don't ever feel like venturing further into their menu.
(4)Katherine I.
In terms of diners, this one gets an A+. Why? Cause it's the only diner I'd be caught dead in. Why? Cause it ain't meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and canned peas, with some sorry tastin' pie. That's why. Why else? This is nouveau diner food. Eggplant fries garnished with lemon wedges. Excellent corned beef sandwiches (hold the oil), Gluten free, and vegan pancakes. What? Yup. Shut up! Serious.
(5)Renee H.
Super cute, retro 50's diner....that definitely did not keep its 50's prices! The menu is huge, with a great variety of breakfast, lunch, salads, sandwiches, and hot meals. Everything I have gotten from there has been good. There is just not very much on the menu under $9.95.....so save your pennies!
(3)Ben A.
I had a full stack of blueberry pancakes and a full stack they were indeed. Their pancakes are huge and delicious! I also had a side of home fries which were so-so (kinda burnt). I had a chocolate milk shake as well which interestingly enough comes without ice cream but was still quite tasty. Yum! Good quality diner food. Will be going back here at some point.
(4)Heather H.
One of my favorite breakfast places around in this sad and breakfastless city. Their pancakes, huevos rancheros, and waffles are always a sure bet. They have a great selection of teas. Be sure to stop by their newly opened shop adjacent to the building where you can buy cupcakes from the Cosmos bakery and their amazing pancake mix.
(4)John M.
This gets 5 stars for being the best reasonably-priced breakfast in the Boston area. (However, be careful what you order -- certain extra start to rack up the dollars, and suddenly your reasonable breakfast costs twice as much.) It's not perfect, but it's better than you'll get most places. If you're new, order "the Deluxe," a.k.a. the "Deluxe Colossal Hungry Person Special." Two eggs to order, two pancakes of any type (from sour cream to potato to ployes), choice of meat (go for the linguica or the Greek sausage), diced potatoes, choice of toast (the sourdough is quite good), with bottomless coffee included, all for a reasonable price. You'll pay extra if you want stuff in your pancakes (and they have a nice set of options) or hash for your meat. Now for the bad news -- although this place is still better than most, I've noticed a distinct decline in the past couple years. To go back to the meal I mentioned, the diced potatoes were always relatively flavorless (lots of salt and/or tabasco is needed to make them interesting), and the coffee is often not particularly hot, unless you're there at peak breakfast time. The hash, which many people praise, is relatively flavorless as well. But now I've noticed the "Colossal" isn't so colossal anymore -- it's still plenty of food, but the quantity of meat and potatoes seems to have been scaled back. Worse yet, the pancakes seem to have gone downhill. I rarely go out for breakfast, since I can make just about anything better at home than I can get at a restaurant. Pancakes are my real specialty, almost every time I get them out, I'm disappointed. But the first time I had the sour cream pancakes at the Town Diner a few years back, they were REALLY good. And they continued to be that good on a number of subsequent visits. But now they simply aren't as good -- they seem to be a little overdone more often, and they just don't have that rich flavor and fluffy texture I remember. With all the complaints, why give this place 5 stars? Because, as I said, it's still the best moderately-priced breakfast around. Most places are worse, and I don't even bother with them. If you're looking for the best breakfast you can get for around $10/person, I still heartily recommend it.
(5)j e.
I was seriously unimpressed with this place. I have been for both breakfast and a late lunch, and both times I was disappointed. The eggs I got for breakfast were cold and not cooked as I'd ordered them, I could hear the cook(s) screaming and banging things around, our server was rude, and the table was sticky/dirty. I tried again a few weeks later for lunch, and I had the WORST greek salad I have ever ordered anywhere. The lettuce was wilted, and they dumped about 10 pounds of some sort of 'spice' over the top, and that was all I could taste. I won't be going again.
(2)J J k.
Over priced for sandwiches and cold tasteless fries. We had 2 sanwiches and one order of fries and 2 sodas and it was $25. For the quality of food (poor),, uncomfortable seats and a manager/owner who makes coments at the counter about customers and any questions/comments they had about food. ( my seat was within hearing distance) not worht another visit. many better places around for same or less cost.
(1)Rafa R.
This place is incredibly overrated and ridiculously overpriced. Some of the food is okay, but a lot of it is just bad, in my opinion. The menu is huge, but a lot of items with totally different descriptions are just slightly different versions of each other. One day I ordered gumbo and my partner ordered pasta, and the pasta sauce was almost identical to the gumbo even though the descriptions on the menu were different. The pancakes are really the only thing worth coming here for (I recommend the ployes), but you can easily find better for less money. If you have a chance on a weekday, live it up and go to Henrietta's at the Charles Hotel down the road in Cambridge for good pancakes. I think Henrietta's pancakes are actually cheaper, and you'll have a much better meal and a far more pleasant experience in (sorry) deluxe surroundings (note that Henrietta's has still-great but different, pricier brunch menus on weekends). The Deluxe Town Diner claims to have the best coffee in Boston, but I find their coffee just awful. The Middle Eastern platter is okay, but it is missing falafel or something basic. Worst of all, you can never relax at the DTD because the staff tend to rush you. They act put out if you ask to sit at a specific table, even when they're not busy. And they push the expensive extras. The owner of this diner obviously has raking in the bucks down to a science. That in itself wouldn't bother me, but I draw the line when there's no real quality behind it and when hospitality has gone out the window. Why this place is so popular is beyond me. There's a lack of good diners in the area, but I prefer Watertown's Talk of the Town diner to the DTD.
(1)Eve L.
One of my very favorite brunch spots in the Boston area. Lately I always seem to wind up getting a short stack of sweet potato pancakes with pecans and a side of veggie sausage. It's amazing. Their chocolate chip pancakes are also good, as are their breakfast sandwiches, and their hashbrowns. They have dinner too, but who really cares about dinner. It's all about breakfast food. Oh, their blue corn pancakes are also amazing. Really - when I say amazing - they easily have the BEST PANCAKES IN THE BOSTON AREA. Easily. Extensive tea menu rocks. I appreciate any place where I can order yerba mate. Plus, it's a refurbished classic diner car and they keep remodeling to make it even cuter. I was disappointed recently when they took down the pink flamingos that used to be right in front. But this place ROCKS.
(5)Mini S.
THIS DINER IS SUPER VEGAN FRIENDLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes-, this place does have Vegan/Vegetarian options in the menu! They even have Soy Milk for coffee!!!!!!!! Woooooo! It is nice place to have breakfast with your friends, but you have to wait for a long time if you go there too late. Sweet potato pancakes (I think it was Vegan pancakes) are very good!! but don't forget to tell them that you don't want to have butter on the side, if you are Vegan. Also don't go crazy! Pancakes are pretty big! I also tried their TOFU LOAF and that was amazing! I've never had TOFU LOAF that good in my life before!!!!!! If you go there for dinner, please , please, please try this one! You will be very happy for your meal! Also, their salad is good as well as selections of tea and bread! If you are VEGAN and wanted to go to Diner for a long time, this is the place for you!
(4)Tasha M.
I had a great experience there my first time when I came for brunch with a bunch of friends. Loved the huge menu, big portions, and the fact that the have veggie "snawsages" & food for people with various allergies. In that way, they are great. I came back several times in early evening, and ladies and gentlemen, there was simply no love in the food. I don't ever send things back. but I had to send back a veggie burger because it was simply inedible. ( the waitress was very gracious about it. in fact, the waitstaff are always gracious) I ordered huevos rancheros another day and though it wasn't as bad, it was also not...good. and so on. no love! So stick to the breakfast menu, and the busy times when they must have their A list cooks working their magic.
(2)Nora B.
I liked this place a lot. I made the mistake of getting the sour cream/buttermilk flapjacks -- a mistake because I have a very high standard for pancakes (basically, my mom's are my gold standard) and these didn't live up. The flavor was good, but the texture was on the gooey/pasty side. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was great and the service was friendly and I have a feeling other choices would be better.
(4)Tad B.
I loved it. I had pancakes and my wife had the Eggs Florentine. It was all very delicious and reasonable. Plus there is some nice character and even great service!
(4)greg l.
Deluxe Town Diner is what american food is supposed to be. The diner beats out many of its pricier competitors. I went with my girlfriend. We ordered crab cakes (the star of the night), chicken pot pie (warm and creamy without being too heavy), meatloaf with mashed potatoes (very fresh tasting meatloaf). Then for dessert we got homemade apple pie and chocolate bread pudding a la mode. The ice cream that came with the bread pudding is maybe the best vanilla ice cream I've ever had. I NEED TO FIND OUT THE BRAND! One of the true revelations of the meal was the vegetables. They were fresh and well seasoned. None of that side salad and then a ton of fried food thing that is normally done at most all american restaurants. All in all, home cooking at its best!
(5)Noelle F.
This is me and the bf's go-to breakfast spot on Saturday mornings, eh afternoons (we usually don't arrive before 12:00). You will have to wait, but the turnover is quick, so no longer than 10 minutes. I order the french toast, which is one of the best I've ever had. There's just enough butter, powdered sugar and the maple syrup on the table is perfect. The bf gets one of the breakfast sandwiches and it's always devoured quickly and the ingredients look fresh. If there is only two of you, be prepared to sit uncomfortably close to other diners, but its all part of the experience!
(4)Cheryl D.
Totally not a diner. It's a restaurant disguised as a diner . . . at least I think so from having been there once. I mean, at what diner are you seated and given silverware rolled up in a cloth napkin? What diner has a two-sided tea list? Vegan entrees? No jukebox? At first, I was excited to see a local diner, then disappointed to see that it wasn't 24-hours, which is why I never went until last week. It's too bad, because it was great! My food was yummy with nice presentation, there was lots of it, and it was priced reasonably. I'll definitely go back, and I'd give five stars except for the confusion the place caused me. It's not a diner, and I wish I'd known from the beginning.
(4)Dave G.
While the food here at DTD isn't bad (although the eggs benedict are pretty awful), the reason my review is so low is because of their pricing structure, inconsistency, and the way they skimp on just about everything. Case in point, I went today for Sunday brunch and ordered a turkey club while my girlfriend ordered one of their breakfast specials; the one with two eggs, hash browns, toast, and one of their many breakfast meats for an extra $1.50 or so. The sandwich comes with a pickle and coleslaw but fries (which are decent but really nothing spectacular) cost an extra $2 and change. For drinks I had a Dr. Brown's cream soda and she had a glass of orange juice. All told, our meal came to $27 before tip. For a single breakfast and lunch, $27 is an obscene price. FYI, the orange juice was $4.50. The people eating next to us had a similar experience. The gentleman ordered a breakfast burrito which didn't come with salsa that it was supposed to have and was mostly tortilla with a tiny bit of egg and vegetable. The girl got a western omelet which she complained was overcooked. One last thing to complain about. There is one waitress who works there that cannot figure out for the life of her how to keep her straws from breaking. It's not a big thing, but every single time I go there I have to ask her for at least one new straw. I will say, however, that while the food can be hit or miss, there are a few standout items on the menu. The pancakes and waffles are fantastic and their bread is excellent and makes all of their sandwiches taste great. I just can't see going to DTD when Talk of the Town Diner is only a mile or so away, has much better food, is less crowded, and doesn't rip you off.
(2)Elias C.
DTD does a great job of putting the modern spin on classic American food without being jerks about it. Your curmudgeonly dad, foo-foo friend, and unadventurous siblings will all enjoy the food. An ordinary "greasy spoon" breakfast consists of red potato homefries with fresh black pepper, bread that didn't just get squirted out of a machine, and eggs just done right - minus the grease. They do have some nice fun touches like french toast made with challah bread, and a little bit of yam in the beef hash, but it's all good. The decor doesn't try to break your spirit with 50s cultural references, and the staff is pleasant and attentive. If it was open past 9 and not in Watertown I would be like furniture here.
(5)Sutanuka L.
OMG.. the french toast !!! to die for ... i think everything :)
(5)Samantha B.
This is a fabulous diner. Almost anything you order is guaranteed to be delicious. I'm not much of a breakfast fan, but the boyfriend is--and for that reason this place is perfect for brunch. I've had their sandwiches (such a good monte cristo) and macaroni (delicious!!) and he gets their omelets, eggs, pancakes, etc. The sweet potato pancakes are also quite good. OH! and definitely don't forget the zucchini fries. I always ask for a side of blue cheese dressing to dip them in. Then i slip into heaven for a few minutes while i eat them. The wait can be long on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but is really worht it. They even have great desserts that the owners make at home the night before. Their chocolate bread pudding is a must.
(4)Nadia K.
I've loved everything else I've ever ordered here, but I had a rare- extremely rare- craving for a waffle this past saturday and this one FELL FAR SHORT! I was expecting perfection, crispy outside, fluffy inside and enough blueberries to kill a small child and I got gummy with far too few blueberries... small child would cry. Sad day.
(2)Ellen K.
Wonderful breakfast. Good strong coffee and plenty of it. I had the sweet potato pancakes with pecans and they were sumptuous. The fried potatoes were delicious and the corn cakes worth going back for.
(5)Courtney B.
As a vegan, I've been going to the Town Diner for years...and have only been ordering the Ployes with pecans (or blueberries if i'm feeling fruity). They just added a "Tofu Scramble" to the menu...which was incredibly exciting for me! But, it was really disappointing. The tofu gets mixed with soy milk in a pan. Like a regular scrambled egg. and the veggies you order come as sides. The tofu and veggies is not mixed together. It tasted grosso. This disappointed me greatly. I still think this place is awesome.. but I think they need to re-try the tofu scramble.. it's not that hard to do!
(3)Natalie M.
Excellent service, nice atmosphere, and yummy food. Their fries are the best!
(4)Bill C.
Great menu, great food, great service, great music all at prices that are equally yummy! This is the best that Boston offers!
(5)Julie A.
I freakin' LOVE this place! You have to wait a while on weekends, but it's totally worth it, they have an AMAZING brunch! Weekdays and nights you rarely have to wait, and they have really good food. It's not as greasy spoon as other diners, but the decor is definitely got that old school diner feel. The staff for the most part are really nice and on the ball. The Salmon Benedict brunch is my favorite!
(5)Jennafir E.
I'm just never impressed when I've been here, hung-over or sober. I have been twice, I went today to give it another shot and I'm just not content. I left feeling worse then when I went, which isn't what happens if you order good greasy food. I give up on it. Go somewhere else, you will better food for a cheaper price.
(2)Lia R.
Uh. Ew. This place is built to look like an old boxcar diner, but has none of the charm. The waitresses always treat me like crap...am I too young? Too many piercings? Who knows, but I always get stuck in the back, have to wait 20 minutes for a (crap) coffee, and end up paying $15+ dollars for friggin pancakes and floppy bacon. Don't even get me started on the potato pancakes; if those are potato pancakes then I'm a goy. I am a goy. They still tasted like fried mashed potatoes though.
(1)N S.
When I lived in Watertown, this was my dining room. If you go, and you must, grab a newspaper (or an Improper Bostonian), pull up to the counter, order the coffee and some blue corn pancakes with blueberries (or the Rachel a.k.a. turkey reuben if you're feeling more lunchy), say hi to Don and Darl (the owners) and settle in for a wonderful meal accompanied by whatever Don has on the box. I truly love and miss this place. It is a little piece of my Boston, my home.
(5)Jim H.
No, they do not do everything well. But you can get real tea, great pancakes, and an actual poached egg for breakfast, and authentic chicken fried steak for dinner. It is a diner with a better than diner menu that still somehow feels like a diner. How can you beat that?
(4)Kitten H.
This place is a great diner. Offering traditional diner fare along with unique twists. I was most impressed with their variety of pancakes. Along with traditional buttermilk pancakes, they offer blue corn meal pancakes, sweet potato pancakes, regular potato pancakes, etc. They also offer two or three versions of french toast depending on the bread. Even though there was a wait for a table, there is a small store attached to the diner that will serve coffee which the diner will refill for you. The small store also offers novelty gifts like bacon band-aids. The food was tasty but the atmosphere was crowded and cramped. I would like to go there again for a lunch dish.
(3)Stacy M.
Sure, the place is well-worn and years of grease-laden air has left a definite film on the place. The food's good, the pancakes are excellent. Sour Cream Buttermilk Pancake Batter = Yum. Worth a visit.
(4)Hilary C.
As an egg-allergic person, I never get to eat pancakes anyplace but my own house. So I was overjoyed to find they have eggless buckwheat flour pancakes. Light, fluffy, and the perfect vehicle for maple syrup and butter. I ordered it with a side of linguica, which was delicious, but a little skimpy in terms of portion size. The best part was my companion's Colossal Hungry Person Breakfast, which was an appropriately gender-neutral array pancakes, toast, eggs and sausage. Service was great. Speedy, cordial, efficient and attentive. Prices are average. While I left completely stuffed, it was to the tune of $15/person. Oh well, if I eat a breakfast like this on a regular basis, it's not going to be the prices that kill me... In general, the menu is simple enough to satisfy the craving that brought you there in the first place, and creative/expansive enough to not only set this diner apart from other diners, but also satisfy foodies and their friends.
(3)Andrea F.
Trendy and overpriced. Not the diner experience I was looking for.
(2)Ty V.
Classic diner with decent food. I live right in the area and have eaten here numerous times, but I have to say that there are definitely better diners around. Seeing that the food is pretty average, part of me thinks that the reason this place is so popular is due to its decor and old school diner design. Therefore, when you eat here you're truly eating in a diner...and to a lot of people there's something comforting about that. The menu has everything you'd expect from your typical diner, but the place can sometimes feel tight and crowded..especially on weekends. On the weekends, expect to definitely wait, as there is always a line outside waiting to get in. With this being said, if you can walk in and grab a table right away, it's worth it. However, if you get there and see a line that's out the door, take a pass, as there are definitely better places for breakfast.
(2)Adrienne A.
The food is amazing, the staff is fabulous, and we love the little building. A previous reviewer said that a better breakfast could be had at Henriette's Table at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge. But this seems to me to be like comparing apples and oranges - Deluxe is a diner, and that's what we go there for. (If we're talking 5-star hotel brunch, I'd pay the $5 more and go to Tob of the Hub at the Pru and really do it!) Anyway, we bring friends from out of town to the Deluxe, and when we can't decide what to eat, because they have a little bit of everything done really well. I can bring anyone in any state of dress and not sweat it if they're vegetarian or have dietary limitations or habits. Everyone can find something good to eat here. I also like their Colossal Breakfast - not so huge, but has a good range of yummy stuff. Excellent pancakes. Coffee is nice, too. They also specialize in a number of not so usual diner items, like liver and onions, which they do to perfection. MMmmm Thinking about this is making me want to go.
(5)Maura H.
Authentic rural diner feel with a twist of urban funk. I love this place. It's like someone picked up the diner from my hometown in rural PA, plopped it in Boston and made the food amazing. I highly recommend the bison burgers and french fried. Seriously, the food was so yummy, I couldn't stop eating it, despite the overflowing of my stomach.
(5)Diane I.
my roommate is a far better judge of this great place. he goes at least once a week. and on those wonderful times that i tag along (he has a car...i don't), i happily spend the rest of my day in a food coma. the breakfast is absolutely delicious and they know how to do the veggie faux meat right. i'd eat here everyday if i could. yum!
(5)Ryan L.
Yes the line here for weekend breakfast is absurd. But for good reason. The breakfast food here is ridiculously good. Even their friggin toast was ridiculously good. The place is not that big and the prices a little high, but it's worth the wait. I always take a half hour to figure out what I want because their menu is so big. If you do come here, I suggest going before 10AM. It's that crazy the line.
(5)Kristin T.
The BEST breakfast place I have EVER been to. I have been there a dozen times and had to wait for 30-60 min every time but the last. It's worth the wait! I can't get enough of the sweet potato pancakes with pecans and corned beef hash.
(5)Amanda M.
I went here a bunch of times for breakfast before I discovered the way-better Uncommon Grounds down the street. This place isn't bad, it just isn't anything special. Plus there is always a long wait, the tables are tiny and you're on top of the people next to you. Not really what I'm going for when I'm hungover on a Saturday morning.
(2)Caitlyn L.
I work down the street from the diner, so it's more of a lunch than breakfast destination for me. This place has the BEST macaroni and cheese I've ever had (and that's saying a lot as it's my guilty pleasure). The atmosphere's great, the service is good, the menu's a mix of comfort/diner food, breakfast, and healthy options....it's just good!
(5)A. T.
The chicken liver dinner is a winner; the "sides" (e.g., mac & cheese, roasted beets) are pretty much full-size entrees. And whereas the corned beef hash is mostly potatoes at most restaurants, here it is mostly corned beef. Pretty good value overall (except for the desserts, which are slightly overpriced and not that good).
(4)Ash G.
A constant winner in every category - breakfast (amazing sour cream blueberry pancakes), lunch (awesome monte cristo and catfish po boy) dinner (fried chicken plate worth battling the snow for), and dessert (oh so good pies). Often a long wait on weekend mornings, but brilliant that they opened the space on street level to start out your endless mug of coffee and/or beat the cold/heat.
(4)Kavita D.
Let me confirm all of the reviews for this place and say this place is amAzing...especially if you enjoy pancakes! Deluxe Towne Diner is a cozy place to enjoy weekend brunch with some close friends or family. I have been there twice and both the sweet potato pancakes and the blueberry blue corn pancakes are to die for! Great texture! So delicious! Other people had poached eggs which are done very well also. The coffee is also great quality! I recommend this place very highly!
(5)Thomas F.
My group of 3 was told there'd be a table in about 15 minutes. We stood out in the cold for half an hour as group after group that came after us was promptly seated, and tables inside sat empty. We complained and were told that the customers receiving the good treatment had called ahead. But then we were told we were next. Good, right? This was however some interesting new usage of the word "next" I wasn't previously aware of, as we waited another 15 or 20 minutes out in the freezing cold while they continued to seat other groups who had not called ahead and which arrived after us. I asked about that, and was told they couldn't possibly have given us the table they'd just given away because that was a 4 top and there are only 3 of us, and that it's their policy to never seat a group at a table that doesn't have exactly the same number of seats as people in the group - so, we'd have to wait until a table with 3 seats opened up. We left and are not going back. The food is not worth the mistreatment.
(1)Katie F.
I have been frequenting this diner for over 8 years. There are a few things that I always look forward to, 1. there's usually a wait but it moves fast and is worth it, 2. the food is amazing no matter what you order, 3. food comes fast, and 4. they have a lot of veg/vegan options. We went this past Sunday for brunch and were sorely disappointed. The service is usally not so great, but am willing to compromise since the food is so yummy. Not only did we wait forever (still at 1pm), but the food was not the same. Me and my bf's omelets were maybe the size of a sand dollar, MUCH smaller than they ever have been. And that's the best part! They ran out of soy cheese, ok no big deal I just got broccoli, but then it came small and with little florets of broccoli. Maybe in the whole omelet there was one piece of broccoli. The server was fine, but we ordered water right off the bat and it was the last of our items to come. Finally I'm pretty sure the prices went up, it cost $30 for breakfast, seems like a lot. I am so so disappointed, I this was seriously my FAVORITE place to frequent... I hope they aren't down grading to save money for the new location :(
(2)Jamie A.
after living in Worcester ("birthplace of the diner") for a summer, I've got high expectations! after commenting on the Deluxe Town pancake mix on her shelf, my downstairs neighbor promptly said, "we're hitting up that diner tomorrow!" the atmosphere is just as fab as any diner ought to be-- booths, tiny, little spaces, and rockin' tunes. we visited on a weekday, so it wasn't very busy at all. i ordered the deluxe buttermilk pancakes with blueberries and a side of veggie sausage. i'm convinced that these rank up these with best pancakes everrrrrrrrr in the jamie book. the sour cream MUST BE the secret ingredient! the veggie sausage was meager, but far better than the morningstar patties i warm up in the microwave. you can also drink the coffee straight-up-black, which is a major plus for me. it's not too pricey, as the other reviews say, but it's not a cheapie diner either. plus, they've got crazy-fast service, which is also a plus!
(4)Tommy V.
For Boston, which lacks diners in a big way, this is a safe bet. Extra points for the veg options on the menu. But other than that, its a diner. Busy in the mornings, greasy food, average service. Only thing thats really not cool is the high prices for what you're getting, plus the limited hours are a bummer.
(4)sydney A.
I almost don't even want to tell you how good this place is. The line already gets pretty long. What you should know: it's totally worth the trip from anywhere in Boston. The many varieties of pancakes and french toast are where its at. They have great healthy and vegetarian options. Sometimes they over cook eggs/omelettes. The service varies wildly depending on who you get, but the man at the door is always a total peach. Oh, and the crowd is usually good for eye candy if you like hungover hipsters.
(4)aaron t.
One of the best diners here in boston! It's got a krazy great burger, some sweet potato fries, and a staff with personality. Cost: awesome, 10-15$ Environment: diner like, retro kind, but good crowd Food: homy, tasty, good
(3)Emily L.
This place has really delicious food but sometimes, if you're not careful, breakfast can cost you like $36.
(4)Sam D.
One of the best diners you'll find in the Boston area. Has the feel and comfort of a classic diner, but has especially good food and incredibly nice waiters and fast service. All the food comes so fast, no matter how intricate a meal you order. The most unusual the food item, the better it probably is: the blue corn pancakes are unheard-of-ly good. Great muffins and pastries, great chai and teas, and even smoothies. And while the breakfast food is incredible, the lunch/dinner food isn't too shabby either.
(5)matt b.
Excellent breakfast foods - I especially like the corned beef hash ( I order it "crispy"). They serve Mem Tea. They now have a flat panel TV above the counter - it'd be nice if they left the closed captioning on.
(5)Michael G.
First of all, don't wait for a table out in the cold. Walk next door to their "to-go shop", where you can wait inside and start on your coffee. This is a 4.5 star diner. Very good food, fun atmosphere. -0.5 stars for soggy waffles and mediocre overpriced coffee ($2.25...standard coffee should not cost more than Starbucks). Highlights: - the signature pancakes with sour cream in the batter. fluffy, large, tangy. Yum! - thick, meaty bacon that you can't break with a fork. Oink. - no wait for 2 at 9AM on Sunday, friendly waitress who refilled our coffee every 5 minutes, real maple syrup
(4)Laura P.
Two things keep me coming here- pancakes and cupcakes.
(4)matt o.
I can walk here and usually do cause the pancakes are enourmous and delicious. They have the best corn beef hash I have ever had, forget that hormel shit in a can this is the real deal. Jonny cakes are intresting
(5)Mags L.
everytime i mention this place people say something about breakfast. i've tried coming here for breakfast once, but i'm not the kind of person that likes to wait in line to get some eggs. ended up coming for dinner. i had a fancy curry apple turkey burger w/sweet potato fries. it was pretty good. a little more fancy than what i would expect for diner food. this type of diner makes me long for detroit style coney islands. greek, hot dogs, chili. when i see curry, apple and burger in the same dish it sorta freaks me out. not to say it didn't taste good. it just made me uncomfortable. update (08-01-07): ended up going for breakfast. 3 stars stand. it was only alright. nothing to shove an old lady out of line for.
(3)Joseph D.
Best Pancakes in America! I'm not a huge pancake fan, but this is the place to go. Has a huge menu and have tried a few of their other fare, but the pancakes are it! They also sell it in a mix form and I highly recommend picking it up while your there. If your not into pancakes, be prepared for a greasy breakfast. Good potatoes, but over spiced. Salads are ok, but I question the cleanliness of the establishment as a whole. Service is consistently pleasant, but place does get busy. They cater to vegetarians, but have heard mixed reviews from friends and family. Go for the pancakes, that's all I got to say!
(3)Jackie S.
Deluxe Town Diner provides the ultimate diner experience. It feels like the good old days, if you know what I mean. I had the grilled cheese and to my surpirse and joy, they had turkey bacon!! YUM! It was great. My friend had the corned beef hash which was superb. Great homestyle feel, nice staff with a busy atmosphere. Also to my satisfaction, this place boasts beer and wine! I will certainly return.
(4)Heather J.
This place was awesome. I went with my husband and aunt, and the food was outrageous. I was able to get a meal that jived perfectly with my Paleo eating style (the wagyu burger, medium rare, with sweet potato fries). The lettuce, tomato, and pickle were fresh and delicious, the cole slaw was perfect, and the burger and fries (yay for gluten free sweet potato fries-much harder than it should be to find!) were also perfect. Not to mention, the yerba mate was outstanding. It was exciting to have such a selection of teas, and we all had amazing meals. We will definitely go back!!
(5)Claude F.
I have eaten here literally about 50 times over the years (more lately) and it is a good thing I am now doing 19+ mile long runs or my next 5 reviews would be for: Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Slim fast, Big and Tall stores, and the makers of pants that stretch. THAT is how good the food is here!!! On my last outing (see picture) we shared an order of Blue cornmeal pancakes (Background), Cheese Blintzes (middle ground) and Rhode Island Jonny cakes. The Blue Corn Meal Pancakes were Pancake-Licious! (but I still prefer their sweet potato pancakes) The Blintzes here are the best in Boston! They are served Hot and crisp on the outside and cold on the creamy inside. The way a blintz is supposed to be!!! The Rhode Island Jonny cakes (which some people find dry and odd) are indeed an acquired taste. But Maaaaaaaan! Have I acquired it (more like required)!!! If I eat any more I will have to up my long runs to 30 miles (which would NOT be good for the Hams or the running shoe budget) My only complaints: Sometimes the "fresh squeezed Orange Juice" is not fresh squeezed. And I personally think I make much better French toast then their French toast (but what guy doesn't say that?).
(4)K S.
Insane pancakes, you won't leave hungry. The ambiance is pure "elbow to elbow" diner, and the wait can be long. Sides are yummy and the dinners are tasty, plentiful and reasonably priced. Don't go to watch your waistline, but it's comfort food that's just that.
(4)Laura T.
Very disappointed in the service. We were waiting for over 10 minutes and still had not been offered a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, a couple next to us was seated after us, and had already placed their order. We ended up leaving and going to another diner. It's too bad because the food sounded good!
(1)Mark B.
This place was awesome. Best breakfast place in the area. Only competition could be Jim's Deli in Brighton Center. There will be a wait, but they are nice enough to have a waiting area that serves coffee. I'll be going back again real soon.
(5)Laura B.
Went on Saturday around 2pm (thinking the brunch rush might be dwindling) - definitely a mistake. Also came with a Groupon, which might have been another mistake (still don't get why businesses advertise with coupons when they disdain people who bring in their coupons). Only me and my +1 in attendance, we were seated quickly in a whirlwind of people slamming in and out of the tiny front entryway. Because it was crowded and we'd just taken 40 minutes of public transit to get out there, I was thankful to grab a seat, though for the first time in my life I experienced a claustrophobic panic attack when we were seated at the bar next to old guy bumping shoulders with me who proceeded to snort snot down his throat for the first 15 minutes we were next to him. Once the place slowed down I asked if it would be okay for us to move to an empty table, and they told me no. We proceeded to eat lunch sitting between an empty table and SnotMuncher. We ordered the Southwestern Chili Omelette ($9.95 - pricey for an omelette in my book) and the Turkey Avocado Club ($9.75 - also steep considering it's a sandwich and doesn't come with fries). You can blame it on my being a Texan prude, but the chili was weak. Mostly tomato sauce, I think they forgot the chili powder, onion and garlic in this batch. Home fries were quartered potatoes, no jelly in sight for toast. Ended with a $5 piece of mushy Double-Crust Apple Pie. bleugh. If this is the best diner in the area, then point me to the nearest Denny's where I can find a $10 omelette with some attitude.
(2)Deborah J.
I like this place, the traditional dinner.
(4)Corydon S.
I like to come here for breakfast, even if I have to wait outside to get a table. I get the potato pancakes with a side of bacon, and black coffee every time. Diners bring out my inner old man, so I stick to what I like and don't try other menu items even though I am sure they are good. The other logic here being that when I eat out, I try not to order things I can easily cook myself. They stopped playing Christmas music at our request and put on Johnny Cash. They have some small Christmas decorations but nothing over the top. The Delux Town Diner is an option for folks who don't want to be surrounded by Christmas stuff. They also get bonus points for being willing to change the music, if only other places did that Christmas music would be more enjoyable.
(4)Sara M.
I love diners. I think the whole concept is great and homey, greasy and filling. I have been here twice - once when my sister came into town and this morning. The first time the wait was almost an hour when they quoted 25 minutes and the second time we waited only 10 minutes. The corned beef hash was only okay and they overcooked my sunny side up eggs so the yolk wasn't runny. I like mixing the yolk with my hash. The home fries are ehhhhh. But the pancakes! Oh dear me, what fluffy delights! I pretty much kept stealing forkfuls from Husby's plate the first time and made sure I got my own this time around. So good and flavorful, with the syrup adding just the right amount of sweetness. I think these are the best pancakes I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I will be back for dinner to try the chicken pot pie, cheeseburger club, fried chicken, etc.
(4)Jean B.
I've been coming to the Town Diner for about 30 years or so. It seems like it's been here forever. I'm not really sure where the "Deluxe" part of the name came from, it's always just been the "Town Diner" to my family and it hasn't changed much over the decades. The biggest draw here is that when you walk in the door you really feel like your stepping into a Diner in the 50's. It has the ambiance, the look and feel of something out of I Love Lucy. That being said, for me coming to the Town Diner is more of a habit than anything else. The food is good, typical breakfast fare. I'd say it's along the lines of an IHOP with regard to type and quality of food. The service is hit or miss. I've had servers that just didn't seem to want to be there and been fairly disappointed and then other times I've been quite pleased with good service. As several have mentioned, the pancakes are really quite good, and definitely worth a try. If you're in the Watertown area and want to try a real fixture of Watertown, a restaurant that's truly iconic, give the Deluxe Town Diner a try.
(3)James K.
Best Biscuits and Gravy in the Boston area. I've searched high and low (mostly low). These are perfect, minus the fact that I want more sausage gravy, but I always want more sausage gravy. Who doesn't want more gravy?
(4)Flora G.
Three strikes you're out. I only went here the 2nd time to give them another shot, and the third time because my husband thought we should give it one more go. Won't be going a fourth time. 3rd time, we sat at the bar and were told we couldn't just sit for drinks. We had to say, actually we are here to eat and could we have a menu? I ordered something like a roasted vegetable wrap. After a while, the waitress came back and said it wasn't available but they could make something pretty close to that. I said, sure, that'd be great. What came back was a joke. A wrap with raw baby carrots and a few other things. Just gross. 3 bad meals in a row. Think my time there is done.
(1)Alexa D.
My group of three showed up here on a saturday morning at ten, and wern't suprised to see the line outside the door. They tell us 20 minutes. Closer to 40, we are seated. We had to wait outside because theyre really isn't much waiting area, and it was cold, so I wasn't too happy about that. When seated, I went to the bathroom right away. When I got back, the waitress was already at the table. I'm not usually picky so I picked out an order in about five seconds. Breakfast Burrito, no avacado. My friend had gotten the vegan breakfast wrap. Here's where I get annoyed. First the server was speaking so softly I had to ask her to repeat what she said twice. Have you not seen what this place looks/sounds like? If you want to speak tiny go work somewhere quiet. Second, apparently my breakfast burrito was supposed to come with two sides. When the burritos got to the table (which the server messed up because I got a huge bite of tofu on my first one..yuck) my friend and I had to switch. Luckily I ate first. Second, my friends burrito came with homefries and toast. I looked at the menu, and low and behold, it says I can have homefries with a choice of toast or a bagel. I just dont understand it. She SAW me sit down and order straight. Why would you not tell me about my options. Annoying. The food was average. Beakfast burrito was somewhat plain and had a TON of beans and not much of anything else. My friends homefries were under done and under spiced. I'm giving this place the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars, because it really was a 2/2.5 star experience.
(3)Poppy E.
My mum and I were going out to meet with some of her friends and had originally planned to go to Red Lentil but they had this weird fixed price dinner thing going on... Anyways. We ended up going to the Deluxe Town Diner, and it was a good time. The food? Well, I had a Harvest Salad sans the cheese which was pretty tasty. And filling. I also got a side of beets, which was awesome. I mean, really, who has beets as a side these days? I love beets. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal and had a good time. So all in all, I'd go here again. It was also pretty cool that they had a "vegan" burger as a main entree, I will try that for sure next time I'm there. HOWEVER, I did find it a little weird how complex their menu was...burgers and hummus plates, whaaat? That said, all diners could be like that, and seeing as I'm a bit of a diner-newbie, I wouldn't know. Bottom line: If you're in the area, try this place out, if you're not, don't go out of your way to.
(3)christine c.
Everyone always says things about amazing pancakes. I always thought to myself, "pancakes are almost always good, but what makes an amazing pancake? How can some pancakes be significantly better than others?" Well, my friends, this place has the answer. These are THE BEST pancakes I've ever had. I got the huge breakfast platter, I dont' remember what they call it... But it has everything. It's highlighted in a box with unlimited coffee refills for like $12. Steep for breakfast, right? Well, no. Because you won't eat for a day... or 3. THE BEST PANCAKES. EVER. PLEASE GO.
(5)Stacy B.
After walking out of the "updated" Matt Murphy's in Brookline Village for having an $8 price tag on a fucking Guinness, I was on the hunt for a deal. Took the advice of my fellow Yelper's and found myself at the Deluxe Town Diner. All I can say is THANK YOU. I don't know if I was just excited that the average price of a menu item was well under $15 and the beer prices didn't make me want to throw up in my mouth, but I surely enjoyed my experience. I'm also kind of obsessed with diners. Got there a little early and had no problem sitting at the counter. I watched the food pouring out of the kitchen in awe. This was not diner food! I mean, it was, but was so fresh and gorgeous! And as soon as I saw a pancake bigger than my head, I knew I was going to like this place. Recognizing that we'd never been there, our genuinely friendly waitress delivered us a great smile [and service] and chatted us up about the size of the pancakes and the upcoming Food Network appearances. I have no doubt this place will be featured many more times. I scanned the menu numerous times, unable to make up my mind because everything sounded delightful. Ended up with the steak I was craving for the evening, which happened to be a blue plate special [that's right... they have those] costing only $10.95. It was served with healthy options like roasted beets and spinach -- both delightful and so fresh. Portions are large, but don't be dumb... wrap it up and leave room for some of the best pecan pie you'll ever taste. You're welcome. Best diner in the area!
(5)Audrey K.
Hands down, BEST BREAKFAST EVER! The wait is long but totally worth it. The side area where you can grab a cup of coffee as you wait makes it not so bad. But the food - oh my goodness! Their sourcream pancakes with blueberries would get my out of bed on any given day. And their corned beef hash is ridiculous. It is not hash-ed... it is beef brisket. So delicious. Not to mention their bread selection! The harvest is my favorite. (It's $6 for half a loaf - 6-5 slices, but you can get 2 slices with your breakfast, thought that was worth noting :P)
(5)Ashley B.
Spendy! Corned beef hash is unusual. French toast delicious but drowned in butter. Like Waffle House but not 24 hours and twice as expensive. With actual good food.
(4)Julie N.
I absolutely hate waiting for a table for brunch on the weekends. I get so fking hungry on a Saturday morning! Anyway, on a random Tuesday off of work we decided to head over to see what the hype was about without enduring the wait of this place on the weekend. The place was still pretty busy for a Tuesday but we were able to get seated right away. Breakfast: Omelettes and a side of their famous sour cream flapjacks. Fantastic. Absolutely everything you want in a diner. Huge stuffed omelettes, awesome homefries, and a take on flapjacks that makes perfect sense. Everything was wonderful. The wait for a table on the weekend is the only thing that has scares me away from coming back, but when another random Tuesday opens up for me, I'll totally come back.
(4)Alyssa J P.
I'm psyched that there's a train car diner in the Boston area, because I loved eating in them as a kid. Bonus points for the veg*n options, although I thought their vegan burger was a bit mushy, and was disappointed that fries were an added cost. Also, who serves coleslaw with a vegan burger? My boyfriend got the Mediterranean wrap without feta, and it came with feta. The nice thing was that they made a totally new one, and didn't just scrape the cheese off of the old one. The unfortunate thing was that most of the people eating with us were done by the time his food came out. By the time we were back in Brighton I must say we were both a bit hungry. The portion sizes could be bigger, especially at 10$ a person, expensive for a diner.
(3)Jessica G.
A go to standard for my group of friends for brunch. They couple the normal menu items with healthy alternatives. The wait on a weekend can be 30-60 minutes, but you can buy coffee in their little shop and get free refills even after you get seated. Dinner is pretty decent for diner food with new twists on old classics. The pie for dessert is awesome! As long as you are prepared to wait for brunch on the weekends, it should become a staple in your repertoire.
(4)Ethan P.
The Deluxe Town Diner had amazing macaroni! It was simply "Deluxe!" As for the wait, there was none, so I'm all smiles. Our waiter was superb, and rushed to bring us our meal, prepared very nicely, Macaroni, a side chicken sandwich, fries, a drink, and the amazing deserts! But since I haven't tried every macaroni (cheese), then I'd have to give this fine establishment my praise, and a four out of five, because I haven't tried every macaroni in the world.
(4)Jay K.
Wow really bad food. I had a pulled pork sandwich that was barely edible. The fries were hardened stale. My tablemates were equally unpleased. Thier burgers were burned to a crisp. Probably one of the worst meals of my life. It was relatively cheap though for MA, which means about $12 for an entree. The interior is also ratty inside. Looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. My seat had rips with dusty foam coming out of the corners. Service was good though. The waiter was really nice.
(1)Kristy G.
Love this diner. Nice and cozy. Came here for lunch, but breakfast looked amazing. I'm coming back for the French toast. And great service.
(4)Erin D.
We love going here any time of day, we always get tea since the selection is extensive of good quality tea. They serve breakfast all day which is great for me because I love breakfast and without a Gluten free menu I can always order a veggie stuffed omelet. I've had the steak tip mashed potato dinner which was inexpensive for the large portion. Before giving up Gluten I had the french toast and pancakes and they were both awesome. They carry a Gluten free beer., but do not have a Gluten free menu however the staff is knowledgeable on what items contain gluten. The title diner really only reflects the atmosphere. This restaurant is not a greasy spoon. I have also visited the sister restaurant the Deluxe Station Diner in Newton Centre. The menu is the same, the atmosphere is different since it is located in a remodeled train station.
(4)Alex S.
Some of the great things about Deluxe Town Diner: -- Their hours. There just aren't that many places in the area that do breakfast at actual breakfast time (by the time brunch hours roll around, we're usually half done with the day!). Plus they serve the full menu in between "regular" mealtimes. -- The food and selection. We order lunch take out from here for work at least once a week because it's the only place that just about everyone can find something that they want. The burger/dogs/meatloaf crowd gets hearty well-cooked fare and the salads and sandwiches folks have plenty tasty ones to choose from. For a diner their ingredients are really high-quality: avocados are ripe, breads are great, vegetables are fresh. -- The people. Yup it's usually busy and they do a ton of business and things can get crazy, but for a busy diner staff they've always been great. Hard-working, honest, and friendly. The one time we had a mixup with our lunch order and got back to the office minus one sandwich, I called and they made a fresh one immediately for free (people who have to get big complicated lunch orders for their bosses know this doesn't always happen). The teeny downsides: -- The fries don't travel well. OK when eaten there but as soon as they get cold, they're not worth it. -- It is super crowded during weekend brunch hours and the service and kitchen can slide a wee bit since there are just SO many people in a small space. Our solution? Go at another time!
(5)Sandra S.
B.E.S.T. (Bacon Egg Spinach Tomato) on rosemary garlic bread is delicious. Corned beef hash you could fall in love with. Super quick takeout in the event the line is just too long. Also a new found love for French Toast awaits you.
(5)T K.
If anyone has been following any of my recent reviews you will see that they are mostly breakfast places. I love a good breakfast...and so many of them are just not good. I have been to the Deluxe Town Diner in the past and it was okay. Today it was downright awful. Old stale home fries that seems like they were thrown on from yesterday's batch...my sausage and cheese omelette had "yellow" cheese, like it was straight out of the plastic wrapper. They do have scali toast, which is always a plus, but just had a big dollop of butter in the middle. It just seems like they were going through the motions...and for a $15 dollar breakfast, going through the motions is not enough. Don't waste your time with this once stellar breakfast joint...there are better in the area!!!!
(2)Sarah T.
The food is very good! The only problem is the staff chat to each other constantly about personally issues. I sit at the bar making it that much worse!! It's so constant it's annoying and its unprofessionally.
(3)Sarah M.
Just had an early dinner here with my boyfriend and it was delicious. I had a caesar salad and my boyfriend had a burger with onion rings. we both had pie and ice cream for desert. everything including the coffee was wonderful. it was a little pricey and dinner took a little while, but only because my boyfriend had a lot of toppings on his burger. we will definitely go back soon!
(5)Mandie H.
Been here twice now. My first trip it was FANTASTIC, 5-stars, one of my favorite brunches in recent memory. The food, the service, everything was excellent even at prime brunch time of 2pm on a Sunday. My second trip, noon on MLK Day, was absolutely rotten. We were seated at the counter but it still took 30 minutes to get a drink and 1.5 hours to get our food. People around us were seated, ate and left by the time we got our orders. We're pretty sure she didn't put in our order originally. It wasn't until we started asking her every ten minutes where our food was that we started to get some service. Asking other waitresses didn't help either, they told us to defer to our own waitress who kept ducking under the counter and seemed confused and definitely had seen better days. Also waiting 17 minutes for a refill on your coffee after you've asked for a refill should *never* happen. I've never before tipped a waitress zero but if their was a way to negatively tip I would have. That said the food was still great, hence my star rating. Know that the hostess tells everyone the wait is 20-25 minutes, could be 5 could be 60, and avoid the tall thin old waitress with the iffy hair dye job. :) I highly recommend the hash and the Chicken Cobb Salad... trust me, a salad never looked so good.
(3)Matt Y.
I like this place quite a bit, but it isn't without its faults. The food is OK, with a few standouts. The greek burger, for example, is one of the best burgers I've had in the Boston area. Tasty, with some subtle highlights. The seats are uncomfortable, I never want to be here on a weekend morning because of the crowds, and it can be noisy. However, the waitstaff are nice, the atmosphere can be great when its not packed, and it's open late for a place in the area. Although it's a back-up, I have nothing but warm feelings for this diner.
(3)k d.
maybe this was just a bad kitchen staff night. I have eaten dinner here a few times in the last two years, without feeling anything wasn't very good. But that has come to an end. There was no excuse for this meal: I ordered 'chicken pot pie" from their standards page. My husband ordered the fish and chips from the same area of the menu. His was swimming in oil and make him nauseous later at our event. This is what mine was, without exaggeration: 20 or so pieces cubed potatoes, 2 tablespoons peas, one baby carrot sliced. 10 small cubes chicken. All this sitting in NOT A GRAVY, but a liquid more equivalent to milk with a bit of butter in it. Top it with a flaky floating crescent roll type bread. Bland, bland bland. I am sure this was a soup - there was nothing gravy about it - they should be ashamed of themselves for trying to pass this off as a pot pie. Now, this didn't taste bad, just bland. But do I need to tell them what an expectation is - and they set it by calling it chicken pot pie - and then the disappointment of not meeting that set expectation? I guess we now know why dinner isn't crowded. It's not the $ - who cares about that - who wants to re-order after receiving your food just to wait longer. p.s. Also, side salad wasn't dressed, but I told it was. I had to then ask for "extra" dressing, just to get dressing. Whomever was in that kitchen last night should be on probation. There are far too many people who want a job and this person/people are costing these owners $$. We are not coming back. pss. speaking of loosing the owners money, we had to hand an extra 6$ to the waitstaff because a drink wasn't put on our bill. Wonder how often this happens on a really not very busy at all Monday night. Wonder how much it happens when it's busy..........
(1)Tom C.
Had a great meal here last night. I had the Rachel, a classic Reuben substituting cole slaw for the typical sauerkraut. It was a great sandwich. My wife had the meatloaf dinner, and was a huge fan. We will definitely be making a return trip.
(4)Al Z.
Went here today for breakfast before paying my respects to my deceased parents in a nearby cemetery..Got to get here pretty early if you want to get in and not wait in a long line of hungry people.I was early at 7:30 and got a primo seat at the counter no problemo.This was my 4th visit and it was just as satisfying as the first one. The menu has an awesome selection of goodies but, for me,it's always the same choice-homemade hash,a couple of eggs, homefries and the very tasty 7 grain bread for my toast.Being a self proclaimed Hash Hound,I gotta tell ya this is the best hash you will find ANYWHERE.You'll pay a little bit more and it is worth the price believe me.Even if you're not a hound like me you should give it a try.Awesome just awesome, real fine indeed.
(5)Carrie M.
After last night I will NEVER EVER EVER step foot in this place again. So I arrive with two friends for dinner, we're seated in the back corner near a large table of people. They were a little loud, but no big deal. Then things started to get bad. First, every other word out of their mouth began with F. There was a table right next to us with a newborn and a 3ish year old, totally inappropriate behavior by them. Then they started banging on the table and making barking noises. That was followed by faces made at my friends. These were 40ish year old men who lifted weights, no anyone we're going to mess with. We finish our meals in almost silence, as we just want to get out of there. As we leave I approach the owner just to give him a heads up. I wasn't expecting anything more than a "thanks, i'll keep an eye on things." Instead I was told "well what do you want me to do about it!?!" He then told me it was my responsibility to talk to them and went on and on basically belittling me. At one point he even stepped towards me ike he was going to push me in a playground fight. This is a 60 or so year old man being totally confrontational when all I was trying to do was give him a heads up. After that a second employee jumped in beside him and also started to tell me the same things he was saying. At that point I left. I was in disbelief that this was happening, and so were my friends. As I type I can't believe the experience I had. Because of this I honestly will NEVER step foot in there again. I have never been treated so poorly be an establishment in my life. I know my one star will have no impact on their business, but if just one person chooses not to go there after reading this I'll be happy.
(1)Darren C.
My wife and I have come here a few times. it is really small but the wait is never too long. If it's cold you can go next door to get a coffee and show the receipt when you get seated for free coffee. The service is good, the breakfast is amazing and it's all we ever get. The Portuguese sausage is amazing. Parking can be a pain but there is usually street parking somewhere around the restaurant. I definitely recommend this place for breakfast.
(5)Sanel S.
This place sucks. Lime Rickeys were not good, bacon wasn't good, their maple syrup didn't taste good. Their frappe was god awful, it was just milk. The food, I couldn't even finish it. How this place has this many good reviews is beyond me.
(1)Paula V.
So I went to the Deluxe Town Diner on St. Patrick's Day (March 17th, 2013) excited to see what the hype was all about. First, let me just say this place is extremely crowded and just a mad house (which some people probably find endearing). And that didn't even bother me. What bothered me is this: I ordered and split the pancakes with my boyfriend, and after continually pouring the syrup, on one of my final pours, OUT COMES A DEAD FLY. Yes, seriously, an insect with wings. I tried to tell the waitress several times, as she was snatching the plate from my hands, and finally got her to realize what I was telling her. She agreed it was gross, poured out the syrup (thankfully!), and handed us our check. Only after we gave her an extremely confused look, did she decide it'd be "polite" to take 1 orange juice off the bill. $2.50 to compensate for fly infused pancakes. The waitress SHOULD HAVE told the manager immediately, the manager SHOULD HAVE come to our table to apologize, and the breakfast SHOULD HAVE been comp'd. I give these suggestions, not only as a [thoroughly disgusted] patron, but as someone who's family owns a restaurant. I'm disappointed there are places that operate with such failure in service. I'm horrified, and I will not go back here.
(1)Dara C.
Deluxe Town Diner has come close to satisfying that little hole in my New Jersey-bred heart where diners used to be. You see, there are almost no real diners in Boston. South Street Diner? Not a diner. Victoria's? Nope. A real diner is somewhat old and dirty, preferably with lots of ripped teal or pink booths, menus sticky with maple syrup from the past five decades, and an old waitress named Barb who may or may not have a laryngectomy. A real diner is open all day and night, serves cheap beer with breakfast, and has an unwinnable claw machine in the lobby with faded stuffed animals that smell like Virginia Slims. DTD doesn't satisfy all of my requirements, of course. Like everything else in this state, it's only open until 10 pm. Your midnight meatloaf demands--don't pretend you don't have them--must be met elsewhere. But this diner is old, and crowded, and tiny, and delightful. And it serves booze. It's not super cheap, but it is cheap for Boston. Most importantly, here you will have the best French toast ever. Let me say that more forcefully. Best French toast in the history of French toast. Best French toast since sliced French toast. It's big and fluffy and made with challah, like only the best French toast ought to be. I don't even like French toast normally but there are few things I wouldn't do for this. Service is fine, with nary a coffee cup unfilled. If you go on a Sunday, though, prepare to wait for a seat, even for two stools at the bar. Bring a book or watch CNN through the windows. (See, DTD? This is where the ancient claw machine comes in handy. Consider investing in one.)
(4)Tony B.
All around superb diner. Big menu is very interesting. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. It's all good... RI johnny cakes, super deluxe hash omelette... even their cole slaw is best I have had in a long time. This diner is truly a gem. Oh yea, and they use all cage free, humanely raised eggs. Love this place.
(4)Veronica F.
Always good, always fast, always reasonable, I love this place so much. Sweet potato pancakes, the vegan burger, - everything I've ever had has been awesome!
(5)Erin C.
Come early and eat quickly! This place fills up fast and it can get quite crowded. Everything I have had is solid and I haven't been disappointed with the food. The veggies sausage is excellent and you can't go wrong with the mimosa for 2. I tend to stick with the egg sandwich w/ a side of home fries. Almost every friend I take ends up with the sweet potato waffles or sweet potato pancakes. Two thumbs up all around the table! For some reason I never think to come to this place during the week. I seem to be like every other person sitting on the curb Saturday morning waiting for a yummy breakfast.
(4)Mathias G.
Oh. My. God. You don't need to take it from me. You can read any of the 301 other reviews. You can probably even read this in some national publication. I think their pancakes have gotten national press. But my god. Their pancakes. Their pancakes! The first time I went here, it was Saturday morning. I went with a friend. We waited for an hour. I don't care about these things. If you HATE lines, don't go. I see lines as a way of making the breakfast taste that much better. I got the sweet potato pancakes with pecans. My friend and I sat in absolute silence, doing nothing but eating. Finally, when the last bites had been consumed, we looked up at each other, our eyes slightly glossy, looking as if we had both just woken up, we both laughed, hugged each other, and then proceeded to talk about NOTHING else but the pancakes. They are the best breakfast food I've ever had. But everything's good. I've had their eggs, their omelets, their huevos rancheros, their home fries, their Reuben. It's all good. Everything they do, they do with care and attention. And, they use real maple syrup. In conclusion, anyone who reads this review will probably just chalk it up to "oh look, there goes ANOTHER person talking about these pancakes." Well there's a reason...they are ridiculously tasty. Just get in your car, or borrow a friends, or SPRINT there, right now, and get some. I recommend the sweet potato with pecan.
(5)Maria C.
LOVE THE CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST! I can't get enough. They are super fast which is great when you're hungry!
(5)Dee P.
I grew up 2 blocks from this place and I just don't understand the hype. The pancakes are OK, I guess. Lots of the other stuff is just plain awful. Everything is overpriced and there's usually a long wait and relatively poor service. Watertown is a town of many diners, and this is the least interesting and has the highest prices. Why bother, I wonder? I guess the retro-style building is cute.
(2)Scott W.
If you like being elbow to elbow with people while you eat you will love it here.The guy next to me kept snorting and swallowing sounded like a pig.Food was horrible our waitress was nice.I would rather have eaten two egg mcmuffins from mcdonalds.
(1)Lana A.
A bit on the pricey side for a diner, but they do a good job cooking here, with fine presentation, as well. The menu has enough variety for just about anyone. Friendly staff in a somewhat cramped but pleasant enough atmosphere. It seems this place is always busy. Even so, we and our guests didn't have to wait all that long for our meals, all of which were quite satisfying.
(4)Christopher I.
Great diner for late morning, sleepy wake-ups, or meeting with friends for a cup of joe and some grub. Classic diner feel and particularly delicious, large pancakes with great variety!
(4)T T.
I have been coming here for like a decade at this point. Before word got out the food was cheap an portions large. Since word got out. Significantly more expensive and portions on some of the food (sides) are just pathetic. Everyone raves about this place possibly out of obligation, or just because they didn't know the former greatness. The waitresses are crazy, and pushy for turnover. Don't go in the mornings or you'll wait outside as the diner doesn't hold many. Forget about it on weekends. Is there a better place to go? Yes, yes there is.
(3)Barbara A.
My hubby loves this place, me not so much. We go here when you has a morning off (luckily not often) and it is always average. One time I wanted hot tea and it actually cam AFTER the meal came and the meal did not come quickly. We were in the back and it was hard to get the attention of the waitress to help me in my tea plight. When we do take out, again not often but still apease the spouse, they ALWAYS get me order wrong. I like sweet potato fries and they have it which taste average, but they always for get to put it in no matter how many times we remind them (of course I partly blame hubby for not checking). Again, he loves it but he is not writing this review.
(2)Jamie H.
we went to deluxe town diner for breakfast last weekend, and overall it was very good. we sat at the bar, and the server was attentive and helpful. i got plenty to eat, but did not walk out feeling greasy and overly full as i do with some diners. the eggs were poached perfectly, and i was happy that it could come with the option of a side salad rather than potatoes. i did have a few of my boyfriend's potatoes, which were thick, crispy, and not too oily. this will definitely be a regular spot for breakfast for me.
(4)Herbert K.
Deep fry my homefires? Whazza matta wit chou? Sorry, I'm not as impressed as others. And my lunch choices have missed the mark too, especially given the prices. Maybe I will revisit them and have a wonderful experience - but so far... I'm just not getting it.
(2)Mike O.
I could never say enough about Deluxe Town Diner. Their brigade are warriors among men, working feverishly at a blistering pace while diners and waitstaff struggle to keep up. Working in harmony to crank out order after order, these guys make many establishments triple in size appear to have a meek existence. True soldiers of their craft, the food will never disappoint; both simple classics and new twists, everything is gratifying to the very last morsel. Ive not seen a team working in such symbiosis in quite a while, perhaps the '04 Sox, maybe Michigan's Fab Five... the difference is there are no trophies to be dealt, only unsung heroes, and no on one is calling a timeout in this champion's arena.
(5)Irene R.
When I order chicken pot pie that is what I expect to get. Not some creamy soupy stuff with chicken and a piece of filo pastry on the side. It was not pot pie and produced the response of "what DID you order?" from my meal companion. He said his hamburger wasn't bad...but the fries were greasy and soggy. I tried a couple. I don't think they have changed the oil for the fries in a long time. The waitress looked like she was miserable being there which always makes things worse. I was really looking forward to diner food...this was so disappointing.
(2)I.M. B.
I used to love this place. Lately, the prices have been going up and the portions are getting smaller. The tuna melt used to be overflowing with tuna, now it's rather small by comparison. The chicken marsala had less chicken the last time I had it too. The booths are patched with duct tape that can stick to your pants and every time someone in the booth behind you moves you move with them. It's not an enjoyable experience. It's like the place is falling apart. I hope it pulls itself together soon so I can like eating here again.
(2)Patricia M.
My husband and I are superfans! The waitresses are awesome and super friendly. I am from New Jersey, and I've been missing eating at diners. This place definitely hit the spot for me. The meatloaf is THE best in Boston. The pancakes (blueberry) OHHHHHH the pancakes!!! Destroys all other pancakes in the world!!! Thanks for an awesome experience every single time I come here :)
(5)John F.
This place rules. The pancakes are seemingly famous, and with good reason. So so delicious, and a number of interesting varieties. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is cool, and the food is great! The menu is pretty extensive, so your whole party should be able to find something they want. Block out a lot of time, though; this place is ALWAYS crowded, especially on a weekend.
(4)valerie d.
Awesome menu. It's not healthy because everything is fried and whatnot but you can get healthy choices. Vegan choices. Picky choices. Obscure choices. The service can be bad but I don't really care. The fries and homefries are amazing. The salads are huge and delicious. It could be a five but the eggs are not that good. Not fluffy at all. It kinda looks like a yellow version of that owl puke you dissect in fifth grade. You could eat here every day and get something totally different. OH and lunch all day. Starting in the morning. That's awesome because I don't love breakfast. It's the only place where my Nana will clean her plate. OH and they have the green tobasco at the table. I love that shit.
(4)J T.
Wow, talk about a dingey diner, but with really creative food. My friend had a groupon ($15 for $30 worth) and I think my eyes went cross-eyed when I opened the menu. Challah french toast? Sour cream flapjacks? You must try the blue cornmeal pancakes - they were delicious. If I could come here every morning, I would and probably still never get through this extensive menu. If you like brunch that is a little different, also look into Highland Kitchen in Somerville and Luna Cafe in Cambridge.
(5)Heather S.
One of my favorite breakfast spots in the area! Quaint atmosphere -- very 50's style booths and lights in a streetcar atmosphere with delicious breakfasts (and dinners!) and super friendly service. You have to wait a long time, but boy, is it worth it! The food is fabulous, enough for breakfast and lunch, and moderately-priced. GREAT, rich coffee. Try their Hungry person's plate which comes with buttermilk pancakes (you can add blueberries, which I recommend), sausage patty or bacon, 2 pieces of toast, unlimited coffee, and 2 eggs for $10.95. It's a steal. Or, check out their french toast or blue corn pancakes with blueberries: yummy! You do have to wait a while on Saturdays or Sundays, and it's often outside since there's little wait area, so bring a jacket, a paper, and some good friends to talk with! :) It's a full brunch experience! For dinner, the meatloaf, glazed salmon dinner, and salads are divine! Tip: Be sure to try their famous Cosmo Cupcakes (punk rock icing -- not too sweet -- in jagged pink and blue colors. They come in chocolate and vanilla). Fun!
(5)Emily F.
I like it. I like big plates of most-likely unhealthy (with exceptions) food for cheap at places near my job. Furniture is gross, the water can be dirty, but "you know what? You're at a diner, get over it" I said to myself. And now I am a happy fan. Try: spinach and goat cheese omelette, side salad (ask for dressing on the side, they LOAD IT ON). Bottled water is tap, so don't be surprise when there is "gunk" floating around.
(4)Tim P.
Don't understand what the fuss is about; It is a diner, the food is allright I suppose so why is there always a line at a door? Must be these crazy groupon folks, I don't have any other explanation. Other than that - it is a small, not very clean, always crowded place with unhealthy food choices, I stopped by just out of general curiousity not because I craved flapjacks. You will not leave hungry, provided you can get the seat in the first place.
(3)Helen F. R.
After much discussion about where we would eat, I suggested the Town Diner. I haven't been here in a long time. We started our meal with the fried green tomato appetizer. It was quite different than I expected, but the presentation and taste were quite satisfying. Next we had the seafood pasta (cream dill sauce with shrimp, lobster and scallops). Quite delicious, and filling. For dessert we shared the coconut cream pie, which was quite tasty. Can hardly wait to go again.
(5)Joe L.
All I know about this place is that I had an incredibly nice waitress and some of the best fried chicken of my life. So if you like to be treated well and eat delicious fried chicken, well. . . . . .
(5)Kat T.
If you are looking for the tastiest pancakes in town, this place is as good as it gets. In particular, their sweet potato pancake with pecans is phenomenal! They serve breakfast all day, which is great for me since it is my favorite meal of the day. Aside from the morning fare, they also have lunch and dinner offerings. Two words: comfort food. I highly recommend the pot roast and for those who want a dose of heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, grilled salmon is the way to go. They have huge servings so brace your appetite! I really wish they would open a branch in Boston proper. Though I have to say, the 40-minute gastronomic trek via public transportation is well worth the effort.
(5)Paddy O.
I prefer Uncommon Grounds. This morning, granted I went to Deluxe at noon on a Sunday, I was told 25 min wait. No problem. It's expected. 45 minutes later I was sat at counter. 20 minutes. Yes 20 minutes after ordering, my date and I received our EGGS. Coffees decent. Service is consistanly BLAH. And to end off a mediocre breakfast experience they sat a young child next to me! Hooray!! NEXT!
(3)Kylie S.
The food is good, not great, but still better than standard diner fare. But mostly I love this diner for the atmosphere--the design, the lighting, the perfect comfortable booths (perfect for me anyway, being a short person--most booths have me wishing for a booster seat) the coziness. They have cage-free eggs, that's a huge plus in my book. They have some veggie options and a lot of options in general. The wait can be really long because the diner is popular. The prices are awesome. This is a really fun place to eat with a big party.
(4)Phil H.
Some of the best diner food I've ever had. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, Town Diner is incredibly consistent. The menu is also strangely inventive. My girlfriend hates this place because she's impatient and doesn't like waiting or being forced to sit at the counter, but I prefer to think that it's a testament to the quality of this place. Yes, it's a bit overpriced, but Town Diner uses its reputation to its monetary advantage. A must if you live in or around the area.
(4)Alexis J.
Obviously a fave with everyone around, but just had to say that I went here for breakfast for the first time this Saturday and loved it. Authentic diner (reminds me of my home state of New Jersey!!!) with a fantastic menu, full of unique choices. Although it was absolutely packed, we only waited 5 or 6 minutes. And although it was a little difficult to slide in to our back corner booth without wiping out someones breakfast, the service was excellent. I am not embarrassed to admit that I ordered the Hungry Person's Breakfast because I was in the mood for every breakfast food ever invented. It was huge and delicious. They even had veggie sausage, among many other vegetarian options, which was truly exciting. I must also mention that the staff is just wonderful. While seated I somehow lost the belt to my coat (which has no zippers so was useless without belt). They were nice enough to take down my name and number, find the belt, and call me back. I am so pleased I will eat there again tonight when I go to pick it up!
(4)Kerry M.
Parking is a pain, you might have to wait, but everything is amazing. Get the sweet potato or corn meal anything.
(4)Sara F.
One of my go-to breakfast spots, though maybe a little overrated. Traditional breakfast food, served up fast. Decor and seating could use a little work. The booths are downright uncomfortable, and don't let yourself get stuck in one with anyone over 5'11" or you'll be bumping knees for an hour. Though the circular booth in the corner is fun. This place has lots of fans, so expect to wait in line (outside).
(3)Gordon G.
A great little spot right between Cambridge, Belmont and Watertown that's worth the trip. Nice big breakfasts with tasty pancakes that are perfect for a Sunday morning, and chili and sandwiches that are just right for a late lunch. Authentic retro decor and feel, nice din, classic Americana.
(4)Ed C.
First time there on Sunday. They said 15-20 min wait and it really was ! Had hash & eggs (excellent) Bananna Pancakes with banannas cooked inside not just on top and French toast. Wonderful food and great prices ! Will be back soon.
(5)Jeffrey L.
Over priced, a diner is a diner is a diner. I always try new places to see what the hype is about and don't mind paying any amount of $$ as long as the food justifies it but here that's not the case. The corned beef is real corned beef which is good and bad. It's like eating deli meat rather than breakfast items. Other than that the food is basic nothing over the top nothing bedazzling and that goes for the service as well. So when you jack up the price and don't have big portions to match it or exceptional flavor to justify it I have to knock you down to 2 stars. Still willing to go back in hopes something changes my review since people seem to like it so much.
(2)Josh D.
most tasteless eggs benedict I've ever had. nice people, well run. wouldn't go back for the food.
(2)Carl H.
Hash, Hash, Hash..... The best I have ever had..... If you like Hash, you have to try it here. Great breakfast joint, have not tried dinner or lunch yet but the menu looks great, will try soon! Staff is quick and very nice, everything you are looking for in a classic diner...
(5)Melanie T.
The tables and booths need some renovation and it's a tight squeeze, but hey... it's a diner. I like a diner that can do both breakfast and lunch food well. Deluxe Town Diner can do that. Bonus points for the option of getting salad instead of hash browns. The pancakes are fantastic. Remember, you can order just a single pancake. I secretly wish they actually had fake syrup instead of real maple syrup, which they are very proud of serving. The omelets here aren't as good as at Victor's down the road, but the pancakes are better. Prices aren't diner cheap, but food is above average for a diner and it doesn't have that weird diner smell.
(4)Tony S.
This place was great, service was exceptional, food was delicious, ambience perfect, price good We had the steak and eggs and the corn beef hash... This place has no rivals
(4)erin n.
WOWWEE, I love going to Deluxe Town Diner on quite a regular basis for so many reasons. The menu. It's great! Such an array of options for vegans, vegetarians, kosher, greek, breakfast, lunch, dinner. They've got it all. Some of my personal favorites are the sweet potato pancakes, sour cream pancakes, meatloaf sandwich, turkey dinner sandwich, fish and chips, the B.E.S.T. (bacon, egg, spinach, tomato sandwich), and cole slaw. AND they have like 10+ bread options (which I looooooove). Oh yeah, pretty dang good espresso, too. The wait staff. They're awesome. Attentive and nice but not overly or annoyingly enthusiastic, but they recognize me and are personable. I love that. The diner. It has SO much character and detail as it is an ACTUAL old train car. Kitschy but authentic. Small but not claustrophobic. and the music that is playing is ALWAYS good. The food has a simplicity about it and isn't "too" much of anything. No bells or whistles. Similar to what one would cook for themselves at home. Which makes me really feel at home :)
(4)Lydia Effie C.
I've been coming here awhile because it is my mom and her boyfriend's weekly tradition. But honestly, this place sucks. The food is paltry, the omelets are small, dry and NASTY, the homefries are old and hard and sparse, and it's always so busy, you have to beg for coffee. Why do people like this place? The prices are steep, the food BLOWS, this morning we waited over an hour for SH*T food, and the coffee sucks. Ugh.
(1)Matt E.
This place is the Awesome!! Great food and service. I would recommend is the Kobe Burger!!! The staff is the best!!
(5)Lindsey M.
love, love, love this diner! I came here with friends whom raved about the place and found this charming diner to have a large selection of both lunch and breakfast options- great menu and reasonably priced.. Most notably, our food wasn't saturated in grease like in most local diners, and staff friendly. This place comes highly recommended!!
(5)Ed P.
NB: May change this to a 5 if my intuition is correct, will visit again soon to find out. A friend suggested this diner and the three of us went for breakfast around 10am. I was going to order a special with eggs and pancakes, then I spotted a breakfast burrito and boom! there it was...Huevos rancheros, a recent favorite. It wasn't bad. It just didn't wow me and neither did the home fries. Then I tried a bite of the sour cream pancakes...I was stuffed and entering food coma ville so forgive me for not Tom Cruising up on the counter and making a public declaration, but these cakes brought back good memories of flapjacks past. One of being a kid and every summer going to Maine, on the Sunday (?) we would always hit the Lions club for all you can eat pancakes. Hot, amazing and with all the syrup and butter you want. My old man used to make pretty rad animal pancakes. He'd get creative with the whole thing and whether they were regular or blueberry they were always delicious. These sour cream pancakes were on par with the best I've ever had and they were a hit with the person who ordered them as well, while our other dining companion preferred his blue corn cakes which I will also have to try. More soon...
(4)Ash E.
I can honestly say, I've never had better blueberry pancakes. When your friend doesn't want to spend the extra 56 cents for the blueberries you can tell them that's a mistake. Go with the blueberries!
(5)Chip F.
Breakfast at deluxe is my favorite. For ambiance and variety it can't be beat. Prices are a bit high for the quality of some of the dishes, but both the Ployes and their corned-beef hash are excellent.
(4)Bridget B.
I am lucky enough to live down the street from this diner, and I love it. They serve delicious egg creams, the turkey curry burger is fantastic, they have $10 Kobe burgers, and TEA menus. Their breakfasts are fantastic, they have a good number of vegan and vegetarian options, good music is usually playing in the background, and they've experimented with running the place on bio-diesel. How cool is that? Also, the bacon and homefries are beyond fantastic. I also like that the bulk of the food served there actually seems to take at least an iota of interest in preserving the health of the clientle, even the standard sides like cole slaw and pickles seem fresh and appetizing (well, maybe not the cole slaw so much, but it looks far better than most I've seen) I'm not too in love with the cupcakes, but the attached shop is very cute and has nice tinned and bagged loose teas.
(5)Jon H.
So on our way to apple picking one fine Saturday, we stopped over in Watertown for the Deluxe Diner. No joke, this place is a blast from the past on the outside, but the food and the variety inside is a blast of modern goodness. The wait can look long from the line outside, but we got in with 5 people in about 15 minutes. Word of advice: if you're waiting, go around the corner past the gas station to the middle-eastern grocery store, and you won't be disappointed. I ordered the low carb meal (three eggs with bacon and linguica) and the blue cornmeal cakes. The eggs + meat were nothing to blow you away (eggs are eggs), but the corn meal pancakes were perfect. Just the right amount of softness with that chew that cornmeal gives you. Plop some warm butter to soak through and a good splash or gallon of syrup and you're good to go! Good thing I had some coffee to keep me awake for the drive afterwards! Bottom line: Great place for solid diner brunch with an interesting variety of pancakes, corncakes, potatocakes. But if I had my pick I would still say the Paramount in Boston on Charles is still the best breakfast.
(4)David V.
Deducting a star because their insanely delicious waffles are not available on weekdays. This despite the fact that they have the batter (it's the same batter that goes into the pancakes). What, do they rent a waffle iron or something? Is there a waffle iron technician who only works on weekends? Items not available every day is ok, if there's a reason for it (availability, difficulty in preparing, etc). But this wanton weekday waffle depravation must end! That said, the pancakes tasted great and Deluxue Town Diner is still the best diner food in the greater Boston area.
(4)Annie C.
Sweet little diner nearby my parent's place. They have a pretty hefty menu that has breakfast, lunch and dinner options which are served pretty much all day. For the veggers out there, there are tons of options on their menus. Lots of wraps (their falafel sandwich is pretty great) and some nice soups and salads. They've also got a pretty impressive burger line up and some dinner classics (steak tips, chicken liver, yee-haw!). Beverage side, they have a smattering of teas (loose leaf too) along with frappes/shakes and the like. The atmosphere is old school diner all the way. Which is great, but it's a smidge cramped. Service is usually pretty good and the food definitely comes out fast. My only complaint is that this place used to be a bit of a secret but now it's sort of expensive...8 bucks for a wrap with a little side of coleslaw? For shame.
(4)Vincent R.
Wow, this one is hard to review. Perhaps I'll start by making a list: Pro: *Good food - the food was delicious and the portions very large. Price - for the amount of food, the price was excellent. *Friendly service - despite the slowness due to the crowds, the service was very friendly. *"Neighborhood-y" feel - if you like the feel of a neighborhood place with lots of regulars, then this is a good place. Con: *VERY crowded - If you aren't a regular, expect to wait. I noticed that regular customers who came in AFTER us got seated BEFORE us. Not a good way to win new customers. *Slow service - I am not used to having to wait for a cup of coffee or water. To be fair, most of the slowness was due to the place being packed rather than "bad service" but slow is still slow. *Cramped - even despite the crowds, the place is small and cramped. Some of the isles (and the path to the bathroom) is so narrow that I can see people who are even "slightly plump" not being able to get there without brushing the dishes on the tables of other diners. Summery: If you are in a rush (long table wait) or if you want to linger over coffee (I don't mean to rush you but is this ready...), then this is definitely NOT the place for you to go and enjoy yourself. However, if you like a lively neighborhood spot with good food at good prices, then give it a try. It's worth going at least once for the experience. I can certainly see this being a fantastic place to go (perhaps sitting at the counter) for a summer afternoon snack or late lunch.
(3)Rebekah C.
If you are a person who digs diners . . . . this place is a cute classic diner, with good old diner food. They have a big menu with a wide array of classic breakfast and lunch dishes to choose from. While I have a hard time appreciating the old and not so clean appeal of diners as they crank out meals like a well oiled machine . . . I was pleasantly surprised that Deluxe Town Diner's breakfast was decent. While this probalby won't be my new breakfast hot spot, I could see coming back. The pancakes were 3/5.
(3)Jean C.
Definitely a solid breakfast spot. The food should make this a four star review but the 45 minute when quoted 20 minutes knocked it down. I mean, is it really difficult to come to us and let us know that it's taking longer than quoted and that we weren't forgotten. Is that difficult? No. Can it be done? Yes. But anyway, we finally got seated we were ready to eat. I normally go with my usual eggs benedict but there was something on the menu that just caught my eye. The Southwestern Chili omelette sounded amazing. And it was just good. The chili flavor was there but it was mainly beans. Where was the meat? The tomatoes? Maybe it was the spoonful I got that was missing it. The potatoes were ok and the rosemary garlic bread was more rosemary than garlic. The serving was portioned just right. The coffee was very tasty, one of the best I've had at any breakfast spot. Our server was polite but not the friendliest. I guess when you're constantly busy, you don't have time for that. Since I visit Boston once in awhile, I will probably try another breakfast spot before coming back.
(3)Kara S.
I came here a few weeks ago, thinking I'd never been. But upon entering I realized i'd been here once before, for dinner with a friend. Dinner was ok as far as I can remember. But Breakfast? Ohhhhh breakfast. It was delicious. Great coffee & Tea, nice hearty egg dishes, high quality bacon, all so good. But the pancakes? Good lord they were a revelation! I have never had pancakes so good in my life, they were so moist and tangy and flavorful. Let me tell you, there is a reason the sour cream flapjacks are highlighted with a bright yellow box on the menu. Do not ignore the signs, my friend. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. Mostly I just want to try the other pancake offerings. EVERYTHING sounds amazing, from the sweet potato pancakes to the blue cornmeal pancakes, to the Rhode Island johnnycakes. Mmmm. They also are located in an adorable old diner car, which is always retro-fun.
(4)Alyssa l.
Three words: SWEET POTATO PANCAKES. Hands-down the best pancake I've ever had. My family and I have been coming here for years and this place never disappoints. The real maple syrup on every table seals the deal. Just a heads up that weekends get really crowded so be prepared to wait a while for a table!
(4)Chuck K.
Here's what you do. You get the pancakes. You do NOT get the breakfast sandwiches. You do NOT get the omelets. You do NOT hope for a gourmet cup of coffee. No. The pancakes are exquisite, homemade, and unique. They come in a number of varieties and do not rely on the cheap trick of using fancy toppings to cover-up mediocre pancakes. You can get Southwest Blue Corn pancakes, New Orleans Sweet Potato pancakes, Rhode Island Jonny cakes or even just Deluxe Town Diner's own original batter recipe, scrumptious! The ambiance is small but not cramped, a more-or-less standard but cute diner. The prices are a bit high but not shockingly so. Parking is adequate. Service is friendly. Treat the pancake-lover in your life to a breakfast here and you'll transform her into a dependable ally, someone who would take a bullet for you.
(4)J D.
I've heard good things about the Deluxe Town Diner, and being a fan of diner breakfasts I was looking forward to checking it out. My wife is a Jersey girl where they have diners on every corner, so I was hoping the Deluxe would be the real thing. And....it definitely is. They have a great atmosphere, homey and to the point. No white table cloths here. The tables are a little tight, but that is to be expected with a true diner car. The food is great. I had the corned beef hash and there is nothing canned here. Fresh shredded corned beef, great potatoes and a lengthy choice of toast (the sour dough was good). The blueberry pancakes were as good as I've ever tasted. Service was friendly and efficient. Can't wait to go back .
(5)Chris L.
Yum, yum, yum! A perfect little diner in Watertown. We had a tremendous curry apple turkey burger with goat cheese, a reuben, a chicken pot pie and a turkey club with avocado and everything was delicious. It can get a little crowded at times and the booths are the most comfortable....the slightest twitch by the person behind sends a jolt into your seat but you can go wrong with this place. They have loads of options and the breakfast food, which I have had in the past, is fresh and perfect for that cold winter morning. If you haven't been yet, give it a try. You won't regret it!
(4)Kaella C.
After seeing Deluxe Town Diner on Phantom Gourmet, I had to check this place out. I decided to do so tonight with a friend after some shopping in Watertown. This place is a REAL diner - I had never been to one so it was so cool to walk in through old diner doors and sit in an old fashioned booth. What I like about this place though is that it doesn't go over the top to have that typical diner feel. It's authentic. We were seated immediately and were given water in this adorable glass bottle that we could pour ourselves. It was nice that if we wanted more, we didn't have to ask for it. A very nice man took our order - I got a short stack of sour cream flapjacks and my friend opted for the same, but with chocolate chips. We also got sides of bacon. The plates that they brought us were ENORMOUS! The pancakes were so amazing and moist and filling... I can't even describe how amazing they were. I just can't. My friend was in heaven with her chocolate chip ones as well. Whenever we get breakfast, she orders chocolate chip pancakes. However, she is very particular about whether or not the chips are mixed into the batter or placed on top. 9 times out of 10, they are placed on top. It's just not the same. Deluxe Town Diner places them IN the batter, which put her over the moon. The bacon was delicious as well. Neither of us could finish our short stacks - that's how big the pancakes were. We left feeling full and satisfied, but not over stuffed. I honestly haven't had such a satisfying meal in a long time and I cannot WAIT to go back! Everyone needs to take the trip up here to visit this diner. It's just that good. Not to mention it was $25 for the both of us to eat. What a deal.
(5)Sasha B.
This diner is fabulous! The service is fast and nice, we sat up on the bar next to the cooks, and they work together like a well oiled machine! Very impressive. Now, what I ordered: (don't worry, there were 2 of us sharing both meals) Corned Beef Hash with poached eggs- 5 stars, the best corned beef hash I've had. It has nice meaty pieces, and I watched them flatten it on the grill to give that slight char taste. It isn't super potato-ey (which is great), so you can use the delicious homefries as the potatoes. Sweet Potato Pancake with Pecans- 5 stars. Delicious! Definitely get it with pecans. Blue corn pancakes- 4 stars. Good, standard pancakes. My one warning is we asked to have one of each pancake, and a stack of two costs around $5, but they charged us for 2 individual pancakes for a total of $8 or so. Not a big deal, but next time I would just get 2 sweet potato pancakes!
(5)Catherine G.
I like diners a lot, and this place had by far the best diner food I've had in awhile. It's cramped, but I went in around 3 on a Sunday, and had no wait. However, this place is probably crazy busy during peak hours. Service was quick, attentive, and polite (if not exceptionally warm). However, the food is just GREAT. We all got breakfast dishes, and loved them. The spinach-goat cheese omelette was delicious, the pancakes were excellent. AND, the bill wasn't huge, which was nice ($65 for 5 people, and everyone got drinks and sides and the like). It seems like very good quality food- ie, my side salad had spinach and balsamic, rather than a hunk of cheap iceberg. Lots of nice touches on the very large menu (they had quinoa, and a whole tea menu- nice). Fricken' fantastic. Highly recommended, and a pleasant surprise for diner food.
(5)Margot T.
Fall in love every time I eat here... ...with the Harvest Salad, the sweet waitress, the beer that saves my life, the view, and the conversation. Best.
(5)Karen D.
A diner with some healthy options? I've gone here a couple of times and it is great. They have all the regular diner food, but there are lot of interesting items such as the apple curry turkey burger. A turkey club has fresh roasted turkey and you can get it on some nice harvest bread. The spinach salad is warm (OK, not so healthy if you have the bacon with it, but worth it). The also have brown rice and quinoa. I've gone off hours and it can be busy, so if you go on a weekend morning, be prepared.
(4)seven f.
Better breakfast than lunches though there grilled bacon & cheese is pretty damn good. Excellent, high quality breakfasts. Best hash, made from scratch. Not only is it made from scratch but has no fillers in it - some places add a ton of potatoes. All meat. A variety of pancakes and french toasts - if your into that - and many omelets to choose from. Good coffee. Busy, but attentive waitstaff.
(5)David W.
My wife and I eat here at least once a week, which in itself is an endorsement. They have a nice selection of pancakes, but I always order the plain buttermilk variety, which are among the best I've ever had. One item worth noting - they make their own homemade pastrami-style smoked salmon and it is amazing!!! Some of my favorites are the crabcake benedict, broasted chicken, corn/clam chowder, mac and cheese, meatloaf and burgers. (I am always dubious of "kobe burgers" though.) Their chili, while not hot/spicy is quite good, always served with a nice piece of cornbread (which is firm and does not disintegrate). The chili cheesedogs are outstanding but be warned - one is more than enough! (There's an option to order two.) The chicken livers app is an unlikely home run. They have a fried green tomato app that I could literally eat every day. The service is always good, and when they're on a wait for tables they move things along quickly. One minor thing I'm not crazy about.... the club sandwiches are served with fancy mesclun bitter greens - I would much prefer romaine or iceberg. After eating there once a week for over a year, I did have one instance where I had to send something back - the grilled swordfish skewers. It was just outright fishy. (I worked at Legals for 5 years and know what swordfish should taste like.) It's ok - they could have had a bad batch or maybe it sat in the fridge for a day longer than it should have. The important thing is that when I sent it back (which still drives the waiter in me crazy) they recovered gracefully. They rushed out my replacement meal (grilled cheese w tomato) and the manager came by to check in. Every restaurant is going to have a misstep at least once in a while - but these guys handled the situation in a way that just reinforced our love for the place.
(4)Leo L.
I can't believe I never reviewed this place. It's the best breakfast in the Watertown/Newton area by a decent stretch and a surprise for other meals. Read on... Fantastic pancakes. Take your pick: sweet potato (light and naturally sweet), jonny cakes (slightly savory, delicious), blue cornmeal cakes (nice alternative to buttermilk), ployes (ethereally light but flavorful) - only the latke disappoints (not enough onion flavor). Good oatmeal, average egg dishes, average home fries. I don't remember the french toast or waffles (probably because I can't stay away from the pancakes). Note that the Greek sausage seems VERY authentic - i.e. gamy and spice-laden - but I like it like that. Lunch and dinner are also very consistently good and often oxymoronically healthy. When's the last time you've gone to a diner that served quinoa, homemade falafel, grilled turkey tips (just downed them tonight - yum), and fresh vegetables prepared to order (not the frozen mixed kind)? Answer: never. Only downside is the benches are falling apart and the line is hideous after about 8:30 on a weekend, but, the latter comes with the territory. I hope I didn't just make the lines worse. The kids love it, the wife loves it, and so do I.
(5)Keith M.
Got there at ~5pm on Saturday. No wait at all. A classic ancient diner. We had a Rueban, Chicken Pot Pie, French Toast & Pancakes for dinner. The food was fresh and came quickly and hot. For dessert we had a cupcake and apple pie. Overall we liked the food, but.... 1) $4.95 for a piece of apple pie was a bit much. 2) The bench in the booth must have been the original from the 1950s.
(4)Lindsey M.
So I'm trying out this wheat-free diet on recommendation of my doctor. That said, I'm so tired of salads and Chinese food I could scream, the silver lining of my week thus far has been the Rhode Island Johnny Cakes: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo… . This special corn-based recipe is crunchy and sweet. It's somewhat reminiscent of a Potato Latke but with a different texture and overall more pancake than hash-brown like. These puppies are crunchy and sweet, a perfect compliment to a side of crispy bacon or sausage patty. They leave you feeling satiated but not, oh-my-god-I'm-a-pancake-fatty-full. If you're looking for gluten-free safe foods they're a must try. FYI breakfast is served all day, so get your Johnny Cakes for Bre-nner (breakfast-dinner) if you please.
(5)Melissa B.
I feel like I'm betraying both my co-workers former neighbors when I say, I just don't get it. Is Watertown really lacking decent food that everyone flocks to the Town Diner? I've never, I repeat, never had anything on the menu that I didn't fake "it's good" response to the waitress. Even when I'm at a table full of people all eating different things, nothing looks remotely appetizing. So what am I missing? The pancakes recommended by everyone were dry. Their signature sandwich was blah. I'm pretty sure I'd just skip a meal if Deluxe Town Diner was my only option. Not that I couldn't use a missed meal or two....so there....try the Deluxe Town Diner diet.
(2)Cara C.
$85 for dinner for 3 adults & 3 kids under the age of 5?? Food may be great but not THAT great...and the owner/hostess sure did have a 'kid' attitude that was NOT friendly. Don't give us RUDE looks while we are in YOUR establishment. Food may be GOOD but for sandwiches & burgers, that sure was a STEEP bill, not to mention noodles & butter & a pancake instead of fries for the kids was all EXTRA. Booths & tables could be in BETTER condition if they are charging that much for food, we were sitting on duck tape in a booth that made you feel like we were practically sitting on the floor. Won't be back for their lunch or dinner menu (unless I win the mega-bucks)~
(2)Marissa C.
We've been coming here for years for a weekend breakfast splurge - I always get the hungry person special (affectionately known to my hubby as the colossal fat a$$ breakfast because he knows it gets a rile out of me!) (pancakes, eggs, toast, hash browns, and veggie sausage) which is a great assortment all my favorite breakfast foods - we recently just discovered that a phone call about 10 minutes before showing up, even during the morning weekend rush (between 10am and 12pm) pretty much guarantees we are seated as soon as we get there. Highly recommend!
(5)Sara G.
I had breakfast here with a friend. my friend ended up filling up my coffee cup more than the waitress. the breakfast was tasty, i had the Greek omelet with potatoes and 9 grain toast. the potatoes were the best part, the Greek sausage in the omelet tasted sort of strange, but then again, it was my first Greek sausage experience. i did get a coffee to-go cup, which was nice, considering had to drive to Providence RI after breakfast.
(3)Zoe P.
"Excellent mashed potatoes, pleasant atmosphere, large menu, lots of "best of" hype, on a bus line. Years hence, everything else has faded from memory. Mark that." So I wrote once upon a time, but recently, fate has brought me to the Deluxe Town Diner again. And again. For breakfast. And the Diner has lost a star because it sure looks a lot like a diner but they can't make eggs over easy without breaking the yolks. Please. And then there are the jonnycakes, which if you've read the Little House books, you remember that Ma and Laura discuss this food item . . . Indeed, "Ma had heard some say that it should be called journey-cake. She didn't know. It wouldn't be very good bread to take on a journey." Well, she's right. After the journey from kitchen to table, these managed to be both gummy and stiff, and pretty tasteless. But the buttermilk and sour cream pancakes are delicious and so is their linguica and their syrup and they keep the coffee filled. Actually, everyone there is really nice and helpful and fast. So I can actually see this place becoming a regular Boston-area breakfast. As long as I keep my expectations low, eggwise, I'm good. The turkey Reuben is also good, and the doggy-bag containers are cardboard - yay!
(3)Tamara N.
I go WAY out of my way to come here! I used to live close to the Diner and I loved brunch there, so I continue to eat there, though it is no longer convenient . . . at all! They take no shortcuts with your food, it is like home made, except the portions are ginormous. Seriously, one pancake is intensely filling and the omelets are pretty crazy too! I now live downtown but occasionally head out to Watertown for a good, old fashioned brunch that I know won't disappoint. A useful tip - there is usually a line on the weekends but call ahead and they will tell you the wait time and may even take your name for the list!
(5)Elizabeth F.
It was a long wait for a table on a Sunday morning, but it was a wait well worth it. People have been recommending Deluxe Town Diner to me for as long as I can remember, and this morning, I finally went. I got an egg white omelet with fresh herbs and sundried tomatoes with wheat toast and a salad. What I was expecting was a massive, runny omelet with large herb leaves and oily sundried tomatoes, toast soaked with margarine, and iceberg lettuce with shredded carrots and some nasty "Italian" dressing. What I got was a perfectly-sized and fully cooked (but not overcooked) omelet with snipped fresh herbs mixed right in along with small pieces of sundried tomatoes, two slices of thick, fresh toast with a slight spread of real salted butter, and mesclun mix greens with sliced grape tomatoes tossed in a light oil and vinegar dressing. I can't wait to come back and try something new.
(5)J J.
Best one in the Boston area! I've begun to have an obsession with diners...but this one is my absolute fav! Sweet potato pancakes, challah bread french toast, OMG...we have made it our once a month food splurge.
(5)Shelley S.
Okay, maybe not as inexpensive as we'd like. And at times they are very busy. There are lines out the door. That is mainly because they serve up some awfully good ease and comfort meals. I'm picky and also have no complaints. I am heading over there now for my favored indulgence: sweet potato pancakes with pecans.
(5)Mark B.
I'm not quite sure why people (I guess that would include me) rate restaurants that have already been reviewed hundreds of times. I would have to write 100 reviews using different pen names to actually move the needle on this restaurant. Don't worry, I don't have the time, inclination, or creativity to come up with 100 different names so I'll stick to yours truly. I had Egg Nog French Toast and it was the best French Toast that I've ever had. Unreal. Okay, so I don't remember every piece of french toast that I've eaten in my 52 years. I just know that this was fantabulous (that sounds too feminine, doesn't it?). This place has a great menu and it's impossible to just order one item. My daughter had the Spanish Omelet and it was also really good. The service was great and the place had a lot of character. FYI, I don't give 5 stars unless I've eaten at a restaurant enough to really know that it should be a 5 star place. I live in California so it's unlikely that I will return to this place in the near future.
(4)Brook T.
Oh Deluxe. You are a gemstone in the rough. Their menu is HUGE. A little too big. I obviously get the french toast because I cannot turn that down. It's pretty awesome. They do not have strawberries though - which is kind of mind blowing. Strawberries make everything that much better. Breakfast all day = love. Also, do try their Boston Creme Pie. You will not regret it.
(4)Danne D.
I consider myself to be somewhat of a diner connoisseur and The Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown is definitely one of my favorites. It's about as authentic as it gets: in business since the 1940's, family owned and operated, classic stainless steel decor and neon signage, red vinyl booths inside, etc etc. What's so special about this diner though is the menu. Not only do they have the typical diner staple foods, but they're the most vegetarian and vegan friendly diner I've ever come across. Vegan pancakes, veggie sausage, veggie stir fry, a tofu loaf! It's a vegetarian diner lovers dream come true. What else is amazing is the tea selection. Most diners just offer your standard Lipton black tea but the Deluxe Town Diner has a huge tea list that I've never seen another diner even come close to. So, all in all, A+. Definitely worth the trek to Watertown if you don't live here.
(5)John S.
I paid twelve dollars for five turkey tips. That's pretty much a good gauge of what kind of place this is. I grew up in New Jersey, where you'd pass five diners on the way to the diner, and this here is merely an adequate one. The service was fairly good, but the prices were higher than any diner ought charge and the food was only decent. This place is a neighborhood staple, but unless you live in walking distance, don't go out of your way to get there.
(3)Larry H.
So a buddy of mine asks me to try this place with him on Saturday the 4th. It was his birthday that day so of course we went. As we drive up to this place we see a crowd outside of this tiny little boxcar diner which is a good sign. I don't remember seeing a parking lot, but it looked like most people were parked on the street. So we go in and put our name in "table for three, ten minutes. feel free to go next door and get a cup of bottomless coffee. We'll refill it here". So we do just that, my wife doesn't drink coffee so Jim and I grab a couple cups of the bottomless Joe. Well, that sets us back $5 bucks already. Yup, two cups of bottomless coffee - $4.95. I'm thinking this coffee has got to be awesome. I normally use 2 creams and 2 sugar packets for this size cup (16oz?). I needed 5 of each just to get this sludge down. If you like Starbucks coffee you'll love this. We just finish getting our coffee and our names called so we head on in. We are quickly ushered to the far corner table. Man they pack this place tight. We ended up basically sitting at a table for 6 with three other people we didn't know. It almost felt like we were invading their space but they were friendly enough and greeted us as we sat down. The booths are very uncomfortable, at 6'2, 200+ pounds I'm obviously too big for these seats. It's almost like the padding was gone and I was sitting on a frame of what the seat used to be and if you want your butt comfortable you have to sit in a position so that your back doesn't touch the back support. I have to tell you my back was sore for a good hour after eating. On to the meal.. I got the "Eggs and Hash" - Corned beef hash with two eggs any style, home fries or salad and your choice of toast. I ordered my eggs over easy and I got them over hard. Please don't tell me you're going to sell me a breakfast dish and mess up the eggs. Who screws up eggs these days? -1/2 star because you can't either: a) get my order right or b) cook it the way I ask. I opted for the home fries which were fine. I'm not really into home fries so these must be something special. I only ate a couple to try them. If I had a choice of hash browns I would have opted for those instead. Here comes the real winner of this dish... The toast and the corned beef hash.. It wasn't your typical ground up hash. It was full-on boiled dinner style. That's right, like a slab of meat with small pieces of turnip and potato on top of it. As awesome as this tasted it wasn't what I was expecting. I would go back for lunch and order the hash when I'm in the mood for boiled dinner but I won't order it again when I'm craving corned beef hash. The toast - I asked for white. What can I say.. I love carbs and this toast was really good. I mean, it was what this meal was all about for me. I had no yoke to clean up with it so I had to eat this straight up with the dab of butter they put in the middle. It was perfect, the crust was crunchy and the center was soft. The place was hot and I don't like being cramped and uncomfortable when eating so I took another 1/2 star off. I also didn't think the place looked very clean. It could be that it's an old place and just looks beat up, -1 star. The waitress was friendly enough to not knock down a star. All in all my dish worked out to be about average. I thought it was a little on the expensive side. All in all this place is nothing special to me. I'd eat here again if I was in the area but I'd probably try something else.
(3)Jenn V.
If breakfast is king, than this is where the king lives! And his favorite is the potato pancakes. That's all I have to say.
(4)Paul B.
DTD knocks the corned beef hash out of the park. Hands down, the best I have ever had, clearly made by the kitchen and not out of a can. The meat is actually shredded and there are tiny bits of carrot to be found. That seems to be pretty much it, but their simplicity rocks.The hash brown potatos are different but not necessarily in a good way. They don't have a pile of them bubbling away on their precious grill space, but held in some sort of warmer. The result is a slightly tough exterior and an interior that kind of disappears in your mouth without making much of an impression. I understand that DTD has made its deserved reputation via pancakes, but don't miss their corned beef hash. The menu also seems to have healthy choices available, which must be some sort of record for a dyed-in-the wool diner. If you sit at the counter near the service area, you will see some really tempting plates flying out to other diners. The staff is always warm and thankfully, highly competent.
(5)Aboud Y.
This place is wicked good (though I find their sour cream pancakes a bit too heavy at times). But the food is delicious and service is on. Maybe the best true "diner" in the Boston area.
(4)Suzy D.
Deluxe is heaven. Simple as that. The past week, I found myself there THREE times. By the third time I hesitated, but knew the person I was going with deserved some Deluxe and I was more than happy to inhale another batch of delicious diner grub. I'm a loyal fan to some breakfast dishes and their grilled cheese. Yeah, people scoff when I say that, but it's really the best grilled cheese I've had. Great frappes, good fries, sour cream flapjacks are stupendous. I'd give them five stars if it weren't for how they spoil me. The servers are excellent - very friendly, incredibly attentive, and almost always upbeat. Except for one. After getting my favorite (brunette with the ponytail!) for visit after visit, my luck ran out. Curt exchanges about ten to fifteen minutes apart, and forgot every request of her table other than their immediate drink and food orders. Took her ages to come back to split the check, and when we finally leave she doesn't make any comment. Now, I understand that behavior if it's busy. Too bad we were her only table. Point is - Deluxe is great! With the exception of one accursed waitress, they've got the best server staff. Fairly priced food. Just know that if you go a lot, you're going to be expecting the best from the servers. And when you end up getting so-so service, you will be appalled. Deluxe has changed my expectations for dining out.
(4)Ken M.
Service: 5 stars Food: 3 stars Price: 1 star I'd been here when I lived around the corner and liked it well enough, but I didn't remember the prices being this high (for a diner). The waitress was awesome and joked with me and my dining partner and was attentive enough. The coffee was good. The bacon was flabby and gross. A side of toast is one small piece split in half. The homefries were just okay and the eggs were eggs, hard to mess up too bad. The wait was insane at 10 am. Why wouldn't I just go to The Breakfast Club which has higher quality diner food at better prices with less of a wait at 10 am (albeit with way worse service)?
(3)A M.
My teammates and I often come here the week of our bouts for a team dinner. The atmosphere is great and everyone has a favorite something on the menu. Personally, I get a basic breakfast with a few eggs, bacon, homefries, and toast. I can't complain - it's a great breakfast and the price is not so bad. A few people have griped about the price, and I will admit that the fancier the ingredients, the more expensive it is. However, their regular breakfast fare is all I can speak about, and I can honestly say that it's very, very good. I can't speak for the wait - usually we visit on weeknights and later in the evening, but even then they are more than accomodating to our large group. Our waitstaff has always been friendly and helpful, and we've enjoyed our experiences so much that we keep returning to the diner.
(4)Amanda B.
Let me explain: I come here for the pancakes. I'm a fan of breakfast food. If breakfast food is an option, why wouldn't you order it?? I don't understand you people. In any event, the pancakes are generous. Ok, that's understating it a bit. They're HUGE. I can barely eat three quarters of a short stack. My favorite is the blueberry. Always tasty. I took a friend from Long Island (Land of the Diner) here and she raved about the Mac & Cheese. Loved it! This place is nearby, which is nice. Trouble is, there's always a line. Well, always during brunch hours. I try to come here at off-times so I don't have to wait. Really, there's nowhere to wait here but outside or in the doorway. The service is ok. Just ok. I don't think I've ever had stellar service here. The place itself is charming. It's an old-school diner and very small. There's a lot on the menu including some unexpected gems. Large tea menu. I came back to the Deluxe after a long absence and the place felt more funky and a bit cleaner. More hipster-ish. Maybe I'm imagining things. I think I don't go here more often because when I leave, I end up smelling like fried things. As if I've been standing over the fryer. I am like a sponge when it comes to sucking up smells like that. Same reason I hate going to Fajitas & 'Ritas.
(3)Molly C.
LOVE this diner. Yummy food - fun selections. Lovely desserts too! And it has the best mac-n-cheese I have ever had. YUM! However (and hope the owner is checking this out) but my only complaint is that the menu mistakenly boasts items that are 100% vegetarian (vegan vs. vegetarian debates aside). My complaint - french fries, onion rings and falafel all fried in the same oil as chicken fingers and fish are just NOT a vegetarian items at that point. This is considered cross-contamination. Otherwise - an awesome joint with great service!
(4)Yoonie C.
Ham - sliced with the bone + 2 Eggs over easy + Bacon + 1 tomato slice + Grapefruit juice = my best diner breakfast yet. If this place were slightly closer to me (i.e., within walking distance) I'd probably eat here every weekend. Service is always prompt and good. Their fans in the summer are a bit off-putting though. The grates of the fans are visibly dusty. If they clean those and kept them clean, I'd give this place 5 stars.
(4)chris p.
This was my first trip to the Deluxe town diner. I have been told many a time before by friends, and co workers that this place is very good. So i decided to try it. I decided to take out, and got the kobe beef burger. It was perfectly cooked (and as i asked Med-rare!) I love when u go to bite into a burger, and its just juicy. It was like heaven! probably the best burger in town. The fries were good. I like the seasoning of the fries, some kind of salt pepper, all-seasoning mix. Not a huge fan of the cut of the fries. I prefer more steakhouse like fries over shoe strings, but nonetheless the taste was excellent. A nice change to things is that they put greens on your burger, not just the usual lettuce, but baby greens, and that just tastes soo much better than reg old iceberg lettuce. The food was excellent, and I'll come back again to try the pancakes everyone on here seems to be talking about. I don't know if they can beat The Breakfast Club diner. Give me a "basket case" with french toast, scrambled eggs and bacon and i'm happy. :-)
(4)John W.
Where do I start? How about the building. As you approach it, it looks like the only change it's undergone in the past several decades is age. You walk inside and yep, same thing. This place is old. Why do people rave about this place? You look around and see a really cool crowd with a mix of people from all walks of life. And something just feels really right here. Hey, this place is cool! But the food is what really makes this place. They NAIL the classic american breakfast/lunch/dinner. And if that weren't enough, you can get yogurt and granola and fresh fruit; high quality loose leaf tea; a great tofu/veggie stirfry. Hippie food at a diner that's as real and classic as it gets? For real? Yep, for real. HIGHLY RECOMMEND - the Colossal Hungry Person's Breakfast. It's not as big as it sounds, but is "comprehensive" and just under $11. Pancakes or French Toast, eggs, home fries, toast, meat, and never ending cofffee (which is actually very good). Get either the French Toast with it or the Sweet Potato Pancakes. I always recommend the Sweet Potato Panckes to friends whom i bring there and they always pass on them. Then they try mine and say without fail "I should've listened to you and gotten the Sweet Potato Pancakes. They're awesome, not what i expected at all". My wife loves the chicken noodle soup - the owner's grandmother's recipe which he is guarding with his life (trust me, my wife can usually get secrets out of people). This place has the food and the soul.
(5)Mira S.
I have been to this place at least 5 times now at different times of day and gotten different things. I am gluten free. Their johnny cakes are AMAZING. So far Boston's only locale I've found that has GF pancake option. Eggs are really really tasty and fresh. Homefries are excellent. Dinner here: was ok. I think breakfast is their strong point...luckily they serve it all the time!!!!!!! I would defo recommend this place! Good prices too!
(5)Toodles K.
Went there for lunch on 6/30. Love the fact that they serve breakfast anytime. My co-worker had the sweet potato pancakes and a plain omelette. She said they were great. I had the Huevos Rancheros which I have never had before. The eggs were scrambled with cheddar, onions, peppers, and salsa on top with black beans and a small cup of sour cream on the side. Total YUM! The home fries were very good. Their iced coffee was superb. I highly recommend this place for the simple fact that they are a huge step above IHop for comfort food.
(4)Suki S.
I think since I am a regular here, it would be good to finally write a review. My husband and I love this place. Their menu is so thorough that anyone, regardless of how picky they are, will find something on this menu that they like. They have the most variety of pancakes I have ever seen. From sweet potato to Jonnie Cakes to Ployes (Buckwheat) which are my personal favorite. Couple of tips: If you're going on the weekend, go as early as possible because this place is insane come 9-9:30am. Its also best to go with as few people as possible because I find that when it is just my husband and I, we get in very quickly since we can just hop in at the counter. I'm vegetarian and although I am not a huge fan of fake meat, they do offer soy sausages which are actually really good. But like I said, there are so many options on the menu that I'm never left hungry. They have a great array of teas as well, I'm a tea person and love the fact that I can get a pot of vanilla rooibos tea which you can't find at probably any other diner in the world, accept for maybe Africa where Rooibos comes from. The service is also great. The food comes out quick and hot, and the cooks are all within view so if you're at the counter you can actually see your food being made which is good for inpatient types like myself who somehow feel better when I can see that my food is coming soon. All the waitresses are really nice and the best part about this place is that the price is so right! It's inexpensive like a diner should be but offers meals that are much more satisfying than any diner I have gone to. They also offer lunch and dinner but to be honest I have never gone for either, I have only gone for breakfast but I am curious as to what else they have to offer since what they list sounds very appetizing. You will not be disappointed if you come here especially if you're like me and you love breakfast food, you will love this place.
(5)Cat M.
Good lord this place is delicious. And vegetarian-friendly! So rare for a traditional diner! Get the sweet potato pancakes with pecans and pretend you're in Memphis having a hungover brunch at the Blue Plate cafe. DTD does an excellent job, for yankees. Blue corn pancakes are like nachos for breakfast. It makes sense if you've had them. Props for calling it the 'Colossal Hungry PERSON Breakfast' and not the 'Hungry MAN Special' or some other patriarchal nonsense that denies women's appetites and perpetuates body dysmorphia etc etc I went to a women's college...
(5)Rich S.
Good traditional diners are tough to come by in the Boston area, but deluxe diner has it all. Very old school, diner atmosphere and a MASSIVE menu. Standard "breakfast all day" type of place. You can get anything from fish and chips and buffalo wings to french toast and eggs benedict. $3.00 tallboys of 'gansett, fair prices and friendly wait staff make this my favorite diner around.
(4)Savannah R.
Cheap. Delicious. Seriously down right yummy. I've had amazing food here every time. It's usually a wait for the breakfast/brunch times on the weekend, but seriously it's worth the wait. The best pancakes. The best omlettes. And you can watch them make the food right in front of you if you sit at the counter. The waitstaff are pretty friendly too.
(5)Jake B.
My girlfriend, my two roommates, and I went here on Labor Day morning for breakfast. The line was pretty long, but we only had to wait fifteen minutes. To make it even better, we got to wait outside, and a staff member (it might've been the owner) came out to call us when our table was ready. I got the New Orleans Sweet Potato Pancakes, and they were delicious. I've never had sweet potato pancakes before, and I really liked them a lot here. My girlfriend and I also split a side of home fries, which were pretty good. The place was pretty loud and crowded, but it was Labor Day morning and the line was out the door, so I wouldn't hold that against them. I'll come back another morning and see if it's more comfortable. As a side note, one of my roommates got a large orange juice, and it cost him $4.95 ($2 less than his meal, and $1 less than mine). It was pretty run-of-the-mill orange juice, so we have no idea why it was so expensive (yes, we asked the waitress to make sure it wasn't a mistake, and it wasn't). If you come here for breakfast, don't order orange juice.
(4)Andrea H.
I should have read the reviews before we went here. We arrived on Saturday morning around 10am. I realize this is a busy time, but the crowd looked manageable and we were quoted 25 minutes. An hour later, we were still not seated. And people kept showing up and were seated before us!! Turns out, they take call aheads. I've never heard of a diner doing anything like this. Moral of the story--call ahead, and when you hear 25 minutes, it really means an hour. The wait was miserable. The food, however, was excellent. The pancakes are some of the best in town. I had their special sour cream pancakes with blueberries, and they were so delicious. My husband said the corned beef hash was some of the best he's ever had. The prices are reasonable but maybe a tad higher than other diners ($8-12 for a breakfast entree). All in all- we will definitely be back, but not without calling ahead.
(4)Anastasia C.
Good breakfast. My husband's favorite corn beef hash hands down, at least before he stopped eating meat. The menu is large, the breakfast is served all day and I can't get enough of their breakfast that comes with a green salad on the side. I nearly gave this place a three star after today's visit, though. Do not call it a fresh, seasonal fruit salad when I get grapes and tiny pieces of pineapple. And don't you dare tell me what you served me is a lime ricky. That was the Hi-C Ecto Cooler of my youth with some bubbles and a wedge of lime. Beware weekend visits. The staff does their best to move things along without rushing guests (I've never felt pressured to leave), but its a popular spot and you'll probably have to wait awhile to get a table on a weekend.
(4)Jon N.
After living in Watertown for four years, I finally made it to this place for the first time for breakfast last weekend. It did not disappoint. Strong coffee and a pleasant waitress greeted us at the counter. I had the corned beef hash and eggs -- the only complaint would be that the hash didn't stay on the griddle quite long enough so it did not crisp up or brown at all. But this is the real deal -- fresh pulled corned beef and lots of it. The New York style Potato Pancakes were also delicious. I walked out full and happy!
(4)Debra L.
I don't know what has come over me but someone has kidnapped the "salad with grilled chicken" healthy girl in me and replaced her with the "I'll have the chicken pot pie" girl. Maybe it's the winter, or maybe it's the fact that I've had my fair share of bad salads at diners, but I ordered chicken pot pie here for lunch today and I wasn't very impressed. The meal was good for a cold day. Hot and creamy with good sized moist chunks of white meat chicken, potatoes, carrots & peas. The sauce was really rich (but that's what I signed on for so I was okay with that). The problem was the crust (well, lack of crust). To me, the best part of chicken pot pie is the golden flaky crust, especially when it gets really crispy and almost sticks to the edges of the dish it's served in. The kind where you can get at least a little piece of crust in every bite. Well, this pot pie had no crust and therefore it was not a pie. It had a dry, stale, triangular shaped croissant-like pastry sitting on top of the creamy chicken & veggie insides. The pastry only covered about 1/3 of the actual dish. This was more like eating creamy chicken stew. On the plus side though, it was served with a nice mixed green salad. On a side note, I may have just ordered wrong (I was torn b/w this, the hot turkey sandwich & the Mediterranean plate). My co-workers got the lamb burger & the turkey club and they both raved about theirs. It was my first time there but I will definitely go back and try something else and update my review (if it's better next time).
(3)Naomi U.
We love (d?) this place. We've been going here for years...lately we only go every few months because the weekend breakfast line just got to be too much to deal with. We went yesterday only to get two plates of cool eggs...and the worst bagel I've had in forever. They've always been rather finicky about food quality, service, and preparation....so, I hope it was just an off day... something I thought was impossible at this joint.
(2)Stephanie S.
This place gets crazy busy on the weekends and most of the time its worth the wait. I guess they're known for their pancakes, but I've never tried them. I'm more of a lunch for breakfast sort of person. I'll have a turkey club, buffalo chicken wrap or chicken sandwich and those are all my go-to's. They do Diet Coke refills so that huge. They also serve water it handy large refillable water bottles. Looks like its the fancy water you pay extra for at nice restaurants, but not. It's just tap and keeps you hydrated without bothering the wait staff. So is it worth the wait. Most of the time yes. But be prepared to wait outside. And once you get inside the crowded joint, be prepared to shuffle your table around to let your table neighbors get in and out.
(4)Karyn V.
We used to go here at least once a week, but after three months of absolutely horrible service, we have decided to never go back again. At one point, we were so upset about the service (waited 15 minutes for the check, another 15 minutes to take my card, and then 8 minutes for the reciept to sign) that we wrote an email to the restaurant manager to let him know how his wait staff was treating people. Because it was so terrible, we could only assume he had no idea what was going on. However, our email never got a reply back. Not a "sorry" or "we will try to make things better". I guess the poor service comes from the top.
(1)Will W.
Best pancakes I've eaten in my adult life. I stopped trying to make pancakes because of this place. They always have a wait on weekends but turnover is quick and you can get in and out in about 15 minutes if you don't mind sitting at the counter by yourself. I've also had the meatloaf sandwich which was fantastic as well. I order the pancakes about 85% of my visits. Whatever you order for breakfast/brunch try the Linguica for a side order. For the un-initiated its a portuguese sausage that is criminally underrepresented in boston area restaurants, and often of low/poor quality when it is on the menu. The linguica here is as good as you'll get in the portuguese enclaves that stretch from E. Providence to P-Town. I'd give 4.5 if I could. The half point demerit is on account of their prices. I know this isn't typical diner fare, but it is a diner car. In Watertown. We're in a recession economy people.
(4)Jonny L.
Nice atmosphere, but for what it is , prices are very steep!
(2)Florina K.
Really good food!! The Service can really suck if you get a particular waitress that has been working there for a while... So good luck! Hope you get a good waitress:)
(4)Jamie H.
Pretty good food.... it was difficult for me to appreciate the food and extensive menu because I could barely fit into the seat behind the table! (And I'm not particularly big, just tall... and my knees practically levitated the table.) The coffee refills didn't come as quickly as I expect from a diner.... the food was only okay. Worth a try, but better not during the huge brunch-bunch!
(3)Stacey F.
First off ,your going to have to wait a little while but I believe its well worth it. Its on the healthier side so if your looking for a greasy spoon go else where. That also means it may be a little pricey but I will pay extra money for better quality. They are vegetarian friendly and have items that you dont usually see on the average breakfast menu. I've never been for lunch or dinner but the menu looks great for that too. Check it out.
(4)Bill M.
The food was okay. It really wasn't worth the wait for both the price and the quality. I would suggest continuing up the road and go to Tresca's Eating Place on Church Street. I went for breakfast with my girlfriend. The Banana Pancakes I had were better then IHOP's, so I would rather wait here then at IHOP in regards to pancakes. I'm not saying the food here isn't good, it is good food, but I'm closer to Tresca, and between the wait and the prices, if I want a good breakfast, I'll go to Tresca, but I wouldn't kick the Deluxe Town Diner out of bed for eating crackers....unless it was charging me for crumbs
(3)Timothy B.
A friend recommended we meet here last Saturday morning. Thankfully, he made a reservation ahead of time...the place was packed with a line out the door! Obviously, a good sign. Many typical breakfast/brunch options with several unique dishes (check out the variety of pancakes) offered. I built-my-own 2-egg omelet, which was delicious. We had six people in our party and the booth fit us perfectly and the service was great. Again, I recommend a reservation.
(5)Robin G.
I've been there a few times now and have always enjoyed both the food and the ambiance. I have not yet been there for breakfast but I keep meaning to, it's right down the street from my work but I never get in early enough to do breakfast. I've heard their pancakes are amazing.
(4)Colleen B.
Dinner was diner-rific with an upscale twist. There was jazz playing on the jukebox and wine and beer could be had. Yes there were blue plate specials, but there were also bistro favs like scallops and linguine and salmon. We opted for the more traditional diner fare and started with homey chicken noodle soup. It lacked full flavor, but what it lacked in flavor it made up for in fresh veggies an soft noodles. The turkey dinner was supremely satisfying and the burger was a healthy portion on a fresh bun. Pricing was middle of the road and a good value overall. Not crazy about the extra charge for cheese on the burger and fries.
(4)Sara A.
Since it's Sunday, another diner review. I agree with most of the reviews; the wait can be long and the service can be a bit slow during busy times, but it's worth it. Bonus points for the traditional diner atmosphere. As a celiac, I have but one thing to say: buckwheat pancakes. Tasty tasty tasty buckwheat pancakes omnomnom. The sides of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon were also excellent, as was the chocolate frappe... but PANCAKES. I could eat. That were GOOD. Not cheap, but definitely becoming one of my favourite places for brunch in the area. A great place to go for brunch with a small (3-6 person) group of friends!
(4)Jennifer B.
Shortly after I moved from Somerville, MA to Oakland, CA, I found at an Anthropologie store a packet of placemats that featured phographs from noneother than: you guessed it, the deluxe town diner. I suppose that makes this diner an institution, or at least corroborates my taste in food and clothing? Odd...anyway... My first time here was on a date when I'd first moved to the east coast. I had no farkin idea where it was in relationship to Cambridge, Boston, or the festival in JP we had just come from. It was just part of the thrill of riding through the fall streets in the car of a complete stranger. 3 years later you could find me working down the street at the Perkins school and coming here as part of a weekly ritual. I rarely feel the need to order other than the sweet potato pancakes, which have yet to reach their match in my palate's experience. Coffee is far better than what you'd expect from a diner, in fact better than most specialty coffee shops. Their dinner options are also consistently good. If you find yourself in Watertown, there's no better place to eat. And yet it's worth traveling to from anywhere in greater Boston. Just expect a long wait on the weekends (there are several parks nearby).
(5)Eric L.
Great food in an old-fashion diner atmosphere. Get there early or you'll be waiting (in the cold).
(4)Greg C.
Consistently excellent in every aspect. You might have to wait a while to get in, but it's worth it.
(5)Doug E.
It's everything I'd expect from a diner, except the food is very good.
(4)Sue D.
This place is great. They have such a great selection of greasy diner food and healthy whole food options. It's the best of both worlds, especially for a person whose friends love going to breakfast and who also doesn't like a lot of traditional breakfast options. The omelets are great - and I hate eggs. It's cool too how they use their cooking oil for heat energy.
(4)hilary c.
Sweet potato waffles - weekends only and they are worth the wait. Weekdays check out the sweet potato pancakes & buckwheat pancakes, REAL maple syrup. What more can you ask for???Yum.
(5)Heidi C.
After moving to Boston, I was desperate to find a good, authentic diner. There's nothing like a diner to cure a hangover, fufill your craving for something greasy, or give you a reliable Sunday morning breakfast/brunch spot. When my best friend discovered Deluxe, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. This was the place I had been searching for! Deluxe serves a full range of food from pancakes to cheeseburgers. All of the staples of a good diner menu are there. By far the star of the menu for me are their various kinds of pancakes, consistently winning best of Boston awards. The sweet potato pancakes are light, fluffy, sweet and so delicious, they are like breakfast and dessert all in one. A big perk of the menu, unlike many traditional diners, is their comprehensive offering of vegetarian fare. They even offer veggie breakfast meats as side dish options. The diner is a complete experience full of vinyl booths and waitresses flying by to fill up your coffee and asking you if you "need anything else honey?" This is a great place for reliably good food and conversation. And as far as I'm concerned, the only real diner in greater Boston. Run, don't walk to the Deluxe town diner.
(5)Bella and Aleksey R.
I went here on the recommendation that this was such an awesome diner. Maybe I am just not a diner type person. It just feels like why would I pay for a simple dish with eggs and toast, that I could easily make myself at home and eat in my pj's? The wait was quite long (went on a weekend morning). Food was satisfactory, but not up to the hype. It gets crowded fast, there isn't all that much space, and parking seems somewhat scarce, for Watertown.
(3)Aaron C.
I'm a regular "diner-er" diner. The average breakfast for two people should be about $20. This morning, we paid $35 (incl tax/tip) for French toast and a cheeseburger club. The food quality was average, the service was average with a slight attitude, and everything was -la-carte. The prices were relatively astronomical for what was served. Stay away from this one -- you have several other choices just blocks away (Victors, Talk of the Town) that do an exemplary job of embracing the spirit of what a diner truly is and are less than half the price! Regardless of what Fox 25 says about this place, they're wrong.
(2)Kathleen Y.
This diner is awesome. I was here once for breakfast around 10 am on a Sunday and it was totally packed. This diner has vegetarian friendly food, a bunch of different types of pancakes, and a huge tea selection. I had blueberry pancakes and coffee and it was way better than the typical greasy spoon joint. The service was quick and friendly and it wasn't too pricey either. We probably should've gone earlier to avoid a crowd.
(4)jim I.
This place is a staple of Watertown, and if you can get past the lines, the so-so service, and the high prices, then its pretty good. On the other hand, I noticed that everytime I went I got one less homefry... after 10 visits, that really added up, so I stopped going. Am I crazy? Maybe a little bit.
(3)lulu l.
I have breakfast here every few months and their once yummy omelets changed in the past year. We're ordered them again this past weekend (obviosuly forgetting how dispointing they were the previous times) and they still are overcooked, dry and shaped like a frittata. The rest of the menu is still very good. I recommend the hungry person special. The regular pancakes are definitely one of the best in metro Boston, though the buckwheat ones have come out dry. Definitely try the pancakes with blueberries or just plain which are delicious! The wait staff is generally good. But the wait can be frustrating on weekends if you are in a small party in the brunch time rush. Somehow they will seat three people in a booth rather than two persons who have waited much longer. For that, I have to ding them another star!
(3)Ariel G.
deluxe town diner is not your standard diner. don and Darrell that own it are a nice family and like to make their menu interesting rather than just standard old diner doring. the food that they pick always seems to be very good quality rather than OK to save money. all the food is very tasty. also this diner serves dinner which is unusual for diners. i also used to work at their little ice cream/cupcake place called cosmos down the street. they have shut that down and started a coffee/cupcake pick up area. the cupcakes a really good!
(4)George A.
i like this place, but i don't know why they can't spend a dime to fix this place up a bit. not too crazy about the service here, nor the attitude (it's watertown, not a chic downtown hotspot). i always avoid the lines and try to eat here when it's slower.
(3)Henry P.
You will not find better tasting pancakes, ever, anywhere in the world. Blue corn cakes are wtfpwn. Corn Beef Hash, is actually REAL corned beef. I've never experienced such amazing curedness.
(5)Gil S.
This place rocks. The wait can be long if you show up too late, but the menu offerings make up for it. Great pancakes and ham steaks! Mmmm, ham steaks!
(4)Jorge J.
THE place to go for refueling after a good run along the Charles!!
(4)Fred L.
I've only had dinner at the Deluxe, but never a bad meal. In particular I appreciated the meatloaf, the Kobe burger and the Asian noodle salad. A good diner.
(5)Nick Z.
The best breakfast option in Boston without question. I always have to rein myself in from ordering the full stack of pancakes because they're just too much to eat. They get bonus points for offering veggie sausage as a side for their breakfast items - not found at many of the other places I've tried in the area. There will be a line on the weekends, but get there a little early (9:00am) and you should be all set. The lunch and dinner entrees are also good and it's nice that they're open until 10pm on weeknights when you don't feel like fighting the crowds elsewhere in Watertown.
(4)Lois L.
The Deluxe Town Diner's pancakes can not be beat but the service is so awful that it is not worth the hassle. About every 6 months we wander back into the Deluxe Town Diner because the sweet potato pancakes are to die for but each time we leave shaking our head vowing not to it again. The wait is long, the tables are on top of each other and it is not cheap. I am not a service snob but I don't want to have to ask for a fork three times after my pancakes have been brought to the table. The last time we went there our check was for $34.00 and they charged my credit card for $340.00. When I pointed this out the waitress had to get the owner who acted annoyed that I wanted proof that he voided the sale or credited my credit card the $306.00 I was overcharged. Uncommon Grounds is two blocks away with great food, a nice set up including outside tables and good service so from now on we are going to Uncommon.
(2)Seafoodie R.
Great atmosphere, awesome food! ever had fresh corned beef hash? everywhere else seems to fish-out Hormel right out of the can, not here! fresh pulled corned beef and diced potatoes off the grill, really really really good... Egg sodas, pancakes, and delicious breakfast sandwiches! try the Colassal Hungry Person if you can handle it, get it with Sweet Potato pancakes... the New York style Potatoe pancakes are excellent with sour cream!!!!
(5)Antonio A.
I love this place; its often packed for good reason. The food is consistently excellent. The menu is surprisingly varied and eclectic. I highly recommend the pancakes; the very same ones that earned accolades from the Food Network. I love their desserts too. I'd love to give this place 5 stars, but the menu is a little too pricey and the interior is a little dilapidated and dingy, even by roadside diner standards.
(4)Gail L.
First time I ever had Quinoa...yummy. Lot's of amazing things here...fresh actual vegetables, not frozen or from a can. Real potatoes, great breakfasts, just okay coffee. Burgers are good, tofu meatloaf and veggie burgers for the non meat eaters. And the quinoa...nice alternative to rice or potatoes...healthier. Not a fan of their french fries though...they season them so they taste like bbq chips...not for me...I like 'em straight up and not pre salted...hate that. A great place for meat eaters and their vegan/vegetarian friends to go and all find something they'll enjoy. A LOT!!
(4)Lori E.
I LOVE this place, except that it's cramped and hard to get into on the weekends. It's a diner that has really good food--not so common. I like that they have typical and not so typical diner food and jazz it up with a gourmet flare.
(5)JJ G.
Can we talk hash here? I'm talking stringy, flavorful corned beef and those awesome potatoes. Add a half stack of sweet potato pancakes with pecans, man, nothing like it ... oh, I gotta go get me some!
(4)M. G.
Hi! I ordered take out for the second time here, just this past weekend. I had the Kobe beef burger (medium rare) with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and a Nicoise salad with a huge hunk of tuna in the middle! The salad was a work of art, and a very large portion that I ate in two sittings. I highly recommend both. However, I ordered blue cheese for my burger, and it wasn't until I got home, that I noticed that they forgot the blue cheese. I called to mention it to the restaurant. I wasn't upset...Just wanted to let them know, because it was still a good meal overall. I spoke to a gentleman named Marcus, who asked me what I wanted him to do. I wasn't sure, so I thanked him for his attention, and tried to leave it at that. He then said, "Well, I am here most nights of the week, and if you order another Kobe beef burger, I will pay for it...its on me." What? Whoa!!! I kept my receipt and two days later I called the restaurant to place another take out order of the salad and burger, and explained my situation to the person who answered the phone. I offered to come in person and place the order, if it was easier for the staff, but I was assured that I could still place my order over the phone for the free burger. I was put on hold for 10 minutes....but I didn't sweat it, because I realize that they are very busy, and perhaps they were waiting to verify things with Marcus. When I hung up and called back again, the owner, Don, answered the phone. I explained what happened, and he took my take out order. I arrived there within 15 minutes (take out is ALWAYS fast there) and there was Don near the entrance. I introduced myself and showed him the receipt but he assured me that all is well, and not to worry about that. He said that he added the usual coleslaw and fries with the burger too. Dude, I didn't even ASK for all that! WOW! And he apologized again. Wow. And alll I wanted was a burger...Wow. I know this is long....but I wanted to give them mad props for their customer service. Their food is excellent and they would have garnered high marks on that alone, as other Yelpers have already shared...Thanks for reading!
(5)Erik S.
Get the pancakes (maybe not the Johnny Cakes, but definitely the sweet potato w/pecans), get the omelettes, and the polenta fries, and particularly the asian chicken noodle salad (or wrap) and the tofu stir fry. This is a slightly pretentious, kind of crunchy version of an old-timey diner, and if you order the right stuff, it's great. If you order like a fool, the kind of fool that goes into a diner and gets the half-chicken or the soup or whatever, you'll be disappointed (and you deserve to be). If you get the bison burger, or experiment with some of the specials, or just stick with brunch (again, those excellent pancakes), you'll understand why this place is still legendary.
(4)Eli G.
Sure as Ty V. said, the diner decor/atmosphere goes a long way, but I think the food at Deluxe Town Diner is actually really good. I've never done breakfast, but the dinner menu has typical diner fare with some added bonuses and the quality of the food is def a cut above. As you'd expect from a diner, the portions are huge, which makes D.T.D. a real bargain. It's not a fancy restaurant, but If you are looking for the best diner food around, then look no further.
(4)Ben R.
I live around the corner, so it's hard not to go eat there. Good, cheap food, a little more "high class" than your typical diner fare. Try the curry turkey burger, the meat loaf, the Reuben, and the fries. You won't be sorry. DTD loses one star for the sad shape of their booths. You can't sit and have a meal without being wobbled and jarred by the person sitting behind you. Otherwise, it's a lovely experience. Best pancakes in town too. Update: We hadn't been to the Diner in a while, as the mystique had worn off. I was getting a hankering for it the other night so we went. I had my favorite, the meat loaf. I realized something: The Deluxe Town Diner is really very overrated. My meatloaf was bland, my mashed potatoes, while good, were also a bit bland. Everything is just that: blahhh. They didn't have my favorite polenta fries anymore, and the pancakes up the road at Uncommon Grounds are much better now. Our server was this vacant, seemingly insane woman who was working there the last time we went. She was barely there, and when she was, she wasn't. The booths are still impossibly uncomfortable, and it was cold in there, and I'm never cold. I probably won't eat there again, even when friends are in town. The hipsterosity (new word) of this place has really made it bigger than it really should be. Come on $3 for a fancy looking cupcake?
(2)Eric S.
I've eaten here a handful of times, although none recentley. A large part of it's appeal is the classic diner "feel" this place has. The food always tasted pleasent, although I felt like they may not be the cleanest/sanitary establishment. I'll go to Uncommon Grounds down the street if it's up for debate.
(2)Andy T.
This place is better than a lot of local diners (Kelly's or Rosebud in Somerville come to mind) and offers a good range of food, but they haven't totally won me over. The menu is much more extensive than traditional diner fare, but I sometime wonder if they over-extend themselves because not all of it is good. Service is ok, you might complain when they are busy, but it's a diner, and personally I don't expect too much. Some of the booths are wickedly uncomfortable - springs on seat-cushions gone out and duct-taped over, backs too straight, pushed in too close to the bolted-down tables - and others are just fine. Anyhow, I've been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and if you can get lucky with the weekend brunch lines it is enjoyable, but not necessarily a destination. Anyhow, I've had some great breakfasts and some, that while not actually bad, were merely passable. Lunches and dinners I've tended to find both good and bad on the same plate. The much talked about kobe burger, for example, is typically a great beef patty, but I've had it served with a weird, untoasted eggy bun - not good, and found the side of sweet potato fries to be soggy and greasy at the same time. Anyhow, I still have a sweet spot in my heart for them as a cozy old diner, and like I said, a lot of the food can be quite good, but I don't think they quite live up to their hype. If I lived in Watertown, I might be here mor regularly, but I don't think of them as a place that merits much of a trip.
(3)Tory B.
Town Diner does a great job with the usual diner options, but also shines with their more unusual dishes. I'm really picky about pancakes because I often get bored of them after a few bites. This is not the case with the pancakes at Town Diner. They are fluffy and moist and you can add a variety of toppings (blueberries, bananas, pecans, strawberries, chocolate chips, etc). My favorite are the sweet potato pancakes with pecans--they are phenomenal. The ployes, buckwheat pancakes, and blue corn pancakes are also great options in addition to the more standard buttermilk pancakes. Another one of my favorite dishes is the two egg breakfast--this dish is simple and a classic, and is what I usually get if I want something breakfasty but not sweet. I also really like the warm spinach and goat cheese salad. The menu is extensive. I've been there many many times and there are still a lot of things I haven't tried. The wait can be long, but the service is friendly and efficient, and the food is definitely worth the wait.
(4)Heather B.
Had a very good breakfast there today. Short stack of blueberry pancakes which were light and fluffy and very tasty. Very good bacon and high marks for very good coffee. Also enjoyed a really good lunch there a couple of months ago. I miss diners - they are more a way of life where I grew up and this one fits the bill.
(3)Joey M.
About a 10 minute wait on a saturday morning, not that bad. And its easy to park around here. There is a decent menu for vegans, there is 2 options for vegan pancakes but make it clear you dont want any butter/dairy. The ployes claimed to be buckwheat but there was clearly no buckwheat in them. The short stack comes with 2 really large pancakes. I recommend the side of veggie-sausage, they're really good. I would come here again, probably to try lunch or dinner. I enjoyed the diner-vibe.
(3)S S.
Uh-Ho , Dont know where to start. I love there flapjack pancake with sour cream! I have been there twice and it has become my favorite. I am so in love with their pancake that i am afraid to order anything else. I have also sampled there spanish omelette with salsa , of others plate, must say delish. I have a roving eye when it comes to food. Could not stop flirting with food on other people's table! The wait was 15 mins both time we went there. Also, the crowd is super interesting and i mean it ofcourse in a facietous way , but who cares, did i tell you about the pancake. There is so much more on that menu that i am dying to try. However, i cant risk my love affair with the pancakes, which are huge and i manage to eat (out of 2) 1 and more than half of the other. It becomes physically impossible for me to finsih it all, but i would if i could. We bot the pancake mix. What can i say, i am in love ...with the pancakes here
(4)John W.
if i lived in watertown, i would eat at deluxe town diner every morning. mmm, how i love their deluxe flapjacks (made with sour cream and buttermilk) and their potato pancakes. and how many other diner's offer veggie sausage? the service is always friendly, and the price is fair for the amount of food you get.
(5)kimsy m.
I love love love diners but rarely get to go. My roommate/heterosexual life partner and I have opposite work schedules so I really treasure our Sunday brunch together. She is vegan so diners have been out of the question. Until now! I didn't have to compromise my love of all things dairy and she got like 4 yummy vegan options to choose from. We are hooked! I highly recommend the challah french toast and the homefries are also quite yummy. Service was friendly and fast and the diner was cleanish for a diner. I'll be back!
(4)Meghan D.
I love the diner aesthetic in general, and the little neon and metal affair that is the Deluxe Town Diner is right up there with my Route 66 favorites. As it was my first time here I kept the menu pretty basic; deluxe burger, sweet potato fries (that they even have them is a plus), side salad. What a lovely, moist, generous burger! Liked the bun style, too, almost like challah. Pretty big basic salad (lots of vegetarian options on the menu and a good, wholesome conscientiousness in general (deep fry in oil w/ no trans fat, hearty options like beef stew)) and surprisingly good coleslaw. A bit disappointed in myself for not reading the menu close enough to realize that they have lime rickeys before I got a soda, but I'll be going again. Asked for mustard and the waiter brought out Guilford's, not French's. Points again. Wasn't crowded as I went on a Wednesday night, which I would recommend if you want quick, attentive service. And, oh yeah, Ludwig van Beethoven's 6th symphony in F, Op.68 "Pastorale" was playing in the background throughout my meal. Awesome.
(4)J E.
If you are a breakfast fan you should check this place out. When I went to eat here despite the line being out the door, I still only waited about 5 or 10 minutes until I was seating. The menu is pretty big and the food is brought to you rather quickly. A personal favorite of mine, corn beef hash, is on the menu and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is actually homemade, and not the generic mushy variety that is from a can. My meal was delicious, and the quantity was rather large. The price is a little above average for what a breakfast should be, but you can't have everything.
(5)Emilia D.
The best diner on earth. Skip Johnny's and Talk of the Town which are nearby, and go straight to Town Diner. Best egg combos and pancake innovations in the area. A funky, small place...they are expanding their seating to prevent the Sunday morning wait...which is, by the way, worth it. Friendly, local place, a good locale to nurse a hangover with their wonderful coffee and great grub.
(5)Eric S.
The jonnycakes here are to die for. Really. They get 5 stars just for that, but their other pancakes and breakfast foods are great too. Just don't profane the jonnycakes put putting anything one the, they really don't need it.
(5)Dan D.
Great building, good food. Prices are a bit higher than most diners, but the food is a bit more upscale than most diners as well. The wait's just too long on Sundays though. Hopefully they can fix that soon. And they did manage to get us seated fairly quickly, despite the crowd waiting outisde.
(4)marc q.
Okay, so I've been watching Diner's Drive Thru's and Dives and saw this place showcased. I had to try when I saw the pancakes. Well low and behold, my wife had the first experience, she went the other night with a friend and had the Kobe burger, she said it was OMG fantastic! her friend had the salmon burger and he said it was really good. She is an apple pie expert and she said there apple pie was really good. So off we went last Saturday and got there at 10:00am, I'm thinking Christ we're gonna be waiting 2 hours, but we only waited 10 mins, Like the previous review, I thought boothes.....dingy, but hey it's a diner. I got the Hungry mans plate and I have to say, the pancakes were the best I have had in years.....made with sour cream!!!??? so friggin good. Bacon-thick and off the chain. My wife got a smoked salmon braekfat sandwich and it was great. I keep thinking of my pancakes.....My son's got a burger and a breakfast plate. But with my thoughts of fantastic pancakes in my head, I think I will be heading back again this week. Oh yeah - they have a great tea menu for all the tea lovers like me. There is soooo much on the menu, I really did not mind the 45 minute drive to get my pancake treats at all.
(5)Anna S.
This is a great little diner with good eats and cheap prices. The staff is very friendly and everyone can find something to satisfy their hunger. My friend's art work once hung on the walls of the Town Diner and the frequently change the art which adds a little uniqueness to a very oldies style place. Good for brunch, lunch, Linner or even some late night muchies. Good for a traditional solid meal.
(4)Char H.
I've been here a few times, and have been really craving the corn meal pancakes. I went today, though, and they were terrible! It tasted like they had made them yesterday and just threw them on the grill to reheat -- they were rubbery and actually made me feel kind of sick afterward -- they were so dense and heavy . My fiance's blue corn pancakes were pretty bad too (though not as bad as mine). Not to mention the terrible, terrible service. It's a shame to see a good restaurant go down... We won't be going back.
(1)howie r.
Best breakfast spot in the Boston area! Amazing quality and variety of pancakes. Try the ployes and the blue corn. Definitely worth the wait on a Sunday morning.
(5)Cyn C.
Everyone reviews the breakfast/brunch fare here. They do have a lot of options, and anyone with potato pancakes/latkes is gonna get a thumbs up from me. But after having dinner here, I felt the need to review. They had a LOT of yummy vegetarian options (for my vegetarian friend). We shared an order of cheese fries (they put the cheese on the side, so your fries don't get soggy!). She ordered the 4 veggies plate (can choose from the sides menu) and it was a HUGE plate. I ordered the spinach salad, which consisted of slightly wilted (not gross wilted, ... I mean slightly-cooked wilted) spinach, a lot of thick cut bacon crumbles (and it's gotta be apple-smoked bacon, b/c it had a slightly sweet flavor), and just the right amount of yummy goat cheese. All that tossed with a bit of balsamic vinegar dressing. Even better, unlike at breakfast/brunch time where you have to wait a lot, there was barely anyone there for dinner. I can't wait to go back to try some of the other delicious sounding dinners!
(4)Lia P.
Kid Friendly Restaurants in Watertown: The Deluxe Town Diner Features Quality, Moderately-Priced American Food The Deluxe Town Diner is one of many kid friendly restaurants in Watertown that has a long-standing following of locals and tourists alike. Referred to as the "Town Diner" or "Town-Line Diner" by regulars, this dinner has a long and interesting history since it first opened its doors in 1947. This classic, American diner with original stainless steel exterior and neon sign, is definitely worth checking out. The Town Diner is the cozy, neighborhood spot, where people of all ages sit down for authentic American home-style cooking. Bustling with energy and lively conversation, and a friendly, smiling staff, it's easy to see, why this diner is so popular. The Town Diner is always packed, especially on the weekends. The line is usually out the door, which generally signals a good sign. The Town Diner serves up some of the best pancakes you've ever had. Try the Sweet Potato (with Pecans) and Blue Cornmeal pancakes, they're delicious, moist and fluffy, (absolutely, out of this world). Served with Morton's REAL maybe syrup, nothing artificial about these flapjacks. The only downside about this diner is that it's super busy, and there's usually a long wait. It's a good idea to call ahead to make sure you'll get a table. Otherwise, you're little ones might get restless. The plus is that the kitchen is super fast, and your meal is at the table before you know it. While there are some other great kid friendly restaurants in Watertown, not many of them can stand up to the Deluxe Town's Kid's Menu. All kid's meals are under seven dollars, and there's plenty of choices such as the child-sized version of Sour Cream Flapjacks,French Toast, Burger w/ French Fries, Penne w/ Butter or Tomato Sauce, Chicken Finger Platter, and the Turkey Plate served w/ Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and (choice of vegetable), just to name a few. They even have a child-sized soda (9 oz.) with optional lid. Your kids can choose from fresh-squeezed orange, grapefruit, and apple juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice that's naturally sweetened with white grape juice, fountain sodas, lemonade, fresh-brewed iced tea, and much more. Make sure to bring your appetite, because the portions are enormous. For adults, you can't go wrong with any of the breakfast choices. The omelets are fresh and ready to order, the home fries a crunchy, and cooked to golden perfection, the bacon crispy, and there are several choices of toast, including sourdough, whole wheat, 7-grain, rosemary garlic, pumpernickel, and much more. So, if you're looking for authentic diner food at great prices, you can't go wrong with the Deluxe Town Diner. Plus, you'll get to experience on of the few standing, original diners, where people of all ages continue to gather for home-cooked American meals in a small and cozy atmosphere. * Deluxe Town Diner * 627 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472 * (617) 926-8400 * Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. * City Watertown
(4)Joy K.
Good food, mostly all friendly staff, but you lose stars for your pricing. Overly priced as it is, and starting to get greedy with your new menu pricing and increases. For people who are regulars here for years, your new menu pricing is crazy---ex no salad or home fries with egg sandwich and you have to pay extra. Pinching pennies, much?
(3)DEREK S.
I have been here years ago for Brunch with family, last night I was actually going to go the Thai restaurant around the corner, but when I got there, they only had two tables and they were full! So I took my "date" to this place. I only ordered a Greek Salad because I figured being in the heart of Watertown with the racial composition heavily predisposed to people from this region, the Greek Salad should be one of their better dishes...Unfortunately I was wrong! They probably had less than one ounce of Feta Cheese on the dish, my friend's dish was a bit better, but over all I was a bit disappointed. Decent service though...
(3)Kyle R.
My girlfriend and myself come here for brunch on a regular basis. We always get the "Deluxe Colossal Hungry Person Special", and we never share any of it with each because we turn into ravenous beasts at the sight of their pancakes. We then proceed to walk very slowly back to our car in equal parts ecstasy and shame while contemplating the futility of existence. In fact, we decided that if either of us ended up on deathrow, the Deluxe with strawberry pancakes would be our last meal. Deluxe, you bring out the best in people. Never change.
(5)David B B.
We came just before closing time for a late-night breakfast. I should say that I've been here many times in years past, and I have always had a great meal. We were pleased to see that they took orders right up until 10:00. With the servers helping to shut down, it was hard to get their attention. We got the "deluxe" (ie, normal) pancakes, the sweet potato pancakes, and the veggie "hash." This last item is a complete misnomer, containing no potatoes and in fact consisting exclusively of things I hate: green peppers, summer squash, carrots, and oregano. It was a scene out of Heart of Darkness. Fortunately, they took that back, and there was plenty of food even with a short stack of each pancakes. The sweet potato pancakes were delicious. (Note: lots of nutmeg, which is good or bad depending on your nutmeg stance.) The deluxe pancakes were fluffy and not too heavy. I was very happy that they served all of their pancakes with 100% legit maple syrup. We came away quite satisfied.
(4)Simone K.
The only reason it's 4 stars is because the French Toast and gluten free pancakes are amazing! Otherwise..... the food is kind of dissapointing.
(4)Kevin L.
Diner has a nice vintage feel to it, but some things like the countertops need to be upgraded. Our waitress, Virginia, was very friendly and did an excellent job breaking down the entire menu, which was packed with all sorts of options (as is typical with diners). The apple curry turkey burger was the most interesting thing I saw and I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with how flavorful and delicious it was. It had such a unique taste and I would highly recommend it if you're looking to try something different and out there. Overall the food was filling, but not so greasy that you would feel bloated afterwards.
(4)Greg H.
This is a true gem. Good prices, great service, awesome food. Seriously, everything I tried at the table was amazing. The challah french toast was to die for. (And honestly, picking this over the sweetpotato pancakes was a really really hard choice. I will get those next time. I swear.) There were 5 of us. All hungry. One couple split the Hungy man deluxe, and oh my god was that a lot of food. One had the pot roast that looked so flavorful and was so tender you could cut it with the spoon. A burger with fries rounded out the orders, and even that looked solid. (The fries were good.) An order of Cinnamon Chai was also ordered, with milk. It came in a small steel pot, with the milk in. The mixture of milk and tea was perfect, and the steeping was also. We were provided with two cups. The Challah french toast was perfect. Deeply dredged in egg, fried to perfection. Th outside was perfectly crisped. They apply the butter and powdered sugar, and bring real maple syrup to the table. I also had a side of the soy sausage, which was also crisp and good. The wait staff was friendly, not overbearing, and intuitive. (Brought an extra plate for the sharing couple without having to be asked. (And they hadn't even really advertised that they were going to be sharing.)) Dinner for 5, which left us all very full and happy, was just about $50. We had no room for the desserts offered.
(5)Steve H.
Just an average diner, with great food along the MBTA#71, the service was good, the location is clean!
(5)BostonKidFriendly B.
This is a family favorite! Such great food and you just can't go wrong. When our family is indecisive on where we want to eat, the Deluxe Town Diner fulfills everyone's wants and needs. They have crayons and color sheets for kids, delicious food, and are a family friendly restaurant. Our family has a little bit of everything from pancakes to salads and sandwiches and we are never disappointed.
(5)Lispeth N.
Deluxe Town Diner is one of my favorite places to eat in the entire area. I particularly appreciate that they serve lunch all day, so you can order a sandwich for lunch and pick it up on your way to work, etc. They also have a good number of gluten-free options.
(5)Mark M.
Fantastic All American diner!!! The wait is long but well well worth it! It's an old fashioned little diner car so be patient and enjoy when seated. My gf and I went and sat at the counter and got to enjoy watching all of the food being prepped and served and that alone was a treat! The food was fantastic and the portions were plenty! We both ordered omelettes and we split a standard deluxe pancake. The eggs were delicious and the pancakes were out of this world! High recommend and we are going back tomorrow!!
(5)Anthony L.
I. AM. SO. GLAD. I. LIVE. DOWN. THE. STREET. FROM. THIS. PLACE. If you are looking for a true diner experience, look no where else, friends, as Deluxe Town Diner is the place. I honestly have no idea how to begin this review... do I start with the huge menu? Maybe I start with the really cute 70's diner ambience. No, perhaps it is the really awesome wait staff. Ehh, maybe it is the fact that they serve (not the best) beer (but what can you expect, it's a diner!). Nah, I'll start with the healthy portions of food. Oh gosh, no, it's the really rad coffee shop next door. Uhhhhh, no, it's the speed of service, especially when the diner is PACKED. Oh wait, no, maybe it's the really damn good coffee that they serve. Ah, screw it, I don't know. Deluxe Town Diner is the definition of comfort food within a really great ambience. You will not leave a sad customer, I promise that. Pro tips: 1. Reservations **ESPECIALLY** for weekend brunch 2. (I don't remember what the sign said), but there's a sign inside the vestibule that lists some free parking options One thing that is true that I cannot confirm: - They have a damn good and extensive tea menu
(5)Eric B.
We didn't know anything about this place when we walked in. They were closing in five minutes but the waitress still seated us and took our order. So nice! The food was awesome, too. The grilled cheese offered multiple cheese, bread, and topping choices. I went with pepper jack cheese with tomatoes and spinach, with seasoned fries as a side. Excellent. Overall this place had excellent, high-quality diner food and equally excellent service. Thanks!
(5)Missy P.
The service in this place is horrible. I have been here once before and the experience was fine, if not memorable. This time though- WOW. -This diner is small and we went in at 2 pm on a Saturday afternoon. They were not busy and it still took the server around 10 minutes to come over. -We were coming in to grab a beer and get quick lunch for our son. The server had no idea what the Sam Adams seasonal was, or that they were out of Allagash white. I am a server, and that's pretty basic, Server 101 type stuff. - When we ordered my kid's food, after the server informed us that they were out of Allagash, she insisted that we HAD to order food if my husband and I wanted a beer. She then informed us that it was a local law in Watertown, all beer must be served with food. This is a bold-faced lie. I am a server, in Watertown, and there is no law or licensing agreement that stipulates this. I did due diligence and checked prior to reviewing this diner. The manager came over and repeated this invented law but, I didn't go out to argue with someone over liquor licensing in the greater Boston environs. - Because they insisted, we ordered a Reuben. They didn't stipulate that we had to order TWO things (one for each beer) which just punctuated the idiocy of their invented "local Watertown law." Reuben came out on pumpernickel, as the server didn't ask what type of bread we wanted. Most Reuben sandwiches are traditionally served on rye. She should have asked but, if she wasn't going to, she should select Rye bread next time she rings one in as that is the standard. - Kid's fries were cold, Reuben was on the wrong bread, and my husband's Sam Adams was warm. Food was bad but service was worse. I'm a waitress and found the entire experience beyond the pale. Never again.
(1)Anne R.
A good menu selection. Sadly service was slow and got our orders wrong so the wait was twice as long. The hash Benedict was tasty but unfortunately over cooked in the egg department, but tasty none the less. All in all it was nice but not going to be itching to return.
(3)Carla S.
This is our regular breakfast joint.. we have been coming here for years. I really enjoy the home baked goods and the French toast. MMMMM.... so good.
(4)FreshTake '.
Mouth watering pancakes,I can't even describe how tasty they were. The hash browns were also yummy. This place is such an authentic diner. Very quick service on the Tuesday morning we went lol.
(5)William G.
Good food very quick service. Friendly staff and customers. Great location and a very retro feel. Just like a 50's movie. One note however what ever surface was used for the table tops is extremely sticky, hard to move a cup of tea.
(3)R R.
It was a crisp fall day in 2013. I had just finished substitute teaching for a 5th grade class near the Watertown line and I was beat and needed a pick me up. I hopped in the car and realized I was close to the legendary Deluxe Town Diner. For years I was a car less Somervillian. My friends out in distant Watertown were proud of their apartment that was so close to this diner, yet I had never taken the opportunity, until that fateful fall day. I arrived around 3pm on a weekday and the place was only a third full. I sat at the bar and ordered the vegetarian hash and eggs with fruit nut toast and a pot of some of the most delicious chai. I am a tea snob and try not to cry when my diner loving husband drags me out to an expired Lipton Tea bearing establishment. I love spicy chai- the legit loose leaf blend that is steeped. The chai at the DTD is fantastic, one of my top favorites- and they have soymilk, awesome for those of us with lactose intolerance.The hash was a succulent combo of local seasonal root vegetables flavored with herbs and spices. The eggs were a fluffy scramble and the toast was divine. A chewy homemade bread loaded with dried fruit and nuts. Now I live in the Berkshires, 3 hours from the Deluxe Town Diner, but we always vist here when we're back in town. Of course we do.
(5)Tracy S.
Sad day. Had to update my review and remove a star. The Don's Way grilled cheese is no longer on their menu. It was the only reason I went there today. In fact the menu is super different. I even asked for the sandwich anyway and I was told no. Because of the menu change and the fact that I could not get a former (and easy to cook- it's a grilled cheese people) menu item despite asking made me nick my review down. I had a BLT instead and it was just average.
(3)Joshua B.
Overall It may look like a regular, cozy diner dive, but the food is excellent. This is the best diner I've been to in Cambridge. Experience We arrived at noon on a Sunday. They would not put us on the list for seating until the full party arrived. When our full party arrived, we were seated within seconds. But shortly after that there was a decent line out the door. I recommend reservations. There was a fruit fly in our syrup bottle, and the waitress immediately changed our bottle out with a fresh one, and apologized. I also noticed a fruit fly hovering around the table, so I think that just goes with the territory here. The tables are cozy. A crowd of more than 4 might be a pain to try to seat at this place. Food I ordered a short stack of the deluxe flapjacks with a side of bacon. Flapjacks are served with some good, mostly melted butter on top. These are really some good pancakes! One cake is about a half-inch thick, and about 8 inches across, so good sized portions even with the short stack. The syrup is a real maple, so light and delisheroo. The bacon was made just right, crunchy and tasty with no burned portions. For the price, this food was amazing.
(4)George G.
I've been here many times in the past. I still remember the first meal I had with my grandmother here in 1997. The food is always good and there's always too much to eat in one sitting. I remember the service being wick and friendly. The old man that was working there up to at least 2009 had the best stories. I need to visit Boston again soon if only to eat here.
(5)Cerina H.
I don't remember ever going to a diner before so this was exciting for me. The place looked a bit like a hole-in-the-wall kinda place and it was quite small inside. I felt like I was on a fancy school bus that wasn't moving. I was immediately seated at the counter. Got the smoked salmon platter which came quickly. The food was good but nothing exciting. The service was average--the only times I interacted with the waitress was when I was seated, ordered food, and got the check. I poured my own water from the water jug they gave me. Overall an average meal. I would like to try some other stuff on their menu next time.
(3)Mia B.
We love this place! Great food! Tons of options including gluten free! Wine and beer.
(5)Jessica Y.
What's not to love but hot breakfast food on a cold, snowy afternoon? We waited a good 25 min for a table and didn't get seated until close to 2:15pm. The diner was a lot less crowded by 3pm. Coffee is unlimited :)) we got a full stack of blueberry pancakes and hungry man deluxe. It was impossible for the both of us to finish everything. The pancake was yummy fresh, so don't wait long to eat them. Otherwise, they would turn soggy from the blueberries and syrup. The deluxe wasn't bad as you could customize what you want. I would come back again to try other items on the menu.
(4)Mindy C.
The fact that they serve real maple syrup and not the fake stuff makes this a 5 star review.
(5)Carolyn L.
Excellent brunch spot. There are SO MANY options on the menu and they're all good. If you go a bit later than the normal brunch rush, you don't have to wait long. I think we waited about 15 minutes or less. I loved this meal and I can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!
(5)Rhön S.
I was introduced to this place back in 2012 when I first moved to the Boston area. Now that my time here is over, I wish I could take them to the west coast with me! The service is top-notch. The servers are very pleasant and never try to rush you, even though the place is always packed. The selection is healthy too. This might not matter to the average reader but I LOVE the fact that they use maple syrup instead Aunt Jemima! This was my last time visiting Deluxe Diner and I sure as heck will miss it. Whenever I come back to Boston to visit, they will be one of my first stops. Always.
(5)Stephen H.
We've been there twice now and everything we ordered both times was really, really good. I was surprised. I mean, it's just a diner, right? I will definitely go back again...and again.
(5)David B.
The menu says they serve breakfast all day. It also says they serve lunch all day. That's not so usual. Could I have a hot pastrami sandwich from the lunch menu for breakfast? Yes, I could. Not a deli style pastrami, it was a modest amount of hot curlicues on toasted bread, and the kitchen put cheese on it, which the waitress caught before it came as a surprise to me, so she asked if I wanted it remade. I did, which it was, no fuss. Old fashioned side-car style diner of the classic New England type, one of the few this close to Boston - it's just a few blocks west of the Cambridge town line.
(4)Jill C.
I can't even write a review of the food. I have been here on three separate occasions and have yet to order any food, but I certainly have a lot to say about the service (or lack there of). We wanted a turkey club real bad so against our better judgement we decided to give this place another go. We already had our doubts but knew it was a bad choice because the little boys next to us kept complaining that they had been waiting sooooo long. The complete turn off came when we caught the manager playing on her phone (with her feet on the stool) and chatting with our waiter while we had been waiting for 10 minutes for water and iced tea. Did I mention they were standing 10 feet away? That pushed us over the edge. The ending was the best part; neither the manager nor the waiter noticed us walk out right past them! I even made sure I said good bye... That my friends takes talent!
(1)JJ C.
The best! Overall solid food, service, music, people, and kid friendly too! I intend to keep returning for years to come! For dinner I can get the fish and chips and a beer and my kids can get delicious pancakes and bacon...everyone is happy!
(5)Jay G.
I love this place! Old school diner car restaurant, right on Mr Auburn St. I go here at least once a week for the Hungry Person Special. Very friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommended!!
(5)Penelope B.
Vegan pancakes. Vegan gluten-free pancakes. Immensely fluffy gluten-free pancakes (sadly not vegan, but very little is perfect in this world). Sweet potato pancakes, which are sadly not gluten-free. Homefries, beets, spinach, pilaf. Fruit plate. Wraps, sandwiches, salads, dairy shakes, soy shakes, juice, and quite a decent selection of tea. Tofu scramble or eggs any style, soy sausage and the more typical breakfast-type meat options. The Deluxe is a rare gem, serving traditional diner food but with options for people who have different diets and preferences. I am generally happy to eat anywhere that has even one meal on the menu that I can handle, but the Deluxe has several and they are great with questions. I believe you can get Earth Balance instead of butter, but if you're avoiding both dairy and soy you should probably bring your own. There is no gluten-free bread, but have I mentioned the pancakes enough times?
(5)Jennifer N.
3/5 because the service is a hit or a miss any time I go there. I keep going back for their home made toast :Rosemary Garlic which makes my day better. Water served out of a glass bottle to the table seems to be a priority before anything else in which at a diner I would have to disagree & say Coffee is!! There's a gift shop but I'm not sure its open to the public, it looks more like an acting mini museum displaying products from the time the diners been open. They serve alcohol which is a +.
(3)Inês L.
Honestly - I'm bummed the yelp reviews made claims of aaaaaaaaaaall these vegand options and yes, there are several and yes, the pancakes were very good but ehhhh not worth the trip. He loved his food but it wasn't vegan. I've had it bookmarked forever so I'm glad I checked it off the list. Well save red lentil for a special occasion since it's a bit pricier. And root is closed tonight, so didn't go there. This is great for when you have a lot of diff diets to feed.
(3)Read W.
Nothing awful, but the fish in the fish and chips was almost certainly bought frozen and breaded--no very noticeable flavor to either the fish or the breading. On the other hand, it was cooked well--moist & tender. Watery (mayo-based) and unremarkable dressing on the slaw covered the whole plate, soaking about a third of the fries; happily the fish was served on top of the fries, so it didn't get soaked. Pretty slow service on a decidedly slow weekday evening.
(3)Rachel B.
A great late night, fun atmosphere diner. Pros: MASSIVE menu (seriously, who needs the option of 6 kinds of pancakes?!), totally ultra-retro vibe, dedicated customers, courteous wait staff, delicious food! Oh, and did I mention that they serve BEER? Cons: The wait (I mean, unless you ENJOY waiting 30+ minutes for your Sunday brunch), while retro is wonderful this place definitely needs some serious upkeep, not to be picky but the bacon is never crispy Protip: if you're not sure, ASK. The milkshake is not a milkshake as we in the regular world know it- it's literally shaken milk.
(4)Jack J.
Kickass sandwiches with crispy fries on the side. Huge egg platters will keep you going to late afternoon.
(4)David D.
There was a day when the "Town Diner" was actually pretty special. Host and wait staff were upbeat and friendly and they made you feel at home when you walked in the door. And the food was exceptional -- worth the wait for breakfast or lunch. The diner is close to work and had always been a great "go-to" destination for a decent meal at a reasonable price. Alas, it appears things have changed. After not eating at the diner for more than a year, I dropped in this morning with my daughter for breakfast. What a mistake. As we entered the slightly run down but charming old pre-fab, lunch cab diner, we were "greeted" by a hostess who subtly rolled her eyes at me when I asked for a table for two. She seated us quickly then handed us off to a wait server who seemed equally as enthusiastic to help out. Our booth had not had a proper cleaning in a while, evinced by the tacky build up on the table, benches, and menus. Our drink orders were taken quickly and dispatched just as quickly. The "food," on the other hand, took too long to get to us after we ordered. My daughter's "fresh fruit" was anything but. Did they cut this stuff up last week? The veg on her plate was unappealing and unappetizing. Toast was stale and her eggs were cold. My home fries tasted like they had been sitting in a warmer for a couple of weeks -- tasteless, stale, potato morsels. I must admit my eggs (over easy) were cooked to perfection and the small portion of smoked salmon was good (hence the two stars). The rest was so forgettable. With tip, this subpar meal and dining experience put me back $43. What a jip. On our way out, neither our wait server or the hostess offered a thank you or good bye. What a complete let down. I really used to love this place. So long, Deluxe Town Diner.
(2)Courtney S.
You can't get much more diner-y than Deluxe town diner. The diner is located in an old train car, complete with tables crammed tightly together and usually at least one random kid with food smeared all over his/her face invading your personal space. The breakfast here is so delicious. I have a constant low-grade craving for their blueberry pancakes. They are fluffy and filled with blueberries, and are the best pancakes I have ever eaten. The smoked salmon (pastrami style) on a bagel and potato pancakes are also worth ordering. The lattes are surprisingly good, too. Takeout is always a great option, for those days when you want their food minus the random kid.
(4)Chris S.
This is my favourite diner by far and away. The food is great, and their breakfast menu is the stuff of legend. Fake maple syrup? Never. These guys have never heard of the brand "Aunt Jemima" in their lives. REAL maple syrup for your massive sourdough pancakes? Now that's what I'm talking about. Their lunch and dinner menus are of equal stature. Cold? Try the chicken pot pie. Their sandwiches are fantastic any time of the year. But enough about that. Breakfast is what we're here for. Here's my top three: 1. ) Challah French Toast. I could order this every day and never tire. 2.) REAL corn beef hash. That's all I have to say. 3.) Sweet potato pancakes that will change your life, I promise you that. My list is tragically short for all the delicious food they have to offer. Come hungry, my friends. The Deluxe Town Diner will not disappoint.
(5)John W.
I went in here Saturday morning with a buddy. It was packed but we got seated immediately. That was impressive. The service: Our waitress was prompt and attentive...but not friendly...she did the job no issues...but she wasn't happy...and the place was kind of loud so if you had to ask a few times for her to repeat herself she obviously would get irritated...she did a good job but there was no smiling or joy...it makes a difference. Food: Excellent....I had the New Orleans pancakes and my friend had eggs with homefries and bacon. Everything was good...and came out quickly. Fresh, tasted great.., came out hot...They got the food down.. It's a very busy place so I give them props for the just the overall hard work of running the place...it gets extremely busy on Saturdays...
(4)Julian H.
This is probably the best diner I've ever been to. If you go you have to try the corned beef hash and have a lime Rickey.
(5)Lisa L.
The food is tasty, good variety, but holy OVERPRICED. 2 normal pancakes was almost $9 (with no sides) and a tiny plate of hash is $6. I actually left still hungry but $20 poorer...on breakfast...for one person. I doubt I'd come back, but because of the prices.
(3)Danielle C.
Consistently amazing food!!!! I drive there once a week all the way from Sudbury! Worth the drive!!
(5)Ashwin S.
I'll be honest, I don't make it out to diners often. But if other diners are as good as this one I've definitely been missing out. Most importantly, the food is delicious. I ordered the Hungry Person Delux, where chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, sausage, and a salad easily filled me up. My friends enjoyed all their egg dishes and were impressed with the large portions. The service here is very friendly, still having the home town feel. There is a line for this place, but it seems to moved fast. We called ahead on our drive over and were seated immediately. I'll be back!
(5)K P.
Best diner I've ever been to. They grind their own coffee, make everything in house and even use real maple syrup from a small sugerer in VT! Those buttermilk pancakes changed my life. Also, I can bring my mom (who has Celiac's) here and they can accommodate!
(5)Ted L.
This place is great but expect long lines on Sunday mornings! Great pancakes options and side dishes! Sweet! A little bit cozy inside. I always get the hungry man breakfast!
(4)Allison P.
My go to brunch place. Not too pricey and delicious! Expect to pay $12 per dish. Portions are pretty big so easy to do family style. Top things to get: 1. Sour Cream Pancakes: So so moist and fluffy. If you're sharing, I'd go with a full stack. 2. Potato Pancakes: crispy and generous portions. 3. Crab Cake Benedict: surprisingly good! 4. Corn beef hash: beef is real pieces meat and not the mushy canned kind. Service is very friendly. Expect to wait around 15 mins or so on weekends if you have a party of 3 or more.
(5)Derek D.
One of my favourite brunch spots... Corned beef hash is amazing, as is the huevos rancheros, never had a problem getting seated, but always seems busy... A lot of the reviews below seem to complain about the prices, which I do not see as an issue at all, compared to some places I have been to in Boston its very good value.
(5)Eunice E.
I'm a sucker for diners -- a hot brunch on a cold winter's day is exactly the remedy the doctor ordered. At least for me. :-) I started the meal off with a cup of coffee, as per usual, but when I saw that there was a giant (fresh) lipstick stain on my mug, I immediately asked for a new one, and I got... quite literally... a new mug. It looked like it had never been used before, so though I was thoroughly skeeved out for a few moments there, things were made right rather quickly. Kudos. Though I usually order the same thing (Eggs Benedict) at every diner, I saw that their breakfast burrito could be made with whole wheat tortillas, so I opted for those... and I'm glad I did. Very tasty, very juicy (good thing there are napkins at the table)... and goes oh-so-well with tabasco (also at the table). Mmm. My potatoes were also seasoned excellently -- though my dining partner's... not so much. I guess it's a hit or miss. The hash was apparently also a miss... though I never get the stuff. It's more potato-y than meat-y, just FYI. But we both agreed that their flapjacks are DROOL-WORTHY. Just order one and you'll see what I'm talking about. Overall, I think it's a solid diner contender, and I wouldn't hesitate coming again... though I may wince a bit if I see any more fuchsia-colored lip marks on any of my cups...
(4)Shawn M.
I visited recently. Two words...UH MAZING. We have been many times, but for some reason I felt compelled to write a review for this visit. Each time I walk in I see all these great dishes, Huevos Rancheros, Loaded Homefries and the Johnny Cakes to name a few. They all look great and I'd love to order them, but the sweet song their homemade corned beef hash sings to me is far to seductive. I could eat it all day, everyday. This visit I had the hash benedict. Perfectly poached egg, hearty English muffins for support all topped with meaty strips of the hash. So good. If you go you won't be disappointed.
(5)P T.
I ran by this location with my friend one evening and we decided we *had* to take a look. The next day we drove in and treated ourselves to brunch. The french toast was delicious and I really enjoyed the diner vibe. I am rather picky about my breakfast food though, and while it was tasty, there are several other places closer to me in Allston that I prefer. Regardless, I would like to go again.
(4)Aman M.
I went to this place on a busy Sunday morning, expecting to wait a little. What I didnt expect was for them to have two dirty benches to wait on, out in the scorching heat. The host asked us to sit on bar stools even though my companion had a broken foot! As for food, the potato pancakes were over-rated, though the spanish omlette was really good.
(3)James B.
The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. You can order anything off the menu any time of the day.
(5)Liz K.
Food was blah, only dish I liked was plaintains over black beans. Fried chicken tasted like chemicals, sprite tasted like soda water. Very disappointed
(2)Jessica C.
Holy smokes! This little gem knocked my socks off! Best breakfast potatoes in all of Boston/Metro West. I had a 2 egg meal with rye toast and potatoes and the hubs had some sort of skillet looking meal (potatoes, veggies, egg, cheese) and we were both sooo pleased. Great service, cheap prices, great food. Worth the wait!
(5)Cindy C.
I don't know why this place is so popular in this area. Maybe it's the only brunch place. They have a lot of choices, but the food is average. The place is pretty small. I waited for 20 mins, the entire dining experience is certainly not what I was expecting. Theres nothing great about the diner, everything is just average.
(2)Ozge A.
We frequently go here for brunch and always end up getting the same thing. I get the Lo-Carb Breakfast and my husband gets the Hungryman special with the sweet potato pancakes. We recently went again and our server Kelly was excellent. Good place for brunch.
(5)Izzy D.
Town Diner is as synonymous with home for me as "mom," "dad," and "eating everything in the fridge." I have been going to Town my whole life and while my tastes have changed (mac and cheese was my go-to for, oh, 11 years), my love of this place has not. Since becoming vegan I've discovered how (thankfully!) vegan-friendly the menu is. Veggie breakfast wrap (scrambled tofu, guacamole, veggie sausage, black beans, tomato, cheeze) is to die for. Other favorites are the curried tofu sandwich (think: egg salad without the egg), the house veggie burger (grains, veggies, sunflower seeds, black beans), and the east India veggie curry. To sum it up: Town Diner is the absolute bomb diggity. The menu is high quality comfort food and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. A great place I will be coming back to for the rest of my life.
(5)Laura M.
I had breakfast at the Deluxe Town Diner with a friend on a Thursday morning so there wasn't a wait at all. It's tiny, though, so I'd expect on a weekend there would definitely be a line out the door for brunch. I was pleasantly surprised to notice they have gluten-free pancakes on their menu, as well as gluten-free bread as a toast option! I ended up getting the Greek omelet with GF toast (which I believe was Udi's bread -- the best!) and it was wonderfully easy to be safe and gluten-free while dining here. They also had several options that seemed easy to make GF, like a low-carb breakfast with eggs and meat, and lots of egg/omelet combinations. Coffee left a little to be desired, hence the 4-star review. All in all, though, a great breakfast/brunch place with options for GF customers.
(4)L F.
My friends from Watertown rave about this place, but I'm not sure I'm 100% with them. The place is super small and seems cramped, and apparently the food prices have been increasing. My major gripe with the food is that it's overly greasy. I realize this is a diner, and diner food is usually thought of as greasy, but it wouldn't hurt to use a bit less fat when frying stuff up. That being said, I give them major props for being a small, local establishment, having a varied menu, offering PLENTY of vegetarian items, and serving decent portion sizes. Would I go back? Probably, but only if someone else desperately wants to go, cause I just didn't love the heavy, greasy food.
(3)Jeff D.
This place is a great breakfast spot. Nothing fancy at all, but very well done potatoes, omelettes and the smoked linguica is worth ordering on the side. Always have a great meal here.
(4)Jessica S.
Holy moly! Deluxe Town Diner will forever be my go-to spot to get my greasy-spoon diner fare fix! This place hits the top requirements in my diner-every-quarter-mile stomping grounds of Long Island: long hours, most items on the menu can be ordered all day, stainless steel and vinyl decor, seating at the counter, full fountain drink options (including egg creams!), and a very friendly staff. Even if you live in Brighton like me, get out of the area once in a while and head to Watertown for what I promise you will be a fantastic dining experience!
(5)Elizabeth W.
The Deluxe Town Diner is the best brunch in town. I'm quick to recommend this place when making brunch plans, and my parents are frequent flyers when they come to town to visit. The brunch menu is expansive and offers something for everyone at decent price points and with bountiful helpings. I have a long running list of the things I've tried here, and I've never been disappointed. They're famous for their pancakes, and I love the sweet potato pancakes with added pecans. They're the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Also a contender for my favorite are the loaded home fries. Home fried potatoes, sausage, sundries tomato, onion, all baked together and topped with fried egg and a hollandaise. Perfection. Oh and the chai tea is a must! But there are so many more delicious items I could name as well. The diner itself is in an adorable little train car type setup. It is tight and gets crowded on a weekend morning. Call ahead to get your name on the list and make sure your whole party is there to be seated. They do have a side cafe where you can grab a drink while you're waiting.
(4)Shaunt D.
Great diner in Watertown. Visited from Los Angeles and had breakfast here before heading to the Armenian church right across the street..the wait for 8 people was a quick 10 minutes and the staff was very very friendly. The food was amazing I had a pancake eggs and bacon and it also comes with a fresh salad on the side which was delicious.
(4)Mary P.
Have past by this diner many times, was told that the breakfast menu was great. Had to wait to be seated, not long maybe 20 minutes. Had the blue beery pancakes and the eggs with hash, all very good, so good we will be returning again.
(5)Richard S.
Best corned beef hash, bar none! Everything was hot, fresh, high quality, and delicious! Great service from the get go, even while waiting! Five stars!!! Can't wait to come back. Sweet potato pancakes were excellent!!!
(5)Rafaella M.
5 stars are not enough for this place, food was fast and amazing, server very friendly an the kitchen guys very clean. I got a smoked salmon plater and a white tea little not a cheap place put worth it penny!!!! I will recommend this place to every one vegans are very well come there too!!!!! I'm in love!
(5)R D.
This is one of my favorite local-area restaurants. I really like their poutine. I enjoy most of the items on their menu. I was a little disappointed with their fried chicken--but, not everything can be a home run. Best of all, their waitstaff is super friendly! I'd give this place 5 stars except that when they're busy, they're really busy! I've learned to avoid going at "peak" hours.
(4)Nicole S.
Ordered the veggie breakfast wrap and some home fries that were perfect. Loved every bite of this meal and can't wait to go back and try a new plate.
(5)Robert R.
I googled best breakfast in Boston area and this place came up. It is not large, it is not fancy. I told our waitress that we may never be this way again so what should I order. She said they are known for their hash & eggs and also Blueberry pancakes. I ordered both (just one pancake).. With or without the blueberries the pancake batter is a standout in the pancake world. The blueberries are generously portioned in the mix. Delicious. The eggs & hash? My over easy eggs were exactly as ordered, the hash should be called "better hash than you've ever had", the meat was in very generous tasty proportion to the rest of the hash ingredients. The potatoes on the side were good but I was on the full side and could not finish. Coffee is good with frequent top offs. We had a great friendly waitress, a tall brunette that was on top of her game and if you go you will see what I mean. We left feeling good about our whole eating experience and that's what eating out is all about, isn't it?
(5)Michelle C.
Been back a few more times since my first review....the seating can be rough, once I was seated by the ice machine and it was laughably loud,,,, like a jackhammer. Other times, my husby was on a chair that made him look 3 feet tall. I chalk it up to their charm. My last visit was all about the waffle, they use the same batter a they use for pancakes. When it arrived it wasn't what I had pictured in my mind, it looked like a bigger version of the eggo, but it tasted really good and I loved the nut in there. Plus, it was crunchy, so even after sitting there with syrup and butter, it wasn't soggy.
(4)Corinne T.
4 stars for great casual diner food, extra star for superb quirky ambiance. Parking is somehow always easy despite the diner being filled with people!! Great any hour of the day and with family or on a date!
(5)Folie A.
Carborama! Great for tasty comfort food, especially on a weeknight when the line isn't as long as on the weekends. The strawberry frappe is excellent, as are the fries. They had fried green tomatoes as a special on the menu for a while, and these were pretty outrageous. The servers have been there for years and are super friendly and accommodating. I often feel completely stuffed when I leave however, no matter how much I've had to eat.
(4)Sarah C.
Hands down, the best pancakes I've ever had. I used to live right near here and would try and go as often as I could. Now that I've moved, I miss it so much! Everything they serve is amazing. You definitely have to try the pancakes, but also try the greek burger, buffalo burger, eggplant fries, johnny cakes (hard to find these outside of RI so I was pleasantly surprised they had them) and the corned beef hash (homemade). Can't give it 5 stars only because it was always so busy it can be hard to get in, especially Sat and Sun mornings.
(4)Marie B.
I have no idea why people are so crazy about this place. I tried to go here tonight but was surprised to find that they had chosen to close 45 minutes early. All the staff was still inside playing on their cellphones and the lights were on, but the door was locked. Truthfully, the only reason I really wanted to go was because of their hours. I have been three other times and tried various things, all of which were unimpressive. The first time I went I ordered a sweet potato pancake which was nice and fluffy with good flavor. Too bad for me, the next time I went, my pancake was pretty much the opposite. The mashed potatoes are gluey and the gravy even more so. I ordered the vegetarian hash one time and it turned out to be an oily pile of bland vegetables. I also had the pleasure of paying an extra dollar for wilted old mixed salad greens. The service is also seriously lacking. If you go in by yourself they make you sit at the counter, even if the place is empty and it's not nearing any kind of busy hour. One server I had was nice but frequently unavailable and the other one I had was clearly just going through the motions. She set my food down without a word and was gone before I could ask for something else to drink. She never checked back, but dropped my check off mid-meal without a word. As a waitress, I find that her talking on her cell phone and hanging out with the hostess and completely ignoring me was some serious cliche bad diner waitress behavior. Get it together! I'm a waitress too and very forgiving, but this is unacceptable.
(2)Phil M.
I tried this on a whim, I was going off shift from my job and I wanted a decent brunch. So I came in on a sunday morning, but instead of waiting in line. I was sat down right at a table with my friend. I ordered the sweet potato pancakes, and I was not disappointed. They certainly have everything down to the science there. I didn't wait too long for coffee (thank goodness) or my food. Many local celebrities visit the diner, one of them sat down next to my table. I think I would come back again to sample up more of the menu. I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of the "sister diner" in Newton Centre, Deluxe Station diner...but after this experience I think I'll try it again. I would highly recommend the Sweet Potato Pancakes...and the service wasn't bad at all. They were swamped on the Sunday morning, but I didn't feel lost in the mix. Kudos to the Staff. Hence the 4/5
(4)Doug P.
I've eaten here about 20 times since I moved to watertown. Loved every meal there! The breakfast is the best. I also love the blue plates specials are great with some small twists. Everything is always well seasoned! The service is always spot on! Will continue to check into this classic favorite of mine and my family's
(5)Pete R.
A great little diner with excellent food. I had breakfast ...eggs, sausage and potatoes all were cooked to my liking. I also ordered a side of pancakes which were the best diner pancakes I have ever had. The service was very good although not overly friendly. A great diner experience!
(4)Andrea M.
I have been here 3 times hoping it gets better. The food isn't that bad I've actually liked what I've ordered. The rueban was very good and as were the pancakes. The salad I got was literally a pound of lettuce and maybe two cucumbers. What's horrible and why this place got two stars was the service. Every time I've come here I'm rushed in the beginning then hunting down my server at the end. On two dinner occasions my checked was just dropped of when I've wanted dessert and coffee both times. The waitress on both occasions never came to check on our food. I've been a server for 6 years I know it can be tough but sometimes there's no excuse. Especially at 945 pm when there's tops 5 guests in the building and the servers are sitting on their ass at the counter
(2)Edward S.
Do yourself a favor and never order take out from here. I had to create an account just to review this place, it was that bad. I order at 5 oclock on a Sunday night, a cheese burger with fries and some buffalo chicken tenders. Simple enough I thought. I was wrong. Everything was bad. It was as if it all had been cooked yesterday. I got 5 of the smallest "buffalo tenders" I could imagine for about 8 bucks. Seriously, the size of fingers. The fries with the burger were legitimately cold. And so soggy I could not force myself to eat them (and I eat anything). No ketchup. Not to mention the burger was full of the most disgusting dark green lettuce (you know when lettuce starts to go bad, yuck). Don't go here.
(1)Juan F.
Came here for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The restaurant is pretty cool. It is relatively small and it does get crowded so make sure to come early and avoid the wait. I ordered the Deluxe Flapjacks Full. 3 huge, moist, sweet, fluffy pancakes. They were really really good I would definitely recommend getting pancakes here. Not only are they really good but super filling as well. My friend ordered the omelette. It came with toast and potatoes. I tried the potatoes and they were delicious! Service is really friendly and nice.
(4)Naomi D.
The best diner in Watertown and probably the area in general! Great food and good, quick diner service. They also have the best homemade veggie burger that I have tried to date! A must try if you like diner food.
(5)john p.
Very dry omelet! Very slow service. Don't know why this place has an average of 4 starts.
(1)Anne W.
Four stars for food, minus a star because isn't a diner suppose to be open late? Why are they closing at 9pm? Also they misspell a lot of things on their signage. I'm pretty sure I want dessert, not desert. Great brunch!
(4)Shaun P.
I didn't care for this place at all. I had the veggie omelet with home fries. The omelet was overcooked and brown all over the outside. The home fries were bland. I've had much better breakfast from other diner's and restaurants.
(2)Sadia Lynne B.
Ambiance: incredibly charming-classic old-style diner. Service: average Food: I would not recommend for dinner. Curb appeal: They had a giant pile of trash in front of the building....YUCK! Good for kids? Yes, cool placemats with crayons...and possible food poisoning. WARNING. What we had to eat: 1. fish & chips=under-seasoned and fish is frozen 2. chicken fingers: uneatable & heinously over-seasoned with ROSEMARY!! YUCK. I have only sent one other meal back in my life. It was so bad (the waitress said others were complaining of the same thing). 3. Jambalaya special: made my kid feel sick and he had problems in the morning. 4. Cheese burger & sweet potato fries: Bland Bland and bland...can I have some more bland please? RUDE COMMENTS: we arrived at the restaurant at 9:00pm. They do not close until 10pm. We over heard the hostess say: "Turn off the lights, lock it up lets go!" Thanks for that wonderful welcoming statement, you will be 'locking it up' soon because your food sucks and so does your attitudes. Cooks speak Spanish. So can a lot of other people :) Don't bite the hand that feeds. P.S. try taking your trash out AFTER you close :) We will never be back unless the Zombie Apocalypse happens and your diner is our only safe haven.
(2)Darcie G.
My boyfriend went last week for the first time in a very long time... nothing has changed. It is still awesome! We both got the hungry person and never ate again that day... as expected, the sweet potato pancakes were delicious. Huge portions, hot delicious food!
(5)Augustine W.
I have come here many times. The fried green tomatoes & an orange creamsicle shake are pictured here and ya they were excellent...salads here are good even side ones. This place is good for diner- quality foods... Booths a bit worn and can be uncomfortable.
(4)Nan A.
This retro, very homey diner does breakfast like no other, my favorite the sweet potato pancakes. Possibly the best breakfast in the entire Boston area.
(5)Marcia W.
They must have been having a really bad night! I have been coming here with family and friends for over 15 years and this meal was awful. Bad service, bad food, little or no apology and multiple stories to 'explain' why the food arrived over 45 minutes after we ordered.
(1)Ariel N.
Amazing breakfast/brunch menu. Get there early on the weekend or you'll be waiting in line.
(4)Amy F.
We LOVE the diner. Best pancakes! I highly recommend their loaded home fries! We made lots of trips here while I was pregnant. Craved their breakfast and came in for burgers at night. Can't go wrong.
(4)Molly M.
Always packed for a reason- the food, service, and prices are nearly unbeatable. Everything I've ever tried here has been great. The only downfall to this place would be the wait on the weekends. You have to wait outside if it's already packed inside because the place isn't very big. The wait is definitely worth it though!
(4)Rachel N.
3.5 -- what a fun surprise! I was expecting greasy diner food, but Deluxe is actually super yummy and has a variety of strong options -- I had a glorious smoked salmon platter with scrambled eggs, and it took every ounce of self restraint I possess not to also order blue cornmeal pancakes and sweet potato flapjacks -- my delightful sisterwife had some pretty tasty banana pancakes and Em went for Johnnycakes, both of which were enjoyed. Also have some nice looking salads and sandwiches for those in the non-breakie mood. For beverages, I have no idea abt the juice choices, and coffee is fine, not great. Service is friendly but absent -- I can imagine this place gets crazy on the weekends, but on a random Monday, it's easy to find a seat. Breakie can be done for $15/pp + tip.
(3)Colleen G.
My boyfriend spent a weekend outside of Boston and, seeing as breakfast is my all-time favorite meal of the day, I wanted to end our mini-vacation on a high note. Good thing we found this place! It was on a Sunday--mid-morning, believe--and maaaan was the restaurant packed. It's a tiny diner, but the line was going out the door and down the street. The wait was about 30-45 minutes (*snobby New York accent* we didn't mind; we're accustomed to waiting in long lines...) The wait was DEFINITELY worth it. Again, since it was a Sunday, there were a lot of big families. With that being said, John and I opted to sit at the bar. We actually preferred sitting there! It was kind of cool watching the chefs cook the pancakes in front of us. There were quite a few vegan options! Since I'm only a vegetarian, I got the potato pancakes with a side of vegan soy sausage. The sausage was a little cold, so I told the waitress and she immediately went back and got me a warm plate. Both the sausage and the pancakes were killer. I wish I had a bigger stomach. My boyfriend got the short stack of French toast. He, unlike me, is not a breakfast person. He can have a glass of milk and call it a morning. It doesn't help that he's a very picky eater. Let me tell you, I've never seen this man eat a plate of food so fast! Long story short, he was very impressed. If we're ever in the area again, Deluxe Town Diner will definitely be at the top of our itinerary.
(5)Nick M.
Best diner hands down, I have been coming here with my roomate for about a year and half and we have become regulars. The hungry person breakfast cures any hangover but I do recommend getting that with pancakes stuffed with bananas and blueberries! I will miss this place now that I am no longer living near watertown!
(5)Shaun H.
This may be the best brunch we've ever had. Was expecting dinner quality food but everything was fresh and well cooked. French toast and hash brown both incredible, messed up our order the first time though.
(5)Justin B.
Love this place. We come here every time we come up to visit the inlaws! You gotta try the sweet potato pancakes. They're amazing. Anything you get here you'll be happy with. It's a great local spot.
(5)Josh P.
Probably the best diner in the state. Their homemade hash and their potato pancakes are second to none. I am always impressed with the quality that comes out of this tiny kitchen.
(5)Danforth N.
I try to get brunch in every city I visit, and I still haven't found any place as consistently delicious as the Deluxe. Yes, there's a wait during peak times, but that's true at almost any place that serves eggs in the greater metro area. The selection of tea is great, they manage both tasty vegan and carnivore food, and they have one of the best corned beef hashes I've ever eaten. Be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes for a table at noon on Sundays. Call ahead to put your name on the waiting list 10-20 minutes before you arrive, and then check in to let them know when your party is ready. They won't seat you while you're still waiting for someone. Yeah, there's a wait. And it's worth it.
(5)A H.
The corned beef hash is awesome. Seriously beats out most other diners in Boston, namely Mike's and Lori's. The sweet potato pancakes are also a must. BUT the hash omelet is the absolute worst omelet I've ever had. By far. It was borderline uneatable. I wish I took a picture. It was beater eggs that were as thin as paper, a lump of corned beef hash, covered with another sheet of fake-looking eggs, topped with two squares of sweating Swiss cheese. After about 3 minutes, the cheese was like rubber. Who the hell puts cheese on the outside? It was like an afterthought. Seriously disgusting. I'm only telling you this so you don't ruin your experience here. It is an AWESOME diner. Great atmosphere and staff. And the absolute best breakfast food in town -- just avoid the hash omelet.
(5)Kelley H.
The food is most excellent here and always arrives fast. I need to stop going here because the staff is full of depraved, crazy women who need a reality check and need to not tell everyone about their lives. Gimme my food and go. I recommend getting the corned beef hash though, its not from a can!
(3)Heather H.
We live about a block away so this is one of our go-to places. We know not to go during peak times because of the long wait times, which are awkward because there is nowhere to stand inside the restaurant. There are certain dishes that I stick with - the meatloaf, turkey dinner, Cobb salad, and pancakes. Other than their pancakes, the breakfast food is disappointing. Their home fries are the worst breakfast potatoes I've ever had, and I don't know how they make their toast so hard. The rest of the reviews are true - snarky, inattentive waitresses. The food is a little overpriced, particularly the breakfast, but that's to be expected from a hipster diner. I guess a few good comfort food dishes, plus the convenience factor is enough to keep me coming back.
(3)Amanda H.
I would rate Deluxe Town Diner five stars if it weren't for the long wait every weekend morning -- but I guess that's just a testament to the food. Possibly the best pancakes I've ever had and their corned beef hash is home made and delicious. Whenever I get the chance, I like to head here weekday mornings to avoid the crowd and enjoy the food without feeling rushed.
(4)Jenn S.
Love this place. My go-to for diner food. The grilled cheese with avocado is amazing! I also love the breakfast. Waffles and pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream - so good!!!!
(5)Ana R.
I've been here one other time and shared the tuna melt and the reuben with a friend. Both were so-so. This time, we had breakfast and it wasn't much better. My Crab Cake Benedict sounded better on paper than it looked on the plate. It was soggy and I tasted more "other" filling than crab. I have to say the home fries blew my mind! Next time, and I'm sure there will be a next time since I love diners and this place is close to a few friends, I'll try something more simple. Like pancakes... and those delicious home fries. As for service, it was busy, but I've been to super busy diners, and I get coffee refills, milk refills and water refills regularly. Our milk refill came 15 minutes after our coffees, and our Ketchup bottle was empty. Poor service. Also got 'tude when trying to figure out the splitting of the bill, but that's to be expected. My friend had the breakfast burrito, which she proclaimed to be the best she'd ever had, so I guess the menu is hit-or-miss. The other people in our group were satisfied with their omelet and Eggs Florentine. $50 for four people. Also, though there was a long line at the door, we were told it would be about a 15 minute wait. Some guy outside said they say that to everyone, no matter how long the line is. We actually ended up waiting 20 or 25 minutes, which wasn't terrible.
(2)Emily R.
I don't live in Watertown, but I make the trip here anytime I can because the food is really good, and the menu is really diverse. I am a HUGE breakfast fan, I eat breakfast at any time of day, so when I come here I go straight for the pancakes. Other people I have been with got lunch/dinner foods, which looked equally delicious as my breakfast. In the morning there is usually a decent wait, but it's worth it. Try the chocolate chip pancakes!!!
(4)Jim W.
Good breakfast, but not out of this world like some other diners in Boston. Good service! 3.5 stars for the food not-quite being killer diner food.
(3)Jan R.
When I am looking for a big down home breakfast I come here. They have the most delicious French toast imaginable. It gets busy and sometimes a wait is required but reassure yourself while you are in that line that it will be worth while. Sometimes you assume that a diner will only have good or decent breakfast food but discount the lunch and dinners. Do not discount Deluxe. It is worth trying items from the other menus to tickle your fancy. My kids get excited to go here and they are tough customers. They love the famous sweet potato pancakes. If you have lived in Watertown for any length of time you have heard your friends and neighbors talking about this place, most likely you will see some of them there when you go.
(4)Al R.
It's good standard diner fair. I had no issues while dining here and would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a cozy breakfast. Did the good blow my socks off? Not particularly. It's just good solid breakfast food with a nice menu. Also they have biscuits and not a lot of places in boston do!
(3)Leon P.
The corned beef hash alone is worth the visit. They give you these big flaky peices of beef that make up 2/3 of the meal. Bisquits and gravy seals the deal. You can't go wrong here with most meals, though.
(4)Lily S.
great place for breakfast. love the salmon plate. pancakes are good. home fries are decent. OJ is surprisingly good and doesn't taste like it came out of a can. My friend was also impressed with the coffee. Potato pancakes here are my fave. But pretty much anything with sour cream rocks my world. Good size portions and very reasonable price. Ample street parking, enough so that even on Church Sunday it's not too bad. Turn over in the restaurant is pretty fast too, so you're not left waiting in line too long. Bonus? AC in the summer.
(4)Heather C.
Hands down my favorite breakfast place in the area. Unfortunately we can no longer walk there from our house, unless we felt like walking 4 miles... I don't know... maybe for the pancakes. Anyway, yes, the pancakes. They are what I recommend to everyone. They are like eating smooth, soft pillows of happiness. Except I never order them because I feel like the vegan breakfast burrito (which I always order with real cheese... because let's not go crazy with all that soy, yo), is the more sensible option to keep me full through out our normal weekend day routine. It gets crowded, but the wait is never terrible. Not as bad as Zaftigs in Brookline (other favorite) and I rarely feel the need to gnaw off a limb.
(5)Kristine A.
I love their sweet potato pancakes so much that I can't help but make special trips to Watertown for them. I can't believe I haven't written a review sooner. This place is always busy so expect to wait, but let me just say, the wait is worth it. The place runs like a well oiled machine though so don't fret. You will see the same staff working there (years)as they seem very family oriented. No matter what you get it's always tasty. The bonus is they have veggie sausage & carry soy milk, how often does that happen, not very. When I had gone recently I was by myself at the counter next to where they pick up the food. I was almost done eating when the plates went flying & basically came crashing down. It even cracked my plate which wasn't that bad. They ended up making me a whole new batch of sweet potato pancakes (w/ pecans) even though I didn't need to eat more since i had like 3 bites left. Not only that, but they took care of my check. Can you believe that? How awesome is that? I was super stuffed since I ate a whole other stack of pancakes, but they were tasty as well hell of course.
(5)Joe V.
Great Place For Breakfast. A very large menu. Several Gluten free items. Personally I want everything on the menu. Try the sourcream flapjacks, you won't go wrong. Also the Grilled muffins are excellent. They come split in half and grilled expertly with a slather of butter. Has a slightly slower breakfast turn around time than other places, but one of the best parts about this place is the small coffee nook attached. You can buy a bottomless cup of Joe there and sip while you wait. You can also bring it with you for additional refills while you eat. One downside is that this diner is hard up for space. I would not recommend this place for larger parties if its avoidable.
(5)Aaron C.
Great diner food. The weekend line is very long but almost always worth it.
(5)Sandra L.
Every once in a while, my friends will suggest this place and I'll go along with it, but for the life of me, I can't understand what all the hype is about. After reading several reviews, I'm glad I'm not the only one. The service is lackluster and inattentive. The food is overrated, and a bit on the pricey side for what they give you. Met some friends here last Saturday. They all wanted sweet potato pancakes, so we ordered a stack to share. I vaguely remember ordering them the first (and only) time I tried their other location in Newton Centre, and now I remember why the experience was so forgettable. Let me just say: I like sweet potatoes, I LOVE pancakes, I'm always eager to try uncommon food combinations, AND I have a major sweet tooth...but Deluxe's version is nothing to write home about. Dense and doughy to the point of being mushy and sticky, not to mention bland, I had a couple bites and was completely unimpressed. I felt it was a waste of stomach space, and I'm the type of person who will eat anything if it's sitting in front of me, so that's saying a lot. That being said, my blue corn pancakes were good. Fluffy and soft, with a gritty crunch evenly melded throughout, they are more savory than sweet; the strong hint of salt is a welcome complement to the maple syrup. (I appreciate that they use a higher quality syrup than most places, too.) The home fries are bland, but presentable. I was a bit confused when our server brought one more mug of coffee than we had ordered. Not wanting to be overcharged, I timidly pointed the discrepancy, and she brusquely replied, "That's a refill." (Ok thanks....that's a nice gesture....but who wants a refill that has gone cold by the time they finish their first cup? Weird, but no problem, it's peak hours.) ------------------------- Today, it's a Thursday morning, the restaurant is half full. Upon entering, my dad and I greet one of the servers first, just to get her to notice us. She tries to seat us at a cramped corner table, and seems offended when I politely ask if we could sit at the empty booth we just passed. Our server is apathetic, seems bitter that neither of us want coffee, plops the check down before I've even taken my third bite of breakfast, then ignores us to chat spiritedly with her coworker. It's clear she's just going through the motions. When I put down $20 for a $14.50 bill, she asks if I want any change. Um yes, please...or were you expecting a 37% tip for not smiling at us? It's truly not about the money (I'd happily leave that much or more for friendly, well-mannered professionals anywhere else), it's just that their lame attitude detracted from the meal. As someone who has worked in restaurants for ten years, I've learned that first impressions can make or break a deal, so don't be afraid to be nice! These girls need better training, that's all. tl;dr Overrated diner whose shabby service outweighs the draw of their blue corn pancakes. Won't be back.
(1)Elissa F.
This is the classic diner experience in an original diner car. I've eaten here many times & enjoyed every meal. Their Cobb salad is a hearty meal. Dynamite breakfasts. Try their sweet potato pancakes! Friendly, casual and a big waiting line on weekends that's well worth the time. A locals favorite.
(5)Damien S.
Tried and tried and tried again. After three, three is what it gets. Utterly baffled at what pulls this fun and funky diner from the dotted line of mediocrity. The food is ______. That's intentional white highlighter, folks. Follow along. Journey 1: Weekend breakfast. The jonnycakes (Rhode Island specialties made of corn meal) approached the table cold and lifeless with torched linguica on the side. A fountain Coke, moderately priced at $1.95, came with one refill. C*cktease. Journey 2: Business lunch. A $9 ground turkey burger, accented with apples, yogurt and what I swear is curry, served with a paper cuppy of cole slaw. Arguably the best meal of the three, and in some twist of self-awareness, also a promoted entry in Clara Silverstein's "The Boston Chef's Cookbook." Kudos! Turkey is so easy to blow, and DTD did the bird right. ... Don't quote me on that. Journey 3: Casual lunch. Had to appease my peoples (and by peoples, I mean taste buds) so I opted for the Cubano. A scantly filled sandwich, they spun the traditional yellow mustard to a 'mojo sauce' and pressed that puppy on a French roll. Repping little meat and no fries or chips, the wee thing still rang in at $9. Love the feel of the space and the chiseled propaganda art, a la All-Star Sandwich Bar and Spacely Sprockets, but a proper meal is paramount. I wouldn't chase away yet a fourth visit, but rest assured, I'll be asking for whatever their knockout dish may be. Up until then, we're just a notch above the thin line betwixt desire and pathos.
(3)Christina M.
Good pancakes :) also like the turkey dinner. Quick service and pretty cheap. The place is usually pretty crowded and there is a line Sunday morning for brunch after 9 am.
(5)Claudia M.
So breakfast is a big deal out here in New England - or so it seems given the amount of breakfast joints and the ridiculously long waits on the weekends. Anyways, hubby and I have gotten in the habit of waking up around 7am on Saturdays and trying out places we have avoided because of the crowds. First place on our list was Deluxe. We have been here twice before for dinner but overall, this place is not worth the hype. On top of that the place is tiny and you have to constantly duck your head or readjust any time a person walks by. The food was not memorable although the pancakes reminded me of cake batter - very sweet. We may give it another try for the french toast since everyone seems to love it.
(2)Lucinda C.
There's usually a line out the door so be prepared! The breakfast menu is big and certain things I love like the corn beef hash, heart healthy platter, biscuits ( sometimes they are dry), buttermilk pancakes... While I don't like the home fries ( they deep fry them) so they are bland, bacon I think might be deep fried too, coffee is not strong.. The lunch/ dinner menu is great. The Rachel is tasty, coleslaw is good, fries come with rosemary seasoning ( I just ask for without Bc it's too much for me), burgers are not tasty, fish tacos are good, est India curry is great.. Good beer selection and great variety on menu. The place is super small so if you don't like that, then don't go. The prices are a little on the high side for what you get sometimes.
(4)Sam M.
Good breakfast joint. My lady says the pancakes are solid and they get extra points from me for making their corned beef has from scratch! Decently priced, haven't had everything on the menu, but happy to go their for bfast. They move people through there pretty quickly, but it can get crowded and if it's the winter and you are near the door its cold! Haven't had lunch or dinner there, but have heard it leaves something to be desired.
(4)Travis M.
I am not sure I can add much seeing as the review count is above 400. I love this place! From scratch, delicious, and true to the diner genre. Sour cream flapjacks are phenomenal. Seriously, that word is reserved for their pancakes. PHE-NO-MEN-AL! Fresh hash, that's good? Yes. Oh yes. I can't say much for their lunch menu items, but if you go here for breakfast, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Joanna F.
Standard diner food, mediocre service, typical atmosphere. Really the quintessential diner (and I'm not sure if I mean that in a good way). I got the smoked salmon platter. I really liked that they "pastrami smoked" the salmon. There were a lot of interesting spices involved that you don't usually see on smoked salmon. However, the bagel and cream cheese were average. My fiance got the "Hungry Man Platter" or something along those lines. He had french toast, sausage, eggs, toast... no complaints from him, but he wasn't raving about it either. The prices are pretty good and the atmosphere is exactly what you think of when you think of a diner - old fashioned, leather and metal, kind of dingy on the outside. I would probably come back, although I'm not eager about it.
(3)Roxana F.
All you need to know is: SWEET POTATO PANCAKES and Expect a wait. That is all.
(5)Robo T.
Been here countless times over the years but have never felt the need to review it until now. Let me tell you fat asses about the amazing meal I had. First it should be noted that someone else in our party (not me!) brought up a "challah french toast appetizer". Another person at the table literally started flipping through the menu looking for this alleged appetizer french toast. Haha the jokes on them. The person was just being FAT by wanting to order a short stack to go with their real entree! OK now on to my meal... The drink of course was the classic raspberry lime rickey. I ordered the "eggplant fries" which is exactly what it sounds like. Eggplant is cut like french fries, lightly battered and deep fried. Served with marinara for dipping. YUM. I had one all beef natural casing hot dog that was delicious. I also had an "appetizer" of my own.... an order of ployes (french canadian/acadian pancake that has no egg or dairy in it) topped with baked apples and maple syrup.... HOLY CRAP!!! Afterward it took me a really long time to come out of the food coma I fell into following this meal. It was totally worth it.
(5)Sadia Lynne B.
Ambiance: incredibly charming-classic old-style diner. Service: average Food: I would not recommend for dinner. Curb appeal: They had a giant pile of trash in front of the building....YUCK! Good for kids? Yes, cool placemats with crayons...and possible food poisoning. WARNING. What we had to eat: 1. fish & chips=under-seasoned and fish is frozen 2. chicken fingers: uneatable & heinously over-seasoned with ROSEMARY!! YUCK. I have only sent one other meal back in my life. It was so bad (the waitress said others were complaining of the same thing). 3. Jambalaya special: made my kid feel sick and he had problems in the morning. 4. Cheese burger & sweet potato fries: Bland Bland and bland...can I have some more bland please? RUDE COMMENTS: we arrived at the restaurant at 9:00pm. They do not close until 10pm. We over heard the hostess say: "Turn off the lights, lock it up lets go!" Thanks for that wonderful welcoming statement, you will be 'locking it up' soon because your food sucks and so does your attitudes. Cooks speak Spanish. So can a lot of other people :) Don't bite the hand that feeds. P.S. try taking your trash out AFTER you close :) We will never be back unless the Zombie Apocalypse happens and your diner is our only safe haven.
(2)Darcie G.
My boyfriend went last week for the first time in a very long time... nothing has changed. It is still awesome! We both got the hungry person and never ate again that day... as expected, the sweet potato pancakes were delicious. Huge portions, hot delicious food!
(5)Augustine W.
I have come here many times. The fried green tomatoes & an orange creamsicle shake are pictured here and ya they were excellent...salads here are good even side ones. This place is good for diner- quality foods... Booths a bit worn and can be uncomfortable.
(4)Nan A.
This retro, very homey diner does breakfast like no other, my favorite the sweet potato pancakes. Possibly the best breakfast in the entire Boston area.
(5)Marcia W.
They must have been having a really bad night! I have been coming here with family and friends for over 15 years and this meal was awful. Bad service, bad food, little or no apology and multiple stories to 'explain' why the food arrived over 45 minutes after we ordered.
(1)Ariel N.
Amazing breakfast/brunch menu. Get there early on the weekend or you'll be waiting in line.
(4)Amy F.
We LOVE the diner. Best pancakes! I highly recommend their loaded home fries! We made lots of trips here while I was pregnant. Craved their breakfast and came in for burgers at night. Can't go wrong.
(4)Molly M.
Always packed for a reason- the food, service, and prices are nearly unbeatable. Everything I've ever tried here has been great. The only downfall to this place would be the wait on the weekends. You have to wait outside if it's already packed inside because the place isn't very big. The wait is definitely worth it though!
(4)Rachel N.
3.5 -- what a fun surprise! I was expecting greasy diner food, but Deluxe is actually super yummy and has a variety of strong options -- I had a glorious smoked salmon platter with scrambled eggs, and it took every ounce of self restraint I possess not to also order blue cornmeal pancakes and sweet potato flapjacks -- my delightful sisterwife had some pretty tasty banana pancakes and Em went for Johnnycakes, both of which were enjoyed. Also have some nice looking salads and sandwiches for those in the non-breakie mood. For beverages, I have no idea abt the juice choices, and coffee is fine, not great. Service is friendly but absent -- I can imagine this place gets crazy on the weekends, but on a random Monday, it's easy to find a seat. Breakie can be done for $15/pp + tip.
(3)Colleen G.
My boyfriend spent a weekend outside of Boston and, seeing as breakfast is my all-time favorite meal of the day, I wanted to end our mini-vacation on a high note. Good thing we found this place! It was on a Sunday--mid-morning, believe--and maaaan was the restaurant packed. It's a tiny diner, but the line was going out the door and down the street. The wait was about 30-45 minutes (*snobby New York accent* we didn't mind; we're accustomed to waiting in long lines...) The wait was DEFINITELY worth it. Again, since it was a Sunday, there were a lot of big families. With that being said, John and I opted to sit at the bar. We actually preferred sitting there! It was kind of cool watching the chefs cook the pancakes in front of us. There were quite a few vegan options! Since I'm only a vegetarian, I got the potato pancakes with a side of vegan soy sausage. The sausage was a little cold, so I told the waitress and she immediately went back and got me a warm plate. Both the sausage and the pancakes were killer. I wish I had a bigger stomach. My boyfriend got the short stack of French toast. He, unlike me, is not a breakfast person. He can have a glass of milk and call it a morning. It doesn't help that he's a very picky eater. Let me tell you, I've never seen this man eat a plate of food so fast! Long story short, he was very impressed. If we're ever in the area again, Deluxe Town Diner will definitely be at the top of our itinerary.
(5)Nick M.
Best diner hands down, I have been coming here with my roomate for about a year and half and we have become regulars. The hungry person breakfast cures any hangover but I do recommend getting that with pancakes stuffed with bananas and blueberries! I will miss this place now that I am no longer living near watertown!
(5)Shaun H.
This may be the best brunch we've ever had. Was expecting dinner quality food but everything was fresh and well cooked. French toast and hash brown both incredible, messed up our order the first time though.
(5)Justin B.
Love this place. We come here every time we come up to visit the inlaws! You gotta try the sweet potato pancakes. They're amazing. Anything you get here you'll be happy with. It's a great local spot.
(5)Josh P.
Probably the best diner in the state. Their homemade hash and their potato pancakes are second to none. I am always impressed with the quality that comes out of this tiny kitchen.
(5)Danforth N.
I try to get brunch in every city I visit, and I still haven't found any place as consistently delicious as the Deluxe. Yes, there's a wait during peak times, but that's true at almost any place that serves eggs in the greater metro area. The selection of tea is great, they manage both tasty vegan and carnivore food, and they have one of the best corned beef hashes I've ever eaten. Be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes for a table at noon on Sundays. Call ahead to put your name on the waiting list 10-20 minutes before you arrive, and then check in to let them know when your party is ready. They won't seat you while you're still waiting for someone. Yeah, there's a wait. And it's worth it.
(5)A H.
The corned beef hash is awesome. Seriously beats out most other diners in Boston, namely Mike's and Lori's. The sweet potato pancakes are also a must. BUT the hash omelet is the absolute worst omelet I've ever had. By far. It was borderline uneatable. I wish I took a picture. It was beater eggs that were as thin as paper, a lump of corned beef hash, covered with another sheet of fake-looking eggs, topped with two squares of sweating Swiss cheese. After about 3 minutes, the cheese was like rubber. Who the hell puts cheese on the outside? It was like an afterthought. Seriously disgusting. I'm only telling you this so you don't ruin your experience here. It is an AWESOME diner. Great atmosphere and staff. And the absolute best breakfast food in town -- just avoid the hash omelet.
(5)Kelley H.
The food is most excellent here and always arrives fast. I need to stop going here because the staff is full of depraved, crazy women who need a reality check and need to not tell everyone about their lives. Gimme my food and go. I recommend getting the corned beef hash though, its not from a can!
(3)Heather H.
We live about a block away so this is one of our go-to places. We know not to go during peak times because of the long wait times, which are awkward because there is nowhere to stand inside the restaurant. There are certain dishes that I stick with - the meatloaf, turkey dinner, Cobb salad, and pancakes. Other than their pancakes, the breakfast food is disappointing. Their home fries are the worst breakfast potatoes I've ever had, and I don't know how they make their toast so hard. The rest of the reviews are true - snarky, inattentive waitresses. The food is a little overpriced, particularly the breakfast, but that's to be expected from a hipster diner. I guess a few good comfort food dishes, plus the convenience factor is enough to keep me coming back.
(3)Amanda H.
I would rate Deluxe Town Diner five stars if it weren't for the long wait every weekend morning -- but I guess that's just a testament to the food. Possibly the best pancakes I've ever had and their corned beef hash is home made and delicious. Whenever I get the chance, I like to head here weekday mornings to avoid the crowd and enjoy the food without feeling rushed.
(4)Jenn S.
Love this place. My go-to for diner food. The grilled cheese with avocado is amazing! I also love the breakfast. Waffles and pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream - so good!!!!
(5)Ana R.
I've been here one other time and shared the tuna melt and the reuben with a friend. Both were so-so. This time, we had breakfast and it wasn't much better. My Crab Cake Benedict sounded better on paper than it looked on the plate. It was soggy and I tasted more "other" filling than crab. I have to say the home fries blew my mind! Next time, and I'm sure there will be a next time since I love diners and this place is close to a few friends, I'll try something more simple. Like pancakes... and those delicious home fries. As for service, it was busy, but I've been to super busy diners, and I get coffee refills, milk refills and water refills regularly. Our milk refill came 15 minutes after our coffees, and our Ketchup bottle was empty. Poor service. Also got 'tude when trying to figure out the splitting of the bill, but that's to be expected. My friend had the breakfast burrito, which she proclaimed to be the best she'd ever had, so I guess the menu is hit-or-miss. The other people in our group were satisfied with their omelet and Eggs Florentine. $50 for four people. Also, though there was a long line at the door, we were told it would be about a 15 minute wait. Some guy outside said they say that to everyone, no matter how long the line is. We actually ended up waiting 20 or 25 minutes, which wasn't terrible.
(2)Emily R.
I don't live in Watertown, but I make the trip here anytime I can because the food is really good, and the menu is really diverse. I am a HUGE breakfast fan, I eat breakfast at any time of day, so when I come here I go straight for the pancakes. Other people I have been with got lunch/dinner foods, which looked equally delicious as my breakfast. In the morning there is usually a decent wait, but it's worth it. Try the chocolate chip pancakes!!!
(4)Jim W.
Good breakfast, but not out of this world like some other diners in Boston. Good service! 3.5 stars for the food not-quite being killer diner food.
(3)Jan R.
When I am looking for a big down home breakfast I come here. They have the most delicious French toast imaginable. It gets busy and sometimes a wait is required but reassure yourself while you are in that line that it will be worth while. Sometimes you assume that a diner will only have good or decent breakfast food but discount the lunch and dinners. Do not discount Deluxe. It is worth trying items from the other menus to tickle your fancy. My kids get excited to go here and they are tough customers. They love the famous sweet potato pancakes. If you have lived in Watertown for any length of time you have heard your friends and neighbors talking about this place, most likely you will see some of them there when you go.
(4)Al R.
It's good standard diner fair. I had no issues while dining here and would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a cozy breakfast. Did the good blow my socks off? Not particularly. It's just good solid breakfast food with a nice menu. Also they have biscuits and not a lot of places in boston do!
(3)Leon P.
The corned beef hash alone is worth the visit. They give you these big flaky peices of beef that make up 2/3 of the meal. Bisquits and gravy seals the deal. You can't go wrong here with most meals, though.
(4)Lily S.
great place for breakfast. love the salmon plate. pancakes are good. home fries are decent. OJ is surprisingly good and doesn't taste like it came out of a can. My friend was also impressed with the coffee. Potato pancakes here are my fave. But pretty much anything with sour cream rocks my world. Good size portions and very reasonable price. Ample street parking, enough so that even on Church Sunday it's not too bad. Turn over in the restaurant is pretty fast too, so you're not left waiting in line too long. Bonus? AC in the summer.
(4)Heather C.
Hands down my favorite breakfast place in the area. Unfortunately we can no longer walk there from our house, unless we felt like walking 4 miles... I don't know... maybe for the pancakes. Anyway, yes, the pancakes. They are what I recommend to everyone. They are like eating smooth, soft pillows of happiness. Except I never order them because I feel like the vegan breakfast burrito (which I always order with real cheese... because let's not go crazy with all that soy, yo), is the more sensible option to keep me full through out our normal weekend day routine. It gets crowded, but the wait is never terrible. Not as bad as Zaftigs in Brookline (other favorite) and I rarely feel the need to gnaw off a limb.
(5)Kristine A.
I love their sweet potato pancakes so much that I can't help but make special trips to Watertown for them. I can't believe I haven't written a review sooner. This place is always busy so expect to wait, but let me just say, the wait is worth it. The place runs like a well oiled machine though so don't fret. You will see the same staff working there (years)as they seem very family oriented. No matter what you get it's always tasty. The bonus is they have veggie sausage & carry soy milk, how often does that happen, not very. When I had gone recently I was by myself at the counter next to where they pick up the food. I was almost done eating when the plates went flying & basically came crashing down. It even cracked my plate which wasn't that bad. They ended up making me a whole new batch of sweet potato pancakes (w/ pecans) even though I didn't need to eat more since i had like 3 bites left. Not only that, but they took care of my check. Can you believe that? How awesome is that? I was super stuffed since I ate a whole other stack of pancakes, but they were tasty as well hell of course.
(5)Joe V.
Great Place For Breakfast. A very large menu. Several Gluten free items. Personally I want everything on the menu. Try the sourcream flapjacks, you won't go wrong. Also the Grilled muffins are excellent. They come split in half and grilled expertly with a slather of butter. Has a slightly slower breakfast turn around time than other places, but one of the best parts about this place is the small coffee nook attached. You can buy a bottomless cup of Joe there and sip while you wait. You can also bring it with you for additional refills while you eat. One downside is that this diner is hard up for space. I would not recommend this place for larger parties if its avoidable.
(5)Aaron C.
Great diner food. The weekend line is very long but almost always worth it.
(5)Sandra L.
Every once in a while, my friends will suggest this place and I'll go along with it, but for the life of me, I can't understand what all the hype is about. After reading several reviews, I'm glad I'm not the only one. The service is lackluster and inattentive. The food is overrated, and a bit on the pricey side for what they give you. Met some friends here last Saturday. They all wanted sweet potato pancakes, so we ordered a stack to share. I vaguely remember ordering them the first (and only) time I tried their other location in Newton Centre, and now I remember why the experience was so forgettable. Let me just say: I like sweet potatoes, I LOVE pancakes, I'm always eager to try uncommon food combinations, AND I have a major sweet tooth...but Deluxe's version is nothing to write home about. Dense and doughy to the point of being mushy and sticky, not to mention bland, I had a couple bites and was completely unimpressed. I felt it was a waste of stomach space, and I'm the type of person who will eat anything if it's sitting in front of me, so that's saying a lot. That being said, my blue corn pancakes were good. Fluffy and soft, with a gritty crunch evenly melded throughout, they are more savory than sweet; the strong hint of salt is a welcome complement to the maple syrup. (I appreciate that they use a higher quality syrup than most places, too.) The home fries are bland, but presentable. I was a bit confused when our server brought one more mug of coffee than we had ordered. Not wanting to be overcharged, I timidly pointed the discrepancy, and she brusquely replied, "That's a refill." (Ok thanks....that's a nice gesture....but who wants a refill that has gone cold by the time they finish their first cup? Weird, but no problem, it's peak hours.) ------------------------- Today, it's a Thursday morning, the restaurant is half full. Upon entering, my dad and I greet one of the servers first, just to get her to notice us. She tries to seat us at a cramped corner table, and seems offended when I politely ask if we could sit at the empty booth we just passed. Our server is apathetic, seems bitter that neither of us want coffee, plops the check down before I've even taken my third bite of breakfast, then ignores us to chat spiritedly with her coworker. It's clear she's just going through the motions. When I put down $20 for a $14.50 bill, she asks if I want any change. Um yes, please...or were you expecting a 37% tip for not smiling at us? It's truly not about the money (I'd happily leave that much or more for friendly, well-mannered professionals anywhere else), it's just that their lame attitude detracted from the meal. As someone who has worked in restaurants for ten years, I've learned that first impressions can make or break a deal, so don't be afraid to be nice! These girls need better training, that's all. tl;dr Overrated diner whose shabby service outweighs the draw of their blue corn pancakes. Won't be back.
(1)Elissa F.
This is the classic diner experience in an original diner car. I've eaten here many times & enjoyed every meal. Their Cobb salad is a hearty meal. Dynamite breakfasts. Try their sweet potato pancakes! Friendly, casual and a big waiting line on weekends that's well worth the time. A locals favorite.
(5)Damien S.
Tried and tried and tried again. After three, three is what it gets. Utterly baffled at what pulls this fun and funky diner from the dotted line of mediocrity. The food is ______. That's intentional white highlighter, folks. Follow along. Journey 1: Weekend breakfast. The jonnycakes (Rhode Island specialties made of corn meal) approached the table cold and lifeless with torched linguica on the side. A fountain Coke, moderately priced at $1.95, came with one refill. C*cktease. Journey 2: Business lunch. A $9 ground turkey burger, accented with apples, yogurt and what I swear is curry, served with a paper cuppy of cole slaw. Arguably the best meal of the three, and in some twist of self-awareness, also a promoted entry in Clara Silverstein's "The Boston Chef's Cookbook." Kudos! Turkey is so easy to blow, and DTD did the bird right. ... Don't quote me on that. Journey 3: Casual lunch. Had to appease my peoples (and by peoples, I mean taste buds) so I opted for the Cubano. A scantly filled sandwich, they spun the traditional yellow mustard to a 'mojo sauce' and pressed that puppy on a French roll. Repping little meat and no fries or chips, the wee thing still rang in at $9. Love the feel of the space and the chiseled propaganda art, a la All-Star Sandwich Bar and Spacely Sprockets, but a proper meal is paramount. I wouldn't chase away yet a fourth visit, but rest assured, I'll be asking for whatever their knockout dish may be. Up until then, we're just a notch above the thin line betwixt desire and pathos.
(3)Christina M.
Good pancakes :) also like the turkey dinner. Quick service and pretty cheap. The place is usually pretty crowded and there is a line Sunday morning for brunch after 9 am.
(5)Claudia M.
So breakfast is a big deal out here in New England - or so it seems given the amount of breakfast joints and the ridiculously long waits on the weekends. Anyways, hubby and I have gotten in the habit of waking up around 7am on Saturdays and trying out places we have avoided because of the crowds. First place on our list was Deluxe. We have been here twice before for dinner but overall, this place is not worth the hype. On top of that the place is tiny and you have to constantly duck your head or readjust any time a person walks by. The food was not memorable although the pancakes reminded me of cake batter - very sweet. We may give it another try for the french toast since everyone seems to love it.
(2)Lucinda C.
There's usually a line out the door so be prepared! The breakfast menu is big and certain things I love like the corn beef hash, heart healthy platter, biscuits ( sometimes they are dry), buttermilk pancakes... While I don't like the home fries ( they deep fry them) so they are bland, bacon I think might be deep fried too, coffee is not strong.. The lunch/ dinner menu is great. The Rachel is tasty, coleslaw is good, fries come with rosemary seasoning ( I just ask for without Bc it's too much for me), burgers are not tasty, fish tacos are good, est India curry is great.. Good beer selection and great variety on menu. The place is super small so if you don't like that, then don't go. The prices are a little on the high side for what you get sometimes.
(4)Sam M.
Good breakfast joint. My lady says the pancakes are solid and they get extra points from me for making their corned beef has from scratch! Decently priced, haven't had everything on the menu, but happy to go their for bfast. They move people through there pretty quickly, but it can get crowded and if it's the winter and you are near the door its cold! Haven't had lunch or dinner there, but have heard it leaves something to be desired.
(4)Travis M.
I am not sure I can add much seeing as the review count is above 400. I love this place! From scratch, delicious, and true to the diner genre. Sour cream flapjacks are phenomenal. Seriously, that word is reserved for their pancakes. PHE-NO-MEN-AL! Fresh hash, that's good? Yes. Oh yes. I can't say much for their lunch menu items, but if you go here for breakfast, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Joanna F.
Standard diner food, mediocre service, typical atmosphere. Really the quintessential diner (and I'm not sure if I mean that in a good way). I got the smoked salmon platter. I really liked that they "pastrami smoked" the salmon. There were a lot of interesting spices involved that you don't usually see on smoked salmon. However, the bagel and cream cheese were average. My fiance got the "Hungry Man Platter" or something along those lines. He had french toast, sausage, eggs, toast... no complaints from him, but he wasn't raving about it either. The prices are pretty good and the atmosphere is exactly what you think of when you think of a diner - old fashioned, leather and metal, kind of dingy on the outside. I would probably come back, although I'm not eager about it.
(3)Roxana F.
All you need to know is: SWEET POTATO PANCAKES and Expect a wait. That is all.
(5)Robo T.
Been here countless times over the years but have never felt the need to review it until now. Let me tell you fat asses about the amazing meal I had. First it should be noted that someone else in our party (not me!) brought up a "challah french toast appetizer". Another person at the table literally started flipping through the menu looking for this alleged appetizer french toast. Haha the jokes on them. The person was just being FAT by wanting to order a short stack to go with their real entree! OK now on to my meal... The drink of course was the classic raspberry lime rickey. I ordered the "eggplant fries" which is exactly what it sounds like. Eggplant is cut like french fries, lightly battered and deep fried. Served with marinara for dipping. YUM. I had one all beef natural casing hot dog that was delicious. I also had an "appetizer" of my own.... an order of ployes (french canadian/acadian pancake that has no egg or dairy in it) topped with baked apples and maple syrup.... HOLY CRAP!!! Afterward it took me a really long time to come out of the food coma I fell into following this meal. It was totally worth it.
(5)Joseph D.
Best Pancakes in America! I'm not a huge pancake fan, but this is the place to go. Has a huge menu and have tried a few of their other fare, but the pancakes are it! They also sell it in a mix form and I highly recommend picking it up while your there. If your not into pancakes, be prepared for a greasy breakfast. Good potatoes, but over spiced. Salads are ok, but I question the cleanliness of the establishment as a whole. Service is consistently pleasant, but place does get busy. They cater to vegetarians, but have heard mixed reviews from friends and family. Go for the pancakes, that's all I got to say!
(3)Jackie S.
Deluxe Town Diner provides the ultimate diner experience. It feels like the good old days, if you know what I mean. I had the grilled cheese and to my surpirse and joy, they had turkey bacon!! YUM! It was great. My friend had the corned beef hash which was superb. Great homestyle feel, nice staff with a busy atmosphere. Also to my satisfaction, this place boasts beer and wine! I will certainly return.
(4)Heather J.
This place was awesome. I went with my husband and aunt, and the food was outrageous. I was able to get a meal that jived perfectly with my Paleo eating style (the wagyu burger, medium rare, with sweet potato fries). The lettuce, tomato, and pickle were fresh and delicious, the cole slaw was perfect, and the burger and fries (yay for gluten free sweet potato fries-much harder than it should be to find!) were also perfect. Not to mention, the yerba mate was outstanding. It was exciting to have such a selection of teas, and we all had amazing meals. We will definitely go back!!
(5)Claude F.
I have eaten here literally about 50 times over the years (more lately) and it is a good thing I am now doing 19+ mile long runs or my next 5 reviews would be for: Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Slim fast, Big and Tall stores, and the makers of pants that stretch. THAT is how good the food is here!!! On my last outing (see picture) we shared an order of Blue cornmeal pancakes (Background), Cheese Blintzes (middle ground) and Rhode Island Jonny cakes. The Blue Corn Meal Pancakes were Pancake-Licious! (but I still prefer their sweet potato pancakes) The Blintzes here are the best in Boston! They are served Hot and crisp on the outside and cold on the creamy inside. The way a blintz is supposed to be!!! The Rhode Island Jonny cakes (which some people find dry and odd) are indeed an acquired taste. But Maaaaaaaan! Have I acquired it (more like required)!!! If I eat any more I will have to up my long runs to 30 miles (which would NOT be good for the Hams or the running shoe budget) My only complaints: Sometimes the "fresh squeezed Orange Juice" is not fresh squeezed. And I personally think I make much better French toast then their French toast (but what guy doesn't say that?).
(4)K S.
Insane pancakes, you won't leave hungry. The ambiance is pure "elbow to elbow" diner, and the wait can be long. Sides are yummy and the dinners are tasty, plentiful and reasonably priced. Don't go to watch your waistline, but it's comfort food that's just that.
(4)Laura T.
Very disappointed in the service. We were waiting for over 10 minutes and still had not been offered a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, a couple next to us was seated after us, and had already placed their order. We ended up leaving and going to another diner. It's too bad because the food sounded good!
(1)Mark B.
This place was awesome. Best breakfast place in the area. Only competition could be Jim's Deli in Brighton Center. There will be a wait, but they are nice enough to have a waiting area that serves coffee. I'll be going back again real soon.
(5)Laura B.
Went on Saturday around 2pm (thinking the brunch rush might be dwindling) - definitely a mistake. Also came with a Groupon, which might have been another mistake (still don't get why businesses advertise with coupons when they disdain people who bring in their coupons). Only me and my +1 in attendance, we were seated quickly in a whirlwind of people slamming in and out of the tiny front entryway. Because it was crowded and we'd just taken 40 minutes of public transit to get out there, I was thankful to grab a seat, though for the first time in my life I experienced a claustrophobic panic attack when we were seated at the bar next to old guy bumping shoulders with me who proceeded to snort snot down his throat for the first 15 minutes we were next to him. Once the place slowed down I asked if it would be okay for us to move to an empty table, and they told me no. We proceeded to eat lunch sitting between an empty table and SnotMuncher. We ordered the Southwestern Chili Omelette ($9.95 - pricey for an omelette in my book) and the Turkey Avocado Club ($9.75 - also steep considering it's a sandwich and doesn't come with fries). You can blame it on my being a Texan prude, but the chili was weak. Mostly tomato sauce, I think they forgot the chili powder, onion and garlic in this batch. Home fries were quartered potatoes, no jelly in sight for toast. Ended with a $5 piece of mushy Double-Crust Apple Pie. bleugh. If this is the best diner in the area, then point me to the nearest Denny's where I can find a $10 omelette with some attitude.
(2)Deborah J.
I like this place, the traditional dinner.
(4)Corydon S.
I like to come here for breakfast, even if I have to wait outside to get a table. I get the potato pancakes with a side of bacon, and black coffee every time. Diners bring out my inner old man, so I stick to what I like and don't try other menu items even though I am sure they are good. The other logic here being that when I eat out, I try not to order things I can easily cook myself. They stopped playing Christmas music at our request and put on Johnny Cash. They have some small Christmas decorations but nothing over the top. The Delux Town Diner is an option for folks who don't want to be surrounded by Christmas stuff. They also get bonus points for being willing to change the music, if only other places did that Christmas music would be more enjoyable.
(4)Sara M.
I love diners. I think the whole concept is great and homey, greasy and filling. I have been here twice - once when my sister came into town and this morning. The first time the wait was almost an hour when they quoted 25 minutes and the second time we waited only 10 minutes. The corned beef hash was only okay and they overcooked my sunny side up eggs so the yolk wasn't runny. I like mixing the yolk with my hash. The home fries are ehhhhh. But the pancakes! Oh dear me, what fluffy delights! I pretty much kept stealing forkfuls from Husby's plate the first time and made sure I got my own this time around. So good and flavorful, with the syrup adding just the right amount of sweetness. I think these are the best pancakes I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I will be back for dinner to try the chicken pot pie, cheeseburger club, fried chicken, etc.
(4)Jean B.
I've been coming to the Town Diner for about 30 years or so. It seems like it's been here forever. I'm not really sure where the "Deluxe" part of the name came from, it's always just been the "Town Diner" to my family and it hasn't changed much over the decades. The biggest draw here is that when you walk in the door you really feel like your stepping into a Diner in the 50's. It has the ambiance, the look and feel of something out of I Love Lucy. That being said, for me coming to the Town Diner is more of a habit than anything else. The food is good, typical breakfast fare. I'd say it's along the lines of an IHOP with regard to type and quality of food. The service is hit or miss. I've had servers that just didn't seem to want to be there and been fairly disappointed and then other times I've been quite pleased with good service. As several have mentioned, the pancakes are really quite good, and definitely worth a try. If you're in the Watertown area and want to try a real fixture of Watertown, a restaurant that's truly iconic, give the Deluxe Town Diner a try.
(3)James K.
Best Biscuits and Gravy in the Boston area. I've searched high and low (mostly low). These are perfect, minus the fact that I want more sausage gravy, but I always want more sausage gravy. Who doesn't want more gravy?
(4)Flora G.
Three strikes you're out. I only went here the 2nd time to give them another shot, and the third time because my husband thought we should give it one more go. Won't be going a fourth time. 3rd time, we sat at the bar and were told we couldn't just sit for drinks. We had to say, actually we are here to eat and could we have a menu? I ordered something like a roasted vegetable wrap. After a while, the waitress came back and said it wasn't available but they could make something pretty close to that. I said, sure, that'd be great. What came back was a joke. A wrap with raw baby carrots and a few other things. Just gross. 3 bad meals in a row. Think my time there is done.
(1)Alexa D.
My group of three showed up here on a saturday morning at ten, and wern't suprised to see the line outside the door. They tell us 20 minutes. Closer to 40, we are seated. We had to wait outside because theyre really isn't much waiting area, and it was cold, so I wasn't too happy about that. When seated, I went to the bathroom right away. When I got back, the waitress was already at the table. I'm not usually picky so I picked out an order in about five seconds. Breakfast Burrito, no avacado. My friend had gotten the vegan breakfast wrap. Here's where I get annoyed. First the server was speaking so softly I had to ask her to repeat what she said twice. Have you not seen what this place looks/sounds like? If you want to speak tiny go work somewhere quiet. Second, apparently my breakfast burrito was supposed to come with two sides. When the burritos got to the table (which the server messed up because I got a huge bite of tofu on my first one..yuck) my friend and I had to switch. Luckily I ate first. Second, my friends burrito came with homefries and toast. I looked at the menu, and low and behold, it says I can have homefries with a choice of toast or a bagel. I just dont understand it. She SAW me sit down and order straight. Why would you not tell me about my options. Annoying. The food was average. Beakfast burrito was somewhat plain and had a TON of beans and not much of anything else. My friends homefries were under done and under spiced. I'm giving this place the benefit of the doubt with 3 stars, because it really was a 2/2.5 star experience.
(3)Poppy E.
My mum and I were going out to meet with some of her friends and had originally planned to go to Red Lentil but they had this weird fixed price dinner thing going on... Anyways. We ended up going to the Deluxe Town Diner, and it was a good time. The food? Well, I had a Harvest Salad sans the cheese which was pretty tasty. And filling. I also got a side of beets, which was awesome. I mean, really, who has beets as a side these days? I love beets. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal and had a good time. So all in all, I'd go here again. It was also pretty cool that they had a "vegan" burger as a main entree, I will try that for sure next time I'm there. HOWEVER, I did find it a little weird how complex their menu was...burgers and hummus plates, whaaat? That said, all diners could be like that, and seeing as I'm a bit of a diner-newbie, I wouldn't know. Bottom line: If you're in the area, try this place out, if you're not, don't go out of your way to.
(3)christine c.
Everyone always says things about amazing pancakes. I always thought to myself, "pancakes are almost always good, but what makes an amazing pancake? How can some pancakes be significantly better than others?" Well, my friends, this place has the answer. These are THE BEST pancakes I've ever had. I got the huge breakfast platter, I dont' remember what they call it... But it has everything. It's highlighted in a box with unlimited coffee refills for like $12. Steep for breakfast, right? Well, no. Because you won't eat for a day... or 3. THE BEST PANCAKES. EVER. PLEASE GO.
(5)Stacy B.
After walking out of the "updated" Matt Murphy's in Brookline Village for having an $8 price tag on a fucking Guinness, I was on the hunt for a deal. Took the advice of my fellow Yelper's and found myself at the Deluxe Town Diner. All I can say is THANK YOU. I don't know if I was just excited that the average price of a menu item was well under $15 and the beer prices didn't make me want to throw up in my mouth, but I surely enjoyed my experience. I'm also kind of obsessed with diners. Got there a little early and had no problem sitting at the counter. I watched the food pouring out of the kitchen in awe. This was not diner food! I mean, it was, but was so fresh and gorgeous! And as soon as I saw a pancake bigger than my head, I knew I was going to like this place. Recognizing that we'd never been there, our genuinely friendly waitress delivered us a great smile [and service] and chatted us up about the size of the pancakes and the upcoming Food Network appearances. I have no doubt this place will be featured many more times. I scanned the menu numerous times, unable to make up my mind because everything sounded delightful. Ended up with the steak I was craving for the evening, which happened to be a blue plate special [that's right... they have those] costing only $10.95. It was served with healthy options like roasted beets and spinach -- both delightful and so fresh. Portions are large, but don't be dumb... wrap it up and leave room for some of the best pecan pie you'll ever taste. You're welcome. Best diner in the area!
(5)Audrey K.
Hands down, BEST BREAKFAST EVER! The wait is long but totally worth it. The side area where you can grab a cup of coffee as you wait makes it not so bad. But the food - oh my goodness! Their sourcream pancakes with blueberries would get my out of bed on any given day. And their corned beef hash is ridiculous. It is not hash-ed... it is beef brisket. So delicious. Not to mention their bread selection! The harvest is my favorite. (It's $6 for half a loaf - 6-5 slices, but you can get 2 slices with your breakfast, thought that was worth noting :P)
(5)Ashley B.
Spendy! Corned beef hash is unusual. French toast delicious but drowned in butter. Like Waffle House but not 24 hours and twice as expensive. With actual good food.
(4)Julie N.
I absolutely hate waiting for a table for brunch on the weekends. I get so fking hungry on a Saturday morning! Anyway, on a random Tuesday off of work we decided to head over to see what the hype was about without enduring the wait of this place on the weekend. The place was still pretty busy for a Tuesday but we were able to get seated right away. Breakfast: Omelettes and a side of their famous sour cream flapjacks. Fantastic. Absolutely everything you want in a diner. Huge stuffed omelettes, awesome homefries, and a take on flapjacks that makes perfect sense. Everything was wonderful. The wait for a table on the weekend is the only thing that has scares me away from coming back, but when another random Tuesday opens up for me, I'll totally come back.
(4)DEREK S.
I have been here years ago for Brunch with family, last night I was actually going to go the Thai restaurant around the corner, but when I got there, they only had two tables and they were full! So I took my "date" to this place. I only ordered a Greek Salad because I figured being in the heart of Watertown with the racial composition heavily predisposed to people from this region, the Greek Salad should be one of their better dishes...Unfortunately I was wrong! They probably had less than one ounce of Feta Cheese on the dish, my friend's dish was a bit better, but over all I was a bit disappointed. Decent service though...
(3)Kyle R.
My girlfriend and myself come here for brunch on a regular basis. We always get the "Deluxe Colossal Hungry Person Special", and we never share any of it with each because we turn into ravenous beasts at the sight of their pancakes. We then proceed to walk very slowly back to our car in equal parts ecstasy and shame while contemplating the futility of existence. In fact, we decided that if either of us ended up on deathrow, the Deluxe with strawberry pancakes would be our last meal. Deluxe, you bring out the best in people. Never change.
(5)David B B.
We came just before closing time for a late-night breakfast. I should say that I've been here many times in years past, and I have always had a great meal. We were pleased to see that they took orders right up until 10:00. With the servers helping to shut down, it was hard to get their attention. We got the "deluxe" (ie, normal) pancakes, the sweet potato pancakes, and the veggie "hash." This last item is a complete misnomer, containing no potatoes and in fact consisting exclusively of things I hate: green peppers, summer squash, carrots, and oregano. It was a scene out of Heart of Darkness. Fortunately, they took that back, and there was plenty of food even with a short stack of each pancakes. The sweet potato pancakes were delicious. (Note: lots of nutmeg, which is good or bad depending on your nutmeg stance.) The deluxe pancakes were fluffy and not too heavy. I was very happy that they served all of their pancakes with 100% legit maple syrup. We came away quite satisfied.
(4)Simone K.
The only reason it's 4 stars is because the French Toast and gluten free pancakes are amazing! Otherwise..... the food is kind of dissapointing.
(4)Kevin L.
Diner has a nice vintage feel to it, but some things like the countertops need to be upgraded. Our waitress, Virginia, was very friendly and did an excellent job breaking down the entire menu, which was packed with all sorts of options (as is typical with diners). The apple curry turkey burger was the most interesting thing I saw and I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with how flavorful and delicious it was. It had such a unique taste and I would highly recommend it if you're looking to try something different and out there. Overall the food was filling, but not so greasy that you would feel bloated afterwards.
(4)Greg H.
This is a true gem. Good prices, great service, awesome food. Seriously, everything I tried at the table was amazing. The challah french toast was to die for. (And honestly, picking this over the sweetpotato pancakes was a really really hard choice. I will get those next time. I swear.) There were 5 of us. All hungry. One couple split the Hungy man deluxe, and oh my god was that a lot of food. One had the pot roast that looked so flavorful and was so tender you could cut it with the spoon. A burger with fries rounded out the orders, and even that looked solid. (The fries were good.) An order of Cinnamon Chai was also ordered, with milk. It came in a small steel pot, with the milk in. The mixture of milk and tea was perfect, and the steeping was also. We were provided with two cups. The Challah french toast was perfect. Deeply dredged in egg, fried to perfection. Th outside was perfectly crisped. They apply the butter and powdered sugar, and bring real maple syrup to the table. I also had a side of the soy sausage, which was also crisp and good. The wait staff was friendly, not overbearing, and intuitive. (Brought an extra plate for the sharing couple without having to be asked. (And they hadn't even really advertised that they were going to be sharing.)) Dinner for 5, which left us all very full and happy, was just about $50. We had no room for the desserts offered.
(5)Steve H.
Just an average diner, with great food along the MBTA#71, the service was good, the location is clean!
(5)BostonKidFriendly B.
This is a family favorite! Such great food and you just can't go wrong. When our family is indecisive on where we want to eat, the Deluxe Town Diner fulfills everyone's wants and needs. They have crayons and color sheets for kids, delicious food, and are a family friendly restaurant. Our family has a little bit of everything from pancakes to salads and sandwiches and we are never disappointed.
(5)Lispeth N.
Deluxe Town Diner is one of my favorite places to eat in the entire area. I particularly appreciate that they serve lunch all day, so you can order a sandwich for lunch and pick it up on your way to work, etc. They also have a good number of gluten-free options.
(5)Mark M.
Fantastic All American diner!!! The wait is long but well well worth it! It's an old fashioned little diner car so be patient and enjoy when seated. My gf and I went and sat at the counter and got to enjoy watching all of the food being prepped and served and that alone was a treat! The food was fantastic and the portions were plenty! We both ordered omelettes and we split a standard deluxe pancake. The eggs were delicious and the pancakes were out of this world! High recommend and we are going back tomorrow!!
(5)Anthony L.
I. AM. SO. GLAD. I. LIVE. DOWN. THE. STREET. FROM. THIS. PLACE. If you are looking for a true diner experience, look no where else, friends, as Deluxe Town Diner is the place. I honestly have no idea how to begin this review... do I start with the huge menu? Maybe I start with the really cute 70's diner ambience. No, perhaps it is the really awesome wait staff. Ehh, maybe it is the fact that they serve (not the best) beer (but what can you expect, it's a diner!). Nah, I'll start with the healthy portions of food. Oh gosh, no, it's the really rad coffee shop next door. Uhhhhh, no, it's the speed of service, especially when the diner is PACKED. Oh wait, no, maybe it's the really damn good coffee that they serve. Ah, screw it, I don't know. Deluxe Town Diner is the definition of comfort food within a really great ambience. You will not leave a sad customer, I promise that. Pro tips: 1. Reservations **ESPECIALLY** for weekend brunch 2. (I don't remember what the sign said), but there's a sign inside the vestibule that lists some free parking options One thing that is true that I cannot confirm: - They have a damn good and extensive tea menu
(5)Eric B.
We didn't know anything about this place when we walked in. They were closing in five minutes but the waitress still seated us and took our order. So nice! The food was awesome, too. The grilled cheese offered multiple cheese, bread, and topping choices. I went with pepper jack cheese with tomatoes and spinach, with seasoned fries as a side. Excellent. Overall this place had excellent, high-quality diner food and equally excellent service. Thanks!
(5)Missy P.
The service in this place is horrible. I have been here once before and the experience was fine, if not memorable. This time though- WOW. -This diner is small and we went in at 2 pm on a Saturday afternoon. They were not busy and it still took the server around 10 minutes to come over. -We were coming in to grab a beer and get quick lunch for our son. The server had no idea what the Sam Adams seasonal was, or that they were out of Allagash white. I am a server, and that's pretty basic, Server 101 type stuff. - When we ordered my kid's food, after the server informed us that they were out of Allagash, she insisted that we HAD to order food if my husband and I wanted a beer. She then informed us that it was a local law in Watertown, all beer must be served with food. This is a bold-faced lie. I am a server, in Watertown, and there is no law or licensing agreement that stipulates this. I did due diligence and checked prior to reviewing this diner. The manager came over and repeated this invented law but, I didn't go out to argue with someone over liquor licensing in the greater Boston environs. - Because they insisted, we ordered a Reuben. They didn't stipulate that we had to order TWO things (one for each beer) which just punctuated the idiocy of their invented "local Watertown law." Reuben came out on pumpernickel, as the server didn't ask what type of bread we wanted. Most Reuben sandwiches are traditionally served on rye. She should have asked but, if she wasn't going to, she should select Rye bread next time she rings one in as that is the standard. - Kid's fries were cold, Reuben was on the wrong bread, and my husband's Sam Adams was warm. Food was bad but service was worse. I'm a waitress and found the entire experience beyond the pale. Never again.
(1)Anne R.
A good menu selection. Sadly service was slow and got our orders wrong so the wait was twice as long. The hash Benedict was tasty but unfortunately over cooked in the egg department, but tasty none the less. All in all it was nice but not going to be itching to return.
(3)Carla S.
This is our regular breakfast joint.. we have been coming here for years. I really enjoy the home baked goods and the French toast. MMMMM.... so good.
(4)FreshTake '.
Mouth watering pancakes,I can't even describe how tasty they were. The hash browns were also yummy. This place is such an authentic diner. Very quick service on the Tuesday morning we went lol.
(5)William G.
Good food very quick service. Friendly staff and customers. Great location and a very retro feel. Just like a 50's movie. One note however what ever surface was used for the table tops is extremely sticky, hard to move a cup of tea.
(3)R R.
It was a crisp fall day in 2013. I had just finished substitute teaching for a 5th grade class near the Watertown line and I was beat and needed a pick me up. I hopped in the car and realized I was close to the legendary Deluxe Town Diner. For years I was a car less Somervillian. My friends out in distant Watertown were proud of their apartment that was so close to this diner, yet I had never taken the opportunity, until that fateful fall day. I arrived around 3pm on a weekday and the place was only a third full. I sat at the bar and ordered the vegetarian hash and eggs with fruit nut toast and a pot of some of the most delicious chai. I am a tea snob and try not to cry when my diner loving husband drags me out to an expired Lipton Tea bearing establishment. I love spicy chai- the legit loose leaf blend that is steeped. The chai at the DTD is fantastic, one of my top favorites- and they have soymilk, awesome for those of us with lactose intolerance.The hash was a succulent combo of local seasonal root vegetables flavored with herbs and spices. The eggs were a fluffy scramble and the toast was divine. A chewy homemade bread loaded with dried fruit and nuts. Now I live in the Berkshires, 3 hours from the Deluxe Town Diner, but we always vist here when we're back in town. Of course we do.
(5)Tracy S.
Sad day. Had to update my review and remove a star. The Don's Way grilled cheese is no longer on their menu. It was the only reason I went there today. In fact the menu is super different. I even asked for the sandwich anyway and I was told no. Because of the menu change and the fact that I could not get a former (and easy to cook- it's a grilled cheese people) menu item despite asking made me nick my review down. I had a BLT instead and it was just average.
(3)Joshua B.
Overall It may look like a regular, cozy diner dive, but the food is excellent. This is the best diner I've been to in Cambridge. Experience We arrived at noon on a Sunday. They would not put us on the list for seating until the full party arrived. When our full party arrived, we were seated within seconds. But shortly after that there was a decent line out the door. I recommend reservations. There was a fruit fly in our syrup bottle, and the waitress immediately changed our bottle out with a fresh one, and apologized. I also noticed a fruit fly hovering around the table, so I think that just goes with the territory here. The tables are cozy. A crowd of more than 4 might be a pain to try to seat at this place. Food I ordered a short stack of the deluxe flapjacks with a side of bacon. Flapjacks are served with some good, mostly melted butter on top. These are really some good pancakes! One cake is about a half-inch thick, and about 8 inches across, so good sized portions even with the short stack. The syrup is a real maple, so light and delisheroo. The bacon was made just right, crunchy and tasty with no burned portions. For the price, this food was amazing.
(4)George G.
I've been here many times in the past. I still remember the first meal I had with my grandmother here in 1997. The food is always good and there's always too much to eat in one sitting. I remember the service being wick and friendly. The old man that was working there up to at least 2009 had the best stories. I need to visit Boston again soon if only to eat here.
(5)Cerina H.
I don't remember ever going to a diner before so this was exciting for me. The place looked a bit like a hole-in-the-wall kinda place and it was quite small inside. I felt like I was on a fancy school bus that wasn't moving. I was immediately seated at the counter. Got the smoked salmon platter which came quickly. The food was good but nothing exciting. The service was average--the only times I interacted with the waitress was when I was seated, ordered food, and got the check. I poured my own water from the water jug they gave me. Overall an average meal. I would like to try some other stuff on their menu next time.
(3)Mia B.
We love this place! Great food! Tons of options including gluten free! Wine and beer.
(5)Jessica Y.
What's not to love but hot breakfast food on a cold, snowy afternoon? We waited a good 25 min for a table and didn't get seated until close to 2:15pm. The diner was a lot less crowded by 3pm. Coffee is unlimited :)) we got a full stack of blueberry pancakes and hungry man deluxe. It was impossible for the both of us to finish everything. The pancake was yummy fresh, so don't wait long to eat them. Otherwise, they would turn soggy from the blueberries and syrup. The deluxe wasn't bad as you could customize what you want. I would come back again to try other items on the menu.
(4)Mindy C.
The fact that they serve real maple syrup and not the fake stuff makes this a 5 star review.
(5)Carolyn L.
Excellent brunch spot. There are SO MANY options on the menu and they're all good. If you go a bit later than the normal brunch rush, you don't have to wait long. I think we waited about 15 minutes or less. I loved this meal and I can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!
(5)Rhön S.
I was introduced to this place back in 2012 when I first moved to the Boston area. Now that my time here is over, I wish I could take them to the west coast with me! The service is top-notch. The servers are very pleasant and never try to rush you, even though the place is always packed. The selection is healthy too. This might not matter to the average reader but I LOVE the fact that they use maple syrup instead Aunt Jemima! This was my last time visiting Deluxe Diner and I sure as heck will miss it. Whenever I come back to Boston to visit, they will be one of my first stops. Always.
(5)Stephen H.
We've been there twice now and everything we ordered both times was really, really good. I was surprised. I mean, it's just a diner, right? I will definitely go back again...and again.
(5)David B.
The menu says they serve breakfast all day. It also says they serve lunch all day. That's not so usual. Could I have a hot pastrami sandwich from the lunch menu for breakfast? Yes, I could. Not a deli style pastrami, it was a modest amount of hot curlicues on toasted bread, and the kitchen put cheese on it, which the waitress caught before it came as a surprise to me, so she asked if I wanted it remade. I did, which it was, no fuss. Old fashioned side-car style diner of the classic New England type, one of the few this close to Boston - it's just a few blocks west of the Cambridge town line.
(4)Jill C.
I can't even write a review of the food. I have been here on three separate occasions and have yet to order any food, but I certainly have a lot to say about the service (or lack there of). We wanted a turkey club real bad so against our better judgement we decided to give this place another go. We already had our doubts but knew it was a bad choice because the little boys next to us kept complaining that they had been waiting sooooo long. The complete turn off came when we caught the manager playing on her phone (with her feet on the stool) and chatting with our waiter while we had been waiting for 10 minutes for water and iced tea. Did I mention they were standing 10 feet away? That pushed us over the edge. The ending was the best part; neither the manager nor the waiter noticed us walk out right past them! I even made sure I said good bye... That my friends takes talent!
(1)JJ C.
The best! Overall solid food, service, music, people, and kid friendly too! I intend to keep returning for years to come! For dinner I can get the fish and chips and a beer and my kids can get delicious pancakes and bacon...everyone is happy!
(5)Jay G.
I love this place! Old school diner car restaurant, right on Mr Auburn St. I go here at least once a week for the Hungry Person Special. Very friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommended!!
(5)Penelope B.
Vegan pancakes. Vegan gluten-free pancakes. Immensely fluffy gluten-free pancakes (sadly not vegan, but very little is perfect in this world). Sweet potato pancakes, which are sadly not gluten-free. Homefries, beets, spinach, pilaf. Fruit plate. Wraps, sandwiches, salads, dairy shakes, soy shakes, juice, and quite a decent selection of tea. Tofu scramble or eggs any style, soy sausage and the more typical breakfast-type meat options. The Deluxe is a rare gem, serving traditional diner food but with options for people who have different diets and preferences. I am generally happy to eat anywhere that has even one meal on the menu that I can handle, but the Deluxe has several and they are great with questions. I believe you can get Earth Balance instead of butter, but if you're avoiding both dairy and soy you should probably bring your own. There is no gluten-free bread, but have I mentioned the pancakes enough times?
(5)Jennifer N.
3/5 because the service is a hit or a miss any time I go there. I keep going back for their home made toast :Rosemary Garlic which makes my day better. Water served out of a glass bottle to the table seems to be a priority before anything else in which at a diner I would have to disagree & say Coffee is!! There's a gift shop but I'm not sure its open to the public, it looks more like an acting mini museum displaying products from the time the diners been open. They serve alcohol which is a +.
(3)Inês L.
Honestly - I'm bummed the yelp reviews made claims of aaaaaaaaaaall these vegand options and yes, there are several and yes, the pancakes were very good but ehhhh not worth the trip. He loved his food but it wasn't vegan. I've had it bookmarked forever so I'm glad I checked it off the list. Well save red lentil for a special occasion since it's a bit pricier. And root is closed tonight, so didn't go there. This is great for when you have a lot of diff diets to feed.
(3)Read W.
Nothing awful, but the fish in the fish and chips was almost certainly bought frozen and breaded--no very noticeable flavor to either the fish or the breading. On the other hand, it was cooked well--moist & tender. Watery (mayo-based) and unremarkable dressing on the slaw covered the whole plate, soaking about a third of the fries; happily the fish was served on top of the fries, so it didn't get soaked. Pretty slow service on a decidedly slow weekday evening.
(3)Rachel B.
A great late night, fun atmosphere diner. Pros: MASSIVE menu (seriously, who needs the option of 6 kinds of pancakes?!), totally ultra-retro vibe, dedicated customers, courteous wait staff, delicious food! Oh, and did I mention that they serve BEER? Cons: The wait (I mean, unless you ENJOY waiting 30+ minutes for your Sunday brunch), while retro is wonderful this place definitely needs some serious upkeep, not to be picky but the bacon is never crispy Protip: if you're not sure, ASK. The milkshake is not a milkshake as we in the regular world know it- it's literally shaken milk.
(4)Jack J.
Kickass sandwiches with crispy fries on the side. Huge egg platters will keep you going to late afternoon.
(4)David D.
There was a day when the "Town Diner" was actually pretty special. Host and wait staff were upbeat and friendly and they made you feel at home when you walked in the door. And the food was exceptional -- worth the wait for breakfast or lunch. The diner is close to work and had always been a great "go-to" destination for a decent meal at a reasonable price. Alas, it appears things have changed. After not eating at the diner for more than a year, I dropped in this morning with my daughter for breakfast. What a mistake. As we entered the slightly run down but charming old pre-fab, lunch cab diner, we were "greeted" by a hostess who subtly rolled her eyes at me when I asked for a table for two. She seated us quickly then handed us off to a wait server who seemed equally as enthusiastic to help out. Our booth had not had a proper cleaning in a while, evinced by the tacky build up on the table, benches, and menus. Our drink orders were taken quickly and dispatched just as quickly. The "food," on the other hand, took too long to get to us after we ordered. My daughter's "fresh fruit" was anything but. Did they cut this stuff up last week? The veg on her plate was unappealing and unappetizing. Toast was stale and her eggs were cold. My home fries tasted like they had been sitting in a warmer for a couple of weeks -- tasteless, stale, potato morsels. I must admit my eggs (over easy) were cooked to perfection and the small portion of smoked salmon was good (hence the two stars). The rest was so forgettable. With tip, this subpar meal and dining experience put me back $43. What a jip. On our way out, neither our wait server or the hostess offered a thank you or good bye. What a complete let down. I really used to love this place. So long, Deluxe Town Diner.
(2)Courtney S.
You can't get much more diner-y than Deluxe town diner. The diner is located in an old train car, complete with tables crammed tightly together and usually at least one random kid with food smeared all over his/her face invading your personal space. The breakfast here is so delicious. I have a constant low-grade craving for their blueberry pancakes. They are fluffy and filled with blueberries, and are the best pancakes I have ever eaten. The smoked salmon (pastrami style) on a bagel and potato pancakes are also worth ordering. The lattes are surprisingly good, too. Takeout is always a great option, for those days when you want their food minus the random kid.
(4)Chris S.
This is my favourite diner by far and away. The food is great, and their breakfast menu is the stuff of legend. Fake maple syrup? Never. These guys have never heard of the brand "Aunt Jemima" in their lives. REAL maple syrup for your massive sourdough pancakes? Now that's what I'm talking about. Their lunch and dinner menus are of equal stature. Cold? Try the chicken pot pie. Their sandwiches are fantastic any time of the year. But enough about that. Breakfast is what we're here for. Here's my top three: 1. ) Challah French Toast. I could order this every day and never tire. 2.) REAL corn beef hash. That's all I have to say. 3.) Sweet potato pancakes that will change your life, I promise you that. My list is tragically short for all the delicious food they have to offer. Come hungry, my friends. The Deluxe Town Diner will not disappoint.
(5)John W.
I went in here Saturday morning with a buddy. It was packed but we got seated immediately. That was impressive. The service: Our waitress was prompt and attentive...but not friendly...she did the job no issues...but she wasn't happy...and the place was kind of loud so if you had to ask a few times for her to repeat herself she obviously would get irritated...she did a good job but there was no smiling or joy...it makes a difference. Food: Excellent....I had the New Orleans pancakes and my friend had eggs with homefries and bacon. Everything was good...and came out quickly. Fresh, tasted great.., came out hot...They got the food down.. It's a very busy place so I give them props for the just the overall hard work of running the place...it gets extremely busy on Saturdays...
(4)Julian H.
This is probably the best diner I've ever been to. If you go you have to try the corned beef hash and have a lime Rickey.
(5)Lisa L.
The food is tasty, good variety, but holy OVERPRICED. 2 normal pancakes was almost $9 (with no sides) and a tiny plate of hash is $6. I actually left still hungry but $20 poorer...on breakfast...for one person. I doubt I'd come back, but because of the prices.
(3)Danielle C.
Consistently amazing food!!!! I drive there once a week all the way from Sudbury! Worth the drive!!
(5)Ashwin S.
I'll be honest, I don't make it out to diners often. But if other diners are as good as this one I've definitely been missing out. Most importantly, the food is delicious. I ordered the Hungry Person Delux, where chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, sausage, and a salad easily filled me up. My friends enjoyed all their egg dishes and were impressed with the large portions. The service here is very friendly, still having the home town feel. There is a line for this place, but it seems to moved fast. We called ahead on our drive over and were seated immediately. I'll be back!
(5)K P.
Best diner I've ever been to. They grind their own coffee, make everything in house and even use real maple syrup from a small sugerer in VT! Those buttermilk pancakes changed my life. Also, I can bring my mom (who has Celiac's) here and they can accommodate!
(5)Ted L.
This place is great but expect long lines on Sunday mornings! Great pancakes options and side dishes! Sweet! A little bit cozy inside. I always get the hungry man breakfast!
(4)Allison P.
My go to brunch place. Not too pricey and delicious! Expect to pay $12 per dish. Portions are pretty big so easy to do family style. Top things to get: 1. Sour Cream Pancakes: So so moist and fluffy. If you're sharing, I'd go with a full stack. 2. Potato Pancakes: crispy and generous portions. 3. Crab Cake Benedict: surprisingly good! 4. Corn beef hash: beef is real pieces meat and not the mushy canned kind. Service is very friendly. Expect to wait around 15 mins or so on weekends if you have a party of 3 or more.
(5)Derek D.
One of my favourite brunch spots... Corned beef hash is amazing, as is the huevos rancheros, never had a problem getting seated, but always seems busy... A lot of the reviews below seem to complain about the prices, which I do not see as an issue at all, compared to some places I have been to in Boston its very good value.
(5)Eunice E.
I'm a sucker for diners -- a hot brunch on a cold winter's day is exactly the remedy the doctor ordered. At least for me. :-) I started the meal off with a cup of coffee, as per usual, but when I saw that there was a giant (fresh) lipstick stain on my mug, I immediately asked for a new one, and I got... quite literally... a new mug. It looked like it had never been used before, so though I was thoroughly skeeved out for a few moments there, things were made right rather quickly. Kudos. Though I usually order the same thing (Eggs Benedict) at every diner, I saw that their breakfast burrito could be made with whole wheat tortillas, so I opted for those... and I'm glad I did. Very tasty, very juicy (good thing there are napkins at the table)... and goes oh-so-well with tabasco (also at the table). Mmm. My potatoes were also seasoned excellently -- though my dining partner's... not so much. I guess it's a hit or miss. The hash was apparently also a miss... though I never get the stuff. It's more potato-y than meat-y, just FYI. But we both agreed that their flapjacks are DROOL-WORTHY. Just order one and you'll see what I'm talking about. Overall, I think it's a solid diner contender, and I wouldn't hesitate coming again... though I may wince a bit if I see any more fuchsia-colored lip marks on any of my cups...
(4)Shawn M.
I visited recently. Two words...UH MAZING. We have been many times, but for some reason I felt compelled to write a review for this visit. Each time I walk in I see all these great dishes, Huevos Rancheros, Loaded Homefries and the Johnny Cakes to name a few. They all look great and I'd love to order them, but the sweet song their homemade corned beef hash sings to me is far to seductive. I could eat it all day, everyday. This visit I had the hash benedict. Perfectly poached egg, hearty English muffins for support all topped with meaty strips of the hash. So good. If you go you won't be disappointed.
(5)P T.
I ran by this location with my friend one evening and we decided we *had* to take a look. The next day we drove in and treated ourselves to brunch. The french toast was delicious and I really enjoyed the diner vibe. I am rather picky about my breakfast food though, and while it was tasty, there are several other places closer to me in Allston that I prefer. Regardless, I would like to go again.
(4)Aman M.
I went to this place on a busy Sunday morning, expecting to wait a little. What I didnt expect was for them to have two dirty benches to wait on, out in the scorching heat. The host asked us to sit on bar stools even though my companion had a broken foot! As for food, the potato pancakes were over-rated, though the spanish omlette was really good.
(3)James B.
The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. You can order anything off the menu any time of the day.
(5)Liz K.
Food was blah, only dish I liked was plaintains over black beans. Fried chicken tasted like chemicals, sprite tasted like soda water. Very disappointed
(2)Jessica C.
Holy smokes! This little gem knocked my socks off! Best breakfast potatoes in all of Boston/Metro West. I had a 2 egg meal with rye toast and potatoes and the hubs had some sort of skillet looking meal (potatoes, veggies, egg, cheese) and we were both sooo pleased. Great service, cheap prices, great food. Worth the wait!
(5)Cindy C.
I don't know why this place is so popular in this area. Maybe it's the only brunch place. They have a lot of choices, but the food is average. The place is pretty small. I waited for 20 mins, the entire dining experience is certainly not what I was expecting. Theres nothing great about the diner, everything is just average.
(2)Ozge A.
We frequently go here for brunch and always end up getting the same thing. I get the Lo-Carb Breakfast and my husband gets the Hungryman special with the sweet potato pancakes. We recently went again and our server Kelly was excellent. Good place for brunch.
(5)Izzy D.
Town Diner is as synonymous with home for me as "mom," "dad," and "eating everything in the fridge." I have been going to Town my whole life and while my tastes have changed (mac and cheese was my go-to for, oh, 11 years), my love of this place has not. Since becoming vegan I've discovered how (thankfully!) vegan-friendly the menu is. Veggie breakfast wrap (scrambled tofu, guacamole, veggie sausage, black beans, tomato, cheeze) is to die for. Other favorites are the curried tofu sandwich (think: egg salad without the egg), the house veggie burger (grains, veggies, sunflower seeds, black beans), and the east India veggie curry. To sum it up: Town Diner is the absolute bomb diggity. The menu is high quality comfort food and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. A great place I will be coming back to for the rest of my life.
(5)Laura M.
I had breakfast at the Deluxe Town Diner with a friend on a Thursday morning so there wasn't a wait at all. It's tiny, though, so I'd expect on a weekend there would definitely be a line out the door for brunch. I was pleasantly surprised to notice they have gluten-free pancakes on their menu, as well as gluten-free bread as a toast option! I ended up getting the Greek omelet with GF toast (which I believe was Udi's bread -- the best!) and it was wonderfully easy to be safe and gluten-free while dining here. They also had several options that seemed easy to make GF, like a low-carb breakfast with eggs and meat, and lots of egg/omelet combinations. Coffee left a little to be desired, hence the 4-star review. All in all, though, a great breakfast/brunch place with options for GF customers.
(4)L F.
My friends from Watertown rave about this place, but I'm not sure I'm 100% with them. The place is super small and seems cramped, and apparently the food prices have been increasing. My major gripe with the food is that it's overly greasy. I realize this is a diner, and diner food is usually thought of as greasy, but it wouldn't hurt to use a bit less fat when frying stuff up. That being said, I give them major props for being a small, local establishment, having a varied menu, offering PLENTY of vegetarian items, and serving decent portion sizes. Would I go back? Probably, but only if someone else desperately wants to go, cause I just didn't love the heavy, greasy food.
(3)Jeff D.
This place is a great breakfast spot. Nothing fancy at all, but very well done potatoes, omelettes and the smoked linguica is worth ordering on the side. Always have a great meal here.
(4)john p.
Very dry omelet! Very slow service. Don't know why this place has an average of 4 starts.
(1)Anne W.
Four stars for food, minus a star because isn't a diner suppose to be open late? Why are they closing at 9pm? Also they misspell a lot of things on their signage. I'm pretty sure I want dessert, not desert. Great brunch!
(4)Shaun P.
I didn't care for this place at all. I had the veggie omelet with home fries. The omelet was overcooked and brown all over the outside. The home fries were bland. I've had much better breakfast from other diner's and restaurants.
(2)Elizabeth W.
The Deluxe Town Diner is the best brunch in town. I'm quick to recommend this place when making brunch plans, and my parents are frequent flyers when they come to town to visit. The brunch menu is expansive and offers something for everyone at decent price points and with bountiful helpings. I have a long running list of the things I've tried here, and I've never been disappointed. They're famous for their pancakes, and I love the sweet potato pancakes with added pecans. They're the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Also a contender for my favorite are the loaded home fries. Home fried potatoes, sausage, sundries tomato, onion, all baked together and topped with fried egg and a hollandaise. Perfection. Oh and the chai tea is a must! But there are so many more delicious items I could name as well. The diner itself is in an adorable little train car type setup. It is tight and gets crowded on a weekend morning. Call ahead to get your name on the list and make sure your whole party is there to be seated. They do have a side cafe where you can grab a drink while you're waiting.
(4)Shaunt D.
Great diner in Watertown. Visited from Los Angeles and had breakfast here before heading to the Armenian church right across the street..the wait for 8 people was a quick 10 minutes and the staff was very very friendly. The food was amazing I had a pancake eggs and bacon and it also comes with a fresh salad on the side which was delicious.
(4)Mary P.
Have past by this diner many times, was told that the breakfast menu was great. Had to wait to be seated, not long maybe 20 minutes. Had the blue beery pancakes and the eggs with hash, all very good, so good we will be returning again.
(5)Richard S.
Best corned beef hash, bar none! Everything was hot, fresh, high quality, and delicious! Great service from the get go, even while waiting! Five stars!!! Can't wait to come back. Sweet potato pancakes were excellent!!!
(5)Rafaella M.
5 stars are not enough for this place, food was fast and amazing, server very friendly an the kitchen guys very clean. I got a smoked salmon plater and a white tea little not a cheap place put worth it penny!!!! I will recommend this place to every one vegans are very well come there too!!!!! I'm in love!
(5)R D.
This is one of my favorite local-area restaurants. I really like their poutine. I enjoy most of the items on their menu. I was a little disappointed with their fried chicken--but, not everything can be a home run. Best of all, their waitstaff is super friendly! I'd give this place 5 stars except that when they're busy, they're really busy! I've learned to avoid going at "peak" hours.
(4)Nicole S.
Ordered the veggie breakfast wrap and some home fries that were perfect. Loved every bite of this meal and can't wait to go back and try a new plate.
(5)Robert R.
I googled best breakfast in Boston area and this place came up. It is not large, it is not fancy. I told our waitress that we may never be this way again so what should I order. She said they are known for their hash & eggs and also Blueberry pancakes. I ordered both (just one pancake).. With or without the blueberries the pancake batter is a standout in the pancake world. The blueberries are generously portioned in the mix. Delicious. The eggs & hash? My over easy eggs were exactly as ordered, the hash should be called "better hash than you've ever had", the meat was in very generous tasty proportion to the rest of the hash ingredients. The potatoes on the side were good but I was on the full side and could not finish. Coffee is good with frequent top offs. We had a great friendly waitress, a tall brunette that was on top of her game and if you go you will see what I mean. We left feeling good about our whole eating experience and that's what eating out is all about, isn't it?
(5)Michelle C.
Been back a few more times since my first review....the seating can be rough, once I was seated by the ice machine and it was laughably loud,,,, like a jackhammer. Other times, my husby was on a chair that made him look 3 feet tall. I chalk it up to their charm. My last visit was all about the waffle, they use the same batter a they use for pancakes. When it arrived it wasn't what I had pictured in my mind, it looked like a bigger version of the eggo, but it tasted really good and I loved the nut in there. Plus, it was crunchy, so even after sitting there with syrup and butter, it wasn't soggy.
(4)Corinne T.
4 stars for great casual diner food, extra star for superb quirky ambiance. Parking is somehow always easy despite the diner being filled with people!! Great any hour of the day and with family or on a date!
(5)Folie A.
Carborama! Great for tasty comfort food, especially on a weeknight when the line isn't as long as on the weekends. The strawberry frappe is excellent, as are the fries. They had fried green tomatoes as a special on the menu for a while, and these were pretty outrageous. The servers have been there for years and are super friendly and accommodating. I often feel completely stuffed when I leave however, no matter how much I've had to eat.
(4)Sarah C.
Hands down, the best pancakes I've ever had. I used to live right near here and would try and go as often as I could. Now that I've moved, I miss it so much! Everything they serve is amazing. You definitely have to try the pancakes, but also try the greek burger, buffalo burger, eggplant fries, johnny cakes (hard to find these outside of RI so I was pleasantly surprised they had them) and the corned beef hash (homemade). Can't give it 5 stars only because it was always so busy it can be hard to get in, especially Sat and Sun mornings.
(4)Marie B.
I have no idea why people are so crazy about this place. I tried to go here tonight but was surprised to find that they had chosen to close 45 minutes early. All the staff was still inside playing on their cellphones and the lights were on, but the door was locked. Truthfully, the only reason I really wanted to go was because of their hours. I have been three other times and tried various things, all of which were unimpressive. The first time I went I ordered a sweet potato pancake which was nice and fluffy with good flavor. Too bad for me, the next time I went, my pancake was pretty much the opposite. The mashed potatoes are gluey and the gravy even more so. I ordered the vegetarian hash one time and it turned out to be an oily pile of bland vegetables. I also had the pleasure of paying an extra dollar for wilted old mixed salad greens. The service is also seriously lacking. If you go in by yourself they make you sit at the counter, even if the place is empty and it's not nearing any kind of busy hour. One server I had was nice but frequently unavailable and the other one I had was clearly just going through the motions. She set my food down without a word and was gone before I could ask for something else to drink. She never checked back, but dropped my check off mid-meal without a word. As a waitress, I find that her talking on her cell phone and hanging out with the hostess and completely ignoring me was some serious cliche bad diner waitress behavior. Get it together! I'm a waitress too and very forgiving, but this is unacceptable.
(2)Phil M.
I tried this on a whim, I was going off shift from my job and I wanted a decent brunch. So I came in on a sunday morning, but instead of waiting in line. I was sat down right at a table with my friend. I ordered the sweet potato pancakes, and I was not disappointed. They certainly have everything down to the science there. I didn't wait too long for coffee (thank goodness) or my food. Many local celebrities visit the diner, one of them sat down next to my table. I think I would come back again to sample up more of the menu. I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of the "sister diner" in Newton Centre, Deluxe Station diner...but after this experience I think I'll try it again. I would highly recommend the Sweet Potato Pancakes...and the service wasn't bad at all. They were swamped on the Sunday morning, but I didn't feel lost in the mix. Kudos to the Staff. Hence the 4/5
(4)Doug P.
I've eaten here about 20 times since I moved to watertown. Loved every meal there! The breakfast is the best. I also love the blue plates specials are great with some small twists. Everything is always well seasoned! The service is always spot on! Will continue to check into this classic favorite of mine and my family's
(5)Pete R.
A great little diner with excellent food. I had breakfast ...eggs, sausage and potatoes all were cooked to my liking. I also ordered a side of pancakes which were the best diner pancakes I have ever had. The service was very good although not overly friendly. A great diner experience!
(4)Andrea M.
I have been here 3 times hoping it gets better. The food isn't that bad I've actually liked what I've ordered. The rueban was very good and as were the pancakes. The salad I got was literally a pound of lettuce and maybe two cucumbers. What's horrible and why this place got two stars was the service. Every time I've come here I'm rushed in the beginning then hunting down my server at the end. On two dinner occasions my checked was just dropped of when I've wanted dessert and coffee both times. The waitress on both occasions never came to check on our food. I've been a server for 6 years I know it can be tough but sometimes there's no excuse. Especially at 945 pm when there's tops 5 guests in the building and the servers are sitting on their ass at the counter
(2)Edward S.
Do yourself a favor and never order take out from here. I had to create an account just to review this place, it was that bad. I order at 5 oclock on a Sunday night, a cheese burger with fries and some buffalo chicken tenders. Simple enough I thought. I was wrong. Everything was bad. It was as if it all had been cooked yesterday. I got 5 of the smallest "buffalo tenders" I could imagine for about 8 bucks. Seriously, the size of fingers. The fries with the burger were legitimately cold. And so soggy I could not force myself to eat them (and I eat anything). No ketchup. Not to mention the burger was full of the most disgusting dark green lettuce (you know when lettuce starts to go bad, yuck). Don't go here.
(1)Juan F.
Came here for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The restaurant is pretty cool. It is relatively small and it does get crowded so make sure to come early and avoid the wait. I ordered the Deluxe Flapjacks Full. 3 huge, moist, sweet, fluffy pancakes. They were really really good I would definitely recommend getting pancakes here. Not only are they really good but super filling as well. My friend ordered the omelette. It came with toast and potatoes. I tried the potatoes and they were delicious! Service is really friendly and nice.
(4)Naomi D.
The best diner in Watertown and probably the area in general! Great food and good, quick diner service. They also have the best homemade veggie burger that I have tried to date! A must try if you like diner food.
(5)Jessica S.
Holy moly! Deluxe Town Diner will forever be my go-to spot to get my greasy-spoon diner fare fix! This place hits the top requirements in my diner-every-quarter-mile stomping grounds of Long Island: long hours, most items on the menu can be ordered all day, stainless steel and vinyl decor, seating at the counter, full fountain drink options (including egg creams!), and a very friendly staff. Even if you live in Brighton like me, get out of the area once in a while and head to Watertown for what I promise you will be a fantastic dining experience!
(5)Alyssa J P.
I'm psyched that there's a train car diner in the Boston area, because I loved eating in them as a kid. Bonus points for the veg*n options, although I thought their vegan burger was a bit mushy, and was disappointed that fries were an added cost. Also, who serves coleslaw with a vegan burger? My boyfriend got the Mediterranean wrap without feta, and it came with feta. The nice thing was that they made a totally new one, and didn't just scrape the cheese off of the old one. The unfortunate thing was that most of the people eating with us were done by the time his food came out. By the time we were back in Brighton I must say we were both a bit hungry. The portion sizes could be bigger, especially at 10$ a person, expensive for a diner.
(3)Jessica G.
A go to standard for my group of friends for brunch. They couple the normal menu items with healthy alternatives. The wait on a weekend can be 30-60 minutes, but you can buy coffee in their little shop and get free refills even after you get seated. Dinner is pretty decent for diner food with new twists on old classics. The pie for dessert is awesome! As long as you are prepared to wait for brunch on the weekends, it should become a staple in your repertoire.
(4)Ethan P.
The Deluxe Town Diner had amazing macaroni! It was simply "Deluxe!" As for the wait, there was none, so I'm all smiles. Our waiter was superb, and rushed to bring us our meal, prepared very nicely, Macaroni, a side chicken sandwich, fries, a drink, and the amazing deserts! But since I haven't tried every macaroni (cheese), then I'd have to give this fine establishment my praise, and a four out of five, because I haven't tried every macaroni in the world.
(4)Jay K.
Wow really bad food. I had a pulled pork sandwich that was barely edible. The fries were hardened stale. My tablemates were equally unpleased. Thier burgers were burned to a crisp. Probably one of the worst meals of my life. It was relatively cheap though for MA, which means about $12 for an entree. The interior is also ratty inside. Looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. My seat had rips with dusty foam coming out of the corners. Service was good though. The waiter was really nice.
(1)Kristy G.
Love this diner. Nice and cozy. Came here for lunch, but breakfast looked amazing. I'm coming back for the French toast. And great service.
(4)Erin D.
We love going here any time of day, we always get tea since the selection is extensive of good quality tea. They serve breakfast all day which is great for me because I love breakfast and without a Gluten free menu I can always order a veggie stuffed omelet. I've had the steak tip mashed potato dinner which was inexpensive for the large portion. Before giving up Gluten I had the french toast and pancakes and they were both awesome. They carry a Gluten free beer., but do not have a Gluten free menu however the staff is knowledgeable on what items contain gluten. The title diner really only reflects the atmosphere. This restaurant is not a greasy spoon. I have also visited the sister restaurant the Deluxe Station Diner in Newton Centre. The menu is the same, the atmosphere is different since it is located in a remodeled train station.
(4)Alex S.
Some of the great things about Deluxe Town Diner: -- Their hours. There just aren't that many places in the area that do breakfast at actual breakfast time (by the time brunch hours roll around, we're usually half done with the day!). Plus they serve the full menu in between "regular" mealtimes. -- The food and selection. We order lunch take out from here for work at least once a week because it's the only place that just about everyone can find something that they want. The burger/dogs/meatloaf crowd gets hearty well-cooked fare and the salads and sandwiches folks have plenty tasty ones to choose from. For a diner their ingredients are really high-quality: avocados are ripe, breads are great, vegetables are fresh. -- The people. Yup it's usually busy and they do a ton of business and things can get crazy, but for a busy diner staff they've always been great. Hard-working, honest, and friendly. The one time we had a mixup with our lunch order and got back to the office minus one sandwich, I called and they made a fresh one immediately for free (people who have to get big complicated lunch orders for their bosses know this doesn't always happen). The teeny downsides: -- The fries don't travel well. OK when eaten there but as soon as they get cold, they're not worth it. -- It is super crowded during weekend brunch hours and the service and kitchen can slide a wee bit since there are just SO many people in a small space. Our solution? Go at another time!
(5)Sandra S.
B.E.S.T. (Bacon Egg Spinach Tomato) on rosemary garlic bread is delicious. Corned beef hash you could fall in love with. Super quick takeout in the event the line is just too long. Also a new found love for French Toast awaits you.
(5)T K.
If anyone has been following any of my recent reviews you will see that they are mostly breakfast places. I love a good breakfast...and so many of them are just not good. I have been to the Deluxe Town Diner in the past and it was okay. Today it was downright awful. Old stale home fries that seems like they were thrown on from yesterday's batch...my sausage and cheese omelette had "yellow" cheese, like it was straight out of the plastic wrapper. They do have scali toast, which is always a plus, but just had a big dollop of butter in the middle. It just seems like they were going through the motions...and for a $15 dollar breakfast, going through the motions is not enough. Don't waste your time with this once stellar breakfast joint...there are better in the area!!!!
(2)Sarah T.
The food is very good! The only problem is the staff chat to each other constantly about personally issues. I sit at the bar making it that much worse!! It's so constant it's annoying and its unprofessionally.
(3)Sarah M.
Just had an early dinner here with my boyfriend and it was delicious. I had a caesar salad and my boyfriend had a burger with onion rings. we both had pie and ice cream for desert. everything including the coffee was wonderful. it was a little pricey and dinner took a little while, but only because my boyfriend had a lot of toppings on his burger. we will definitely go back soon!
(5)Mandie H.
Been here twice now. My first trip it was FANTASTIC, 5-stars, one of my favorite brunches in recent memory. The food, the service, everything was excellent even at prime brunch time of 2pm on a Sunday. My second trip, noon on MLK Day, was absolutely rotten. We were seated at the counter but it still took 30 minutes to get a drink and 1.5 hours to get our food. People around us were seated, ate and left by the time we got our orders. We're pretty sure she didn't put in our order originally. It wasn't until we started asking her every ten minutes where our food was that we started to get some service. Asking other waitresses didn't help either, they told us to defer to our own waitress who kept ducking under the counter and seemed confused and definitely had seen better days. Also waiting 17 minutes for a refill on your coffee after you've asked for a refill should *never* happen. I've never before tipped a waitress zero but if their was a way to negatively tip I would have. That said the food was still great, hence my star rating. Know that the hostess tells everyone the wait is 20-25 minutes, could be 5 could be 60, and avoid the tall thin old waitress with the iffy hair dye job. :) I highly recommend the hash and the Chicken Cobb Salad... trust me, a salad never looked so good.
(3)Matt Y.
I like this place quite a bit, but it isn't without its faults. The food is OK, with a few standouts. The greek burger, for example, is one of the best burgers I've had in the Boston area. Tasty, with some subtle highlights. The seats are uncomfortable, I never want to be here on a weekend morning because of the crowds, and it can be noisy. However, the waitstaff are nice, the atmosphere can be great when its not packed, and it's open late for a place in the area. Although it's a back-up, I have nothing but warm feelings for this diner.
(3)k d.
maybe this was just a bad kitchen staff night. I have eaten dinner here a few times in the last two years, without feeling anything wasn't very good. But that has come to an end. There was no excuse for this meal: I ordered 'chicken pot pie" from their standards page. My husband ordered the fish and chips from the same area of the menu. His was swimming in oil and make him nauseous later at our event. This is what mine was, without exaggeration: 20 or so pieces cubed potatoes, 2 tablespoons peas, one baby carrot sliced. 10 small cubes chicken. All this sitting in NOT A GRAVY, but a liquid more equivalent to milk with a bit of butter in it. Top it with a flaky floating crescent roll type bread. Bland, bland bland. I am sure this was a soup - there was nothing gravy about it - they should be ashamed of themselves for trying to pass this off as a pot pie. Now, this didn't taste bad, just bland. But do I need to tell them what an expectation is - and they set it by calling it chicken pot pie - and then the disappointment of not meeting that set expectation? I guess we now know why dinner isn't crowded. It's not the $ - who cares about that - who wants to re-order after receiving your food just to wait longer. p.s. Also, side salad wasn't dressed, but I told it was. I had to then ask for "extra" dressing, just to get dressing. Whomever was in that kitchen last night should be on probation. There are far too many people who want a job and this person/people are costing these owners $$. We are not coming back. pss. speaking of loosing the owners money, we had to hand an extra 6$ to the waitstaff because a drink wasn't put on our bill. Wonder how often this happens on a really not very busy at all Monday night. Wonder how much it happens when it's busy..........
(1)Tom C.
Had a great meal here last night. I had the Rachel, a classic Reuben substituting cole slaw for the typical sauerkraut. It was a great sandwich. My wife had the meatloaf dinner, and was a huge fan. We will definitely be making a return trip.
(4)Al Z.
Went here today for breakfast before paying my respects to my deceased parents in a nearby cemetery..Got to get here pretty early if you want to get in and not wait in a long line of hungry people.I was early at 7:30 and got a primo seat at the counter no problemo.This was my 4th visit and it was just as satisfying as the first one. The menu has an awesome selection of goodies but, for me,it's always the same choice-homemade hash,a couple of eggs, homefries and the very tasty 7 grain bread for my toast.Being a self proclaimed Hash Hound,I gotta tell ya this is the best hash you will find ANYWHERE.You'll pay a little bit more and it is worth the price believe me.Even if you're not a hound like me you should give it a try.Awesome just awesome, real fine indeed.
(5)Carrie M.
After last night I will NEVER EVER EVER step foot in this place again. So I arrive with two friends for dinner, we're seated in the back corner near a large table of people. They were a little loud, but no big deal. Then things started to get bad. First, every other word out of their mouth began with F. There was a table right next to us with a newborn and a 3ish year old, totally inappropriate behavior by them. Then they started banging on the table and making barking noises. That was followed by faces made at my friends. These were 40ish year old men who lifted weights, no anyone we're going to mess with. We finish our meals in almost silence, as we just want to get out of there. As we leave I approach the owner just to give him a heads up. I wasn't expecting anything more than a "thanks, i'll keep an eye on things." Instead I was told "well what do you want me to do about it!?!" He then told me it was my responsibility to talk to them and went on and on basically belittling me. At one point he even stepped towards me ike he was going to push me in a playground fight. This is a 60 or so year old man being totally confrontational when all I was trying to do was give him a heads up. After that a second employee jumped in beside him and also started to tell me the same things he was saying. At that point I left. I was in disbelief that this was happening, and so were my friends. As I type I can't believe the experience I had. Because of this I honestly will NEVER step foot in there again. I have never been treated so poorly be an establishment in my life. I know my one star will have no impact on their business, but if just one person chooses not to go there after reading this I'll be happy.
(1)Darren C.
My wife and I have come here a few times. it is really small but the wait is never too long. If it's cold you can go next door to get a coffee and show the receipt when you get seated for free coffee. The service is good, the breakfast is amazing and it's all we ever get. The Portuguese sausage is amazing. Parking can be a pain but there is usually street parking somewhere around the restaurant. I definitely recommend this place for breakfast.
(5)Sanel S.
This place sucks. Lime Rickeys were not good, bacon wasn't good, their maple syrup didn't taste good. Their frappe was god awful, it was just milk. The food, I couldn't even finish it. How this place has this many good reviews is beyond me.
(1)Paula V.
So I went to the Deluxe Town Diner on St. Patrick's Day (March 17th, 2013) excited to see what the hype was all about. First, let me just say this place is extremely crowded and just a mad house (which some people probably find endearing). And that didn't even bother me. What bothered me is this: I ordered and split the pancakes with my boyfriend, and after continually pouring the syrup, on one of my final pours, OUT COMES A DEAD FLY. Yes, seriously, an insect with wings. I tried to tell the waitress several times, as she was snatching the plate from my hands, and finally got her to realize what I was telling her. She agreed it was gross, poured out the syrup (thankfully!), and handed us our check. Only after we gave her an extremely confused look, did she decide it'd be "polite" to take 1 orange juice off the bill. $2.50 to compensate for fly infused pancakes. The waitress SHOULD HAVE told the manager immediately, the manager SHOULD HAVE come to our table to apologize, and the breakfast SHOULD HAVE been comp'd. I give these suggestions, not only as a [thoroughly disgusted] patron, but as someone who's family owns a restaurant. I'm disappointed there are places that operate with such failure in service. I'm horrified, and I will not go back here.
(1)Dara C.
Deluxe Town Diner has come close to satisfying that little hole in my New Jersey-bred heart where diners used to be. You see, there are almost no real diners in Boston. South Street Diner? Not a diner. Victoria's? Nope. A real diner is somewhat old and dirty, preferably with lots of ripped teal or pink booths, menus sticky with maple syrup from the past five decades, and an old waitress named Barb who may or may not have a laryngectomy. A real diner is open all day and night, serves cheap beer with breakfast, and has an unwinnable claw machine in the lobby with faded stuffed animals that smell like Virginia Slims. DTD doesn't satisfy all of my requirements, of course. Like everything else in this state, it's only open until 10 pm. Your midnight meatloaf demands--don't pretend you don't have them--must be met elsewhere. But this diner is old, and crowded, and tiny, and delightful. And it serves booze. It's not super cheap, but it is cheap for Boston. Most importantly, here you will have the best French toast ever. Let me say that more forcefully. Best French toast in the history of French toast. Best French toast since sliced French toast. It's big and fluffy and made with challah, like only the best French toast ought to be. I don't even like French toast normally but there are few things I wouldn't do for this. Service is fine, with nary a coffee cup unfilled. If you go on a Sunday, though, prepare to wait for a seat, even for two stools at the bar. Bring a book or watch CNN through the windows. (See, DTD? This is where the ancient claw machine comes in handy. Consider investing in one.)
(4)Tony B.
All around superb diner. Big menu is very interesting. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. It's all good... RI johnny cakes, super deluxe hash omelette... even their cole slaw is best I have had in a long time. This diner is truly a gem. Oh yea, and they use all cage free, humanely raised eggs. Love this place.
(4)Veronica F.
Always good, always fast, always reasonable, I love this place so much. Sweet potato pancakes, the vegan burger, - everything I've ever had has been awesome!
(5)Erin C.
Come early and eat quickly! This place fills up fast and it can get quite crowded. Everything I have had is solid and I haven't been disappointed with the food. The veggies sausage is excellent and you can't go wrong with the mimosa for 2. I tend to stick with the egg sandwich w/ a side of home fries. Almost every friend I take ends up with the sweet potato waffles or sweet potato pancakes. Two thumbs up all around the table! For some reason I never think to come to this place during the week. I seem to be like every other person sitting on the curb Saturday morning waiting for a yummy breakfast.
(4)Mathias G.
Oh. My. God. You don't need to take it from me. You can read any of the 301 other reviews. You can probably even read this in some national publication. I think their pancakes have gotten national press. But my god. Their pancakes. Their pancakes! The first time I went here, it was Saturday morning. I went with a friend. We waited for an hour. I don't care about these things. If you HATE lines, don't go. I see lines as a way of making the breakfast taste that much better. I got the sweet potato pancakes with pecans. My friend and I sat in absolute silence, doing nothing but eating. Finally, when the last bites had been consumed, we looked up at each other, our eyes slightly glossy, looking as if we had both just woken up, we both laughed, hugged each other, and then proceeded to talk about NOTHING else but the pancakes. They are the best breakfast food I've ever had. But everything's good. I've had their eggs, their omelets, their huevos rancheros, their home fries, their Reuben. It's all good. Everything they do, they do with care and attention. And, they use real maple syrup. In conclusion, anyone who reads this review will probably just chalk it up to "oh look, there goes ANOTHER person talking about these pancakes." Well there's a reason...they are ridiculously tasty. Just get in your car, or borrow a friends, or SPRINT there, right now, and get some. I recommend the sweet potato with pecan.
(5)Maria C.
LOVE THE CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST! I can't get enough. They are super fast which is great when you're hungry!
(5)Dee P.
I grew up 2 blocks from this place and I just don't understand the hype. The pancakes are OK, I guess. Lots of the other stuff is just plain awful. Everything is overpriced and there's usually a long wait and relatively poor service. Watertown is a town of many diners, and this is the least interesting and has the highest prices. Why bother, I wonder? I guess the retro-style building is cute.
(2)Scott W.
If you like being elbow to elbow with people while you eat you will love it here.The guy next to me kept snorting and swallowing sounded like a pig.Food was horrible our waitress was nice.I would rather have eaten two egg mcmuffins from mcdonalds.
(1)Lana A.
A bit on the pricey side for a diner, but they do a good job cooking here, with fine presentation, as well. The menu has enough variety for just about anyone. Friendly staff in a somewhat cramped but pleasant enough atmosphere. It seems this place is always busy. Even so, we and our guests didn't have to wait all that long for our meals, all of which were quite satisfying.
(4)Christopher I.
Great diner for late morning, sleepy wake-ups, or meeting with friends for a cup of joe and some grub. Classic diner feel and particularly delicious, large pancakes with great variety!
(4)T T.
I have been coming here for like a decade at this point. Before word got out the food was cheap an portions large. Since word got out. Significantly more expensive and portions on some of the food (sides) are just pathetic. Everyone raves about this place possibly out of obligation, or just because they didn't know the former greatness. The waitresses are crazy, and pushy for turnover. Don't go in the mornings or you'll wait outside as the diner doesn't hold many. Forget about it on weekends. Is there a better place to go? Yes, yes there is.
(3)Barbara A.
My hubby loves this place, me not so much. We go here when you has a morning off (luckily not often) and it is always average. One time I wanted hot tea and it actually cam AFTER the meal came and the meal did not come quickly. We were in the back and it was hard to get the attention of the waitress to help me in my tea plight. When we do take out, again not often but still apease the spouse, they ALWAYS get me order wrong. I like sweet potato fries and they have it which taste average, but they always for get to put it in no matter how many times we remind them (of course I partly blame hubby for not checking). Again, he loves it but he is not writing this review.
(2)Jamie H.
we went to deluxe town diner for breakfast last weekend, and overall it was very good. we sat at the bar, and the server was attentive and helpful. i got plenty to eat, but did not walk out feeling greasy and overly full as i do with some diners. the eggs were poached perfectly, and i was happy that it could come with the option of a side salad rather than potatoes. i did have a few of my boyfriend's potatoes, which were thick, crispy, and not too oily. this will definitely be a regular spot for breakfast for me.
(4)Herbert K.
Deep fry my homefires? Whazza matta wit chou? Sorry, I'm not as impressed as others. And my lunch choices have missed the mark too, especially given the prices. Maybe I will revisit them and have a wonderful experience - but so far... I'm just not getting it.
(2)Mike O.
I could never say enough about Deluxe Town Diner. Their brigade are warriors among men, working feverishly at a blistering pace while diners and waitstaff struggle to keep up. Working in harmony to crank out order after order, these guys make many establishments triple in size appear to have a meek existence. True soldiers of their craft, the food will never disappoint; both simple classics and new twists, everything is gratifying to the very last morsel. Ive not seen a team working in such symbiosis in quite a while, perhaps the '04 Sox, maybe Michigan's Fab Five... the difference is there are no trophies to be dealt, only unsung heroes, and no on one is calling a timeout in this champion's arena.
(5)Irene R.
When I order chicken pot pie that is what I expect to get. Not some creamy soupy stuff with chicken and a piece of filo pastry on the side. It was not pot pie and produced the response of "what DID you order?" from my meal companion. He said his hamburger wasn't bad...but the fries were greasy and soggy. I tried a couple. I don't think they have changed the oil for the fries in a long time. The waitress looked like she was miserable being there which always makes things worse. I was really looking forward to diner food...this was so disappointing.
(2)I.M. B.
I used to love this place. Lately, the prices have been going up and the portions are getting smaller. The tuna melt used to be overflowing with tuna, now it's rather small by comparison. The chicken marsala had less chicken the last time I had it too. The booths are patched with duct tape that can stick to your pants and every time someone in the booth behind you moves you move with them. It's not an enjoyable experience. It's like the place is falling apart. I hope it pulls itself together soon so I can like eating here again.
(2)Patricia M.
My husband and I are superfans! The waitresses are awesome and super friendly. I am from New Jersey, and I've been missing eating at diners. This place definitely hit the spot for me. The meatloaf is THE best in Boston. The pancakes (blueberry) OHHHHHH the pancakes!!! Destroys all other pancakes in the world!!! Thanks for an awesome experience every single time I come here :)
(5)John F.
This place rules. The pancakes are seemingly famous, and with good reason. So so delicious, and a number of interesting varieties. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is cool, and the food is great! The menu is pretty extensive, so your whole party should be able to find something they want. Block out a lot of time, though; this place is ALWAYS crowded, especially on a weekend.
(4)valerie d.
Awesome menu. It's not healthy because everything is fried and whatnot but you can get healthy choices. Vegan choices. Picky choices. Obscure choices. The service can be bad but I don't really care. The fries and homefries are amazing. The salads are huge and delicious. It could be a five but the eggs are not that good. Not fluffy at all. It kinda looks like a yellow version of that owl puke you dissect in fifth grade. You could eat here every day and get something totally different. OH and lunch all day. Starting in the morning. That's awesome because I don't love breakfast. It's the only place where my Nana will clean her plate. OH and they have the green tobasco at the table. I love that shit.
(4)J T.
Wow, talk about a dingey diner, but with really creative food. My friend had a groupon ($15 for $30 worth) and I think my eyes went cross-eyed when I opened the menu. Challah french toast? Sour cream flapjacks? You must try the blue cornmeal pancakes - they were delicious. If I could come here every morning, I would and probably still never get through this extensive menu. If you like brunch that is a little different, also look into Highland Kitchen in Somerville and Luna Cafe in Cambridge.
(5)Heather S.
One of my favorite breakfast spots in the area! Quaint atmosphere -- very 50's style booths and lights in a streetcar atmosphere with delicious breakfasts (and dinners!) and super friendly service. You have to wait a long time, but boy, is it worth it! The food is fabulous, enough for breakfast and lunch, and moderately-priced. GREAT, rich coffee. Try their Hungry person's plate which comes with buttermilk pancakes (you can add blueberries, which I recommend), sausage patty or bacon, 2 pieces of toast, unlimited coffee, and 2 eggs for $10.95. It's a steal. Or, check out their french toast or blue corn pancakes with blueberries: yummy! You do have to wait a while on Saturdays or Sundays, and it's often outside since there's little wait area, so bring a jacket, a paper, and some good friends to talk with! :) It's a full brunch experience! For dinner, the meatloaf, glazed salmon dinner, and salads are divine! Tip: Be sure to try their famous Cosmo Cupcakes (punk rock icing -- not too sweet -- in jagged pink and blue colors. They come in chocolate and vanilla). Fun!
(5)Emily F.
I like it. I like big plates of most-likely unhealthy (with exceptions) food for cheap at places near my job. Furniture is gross, the water can be dirty, but "you know what? You're at a diner, get over it" I said to myself. And now I am a happy fan. Try: spinach and goat cheese omelette, side salad (ask for dressing on the side, they LOAD IT ON). Bottled water is tap, so don't be surprise when there is "gunk" floating around.
(4)Tim P.
Don't understand what the fuss is about; It is a diner, the food is allright I suppose so why is there always a line at a door? Must be these crazy groupon folks, I don't have any other explanation. Other than that - it is a small, not very clean, always crowded place with unhealthy food choices, I stopped by just out of general curiousity not because I craved flapjacks. You will not leave hungry, provided you can get the seat in the first place.
(3)Helen F. R.
After much discussion about where we would eat, I suggested the Town Diner. I haven't been here in a long time. We started our meal with the fried green tomato appetizer. It was quite different than I expected, but the presentation and taste were quite satisfying. Next we had the seafood pasta (cream dill sauce with shrimp, lobster and scallops). Quite delicious, and filling. For dessert we shared the coconut cream pie, which was quite tasty. Can hardly wait to go again.
(5)Joe L.
All I know about this place is that I had an incredibly nice waitress and some of the best fried chicken of my life. So if you like to be treated well and eat delicious fried chicken, well. . . . . .
(5)Kat T.
If you are looking for the tastiest pancakes in town, this place is as good as it gets. In particular, their sweet potato pancake with pecans is phenomenal! They serve breakfast all day, which is great for me since it is my favorite meal of the day. Aside from the morning fare, they also have lunch and dinner offerings. Two words: comfort food. I highly recommend the pot roast and for those who want a dose of heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, grilled salmon is the way to go. They have huge servings so brace your appetite! I really wish they would open a branch in Boston proper. Though I have to say, the 40-minute gastronomic trek via public transportation is well worth the effort.
(5)Paddy O.
I prefer Uncommon Grounds. This morning, granted I went to Deluxe at noon on a Sunday, I was told 25 min wait. No problem. It's expected. 45 minutes later I was sat at counter. 20 minutes. Yes 20 minutes after ordering, my date and I received our EGGS. Coffees decent. Service is consistanly BLAH. And to end off a mediocre breakfast experience they sat a young child next to me! Hooray!! NEXT!
(3)Kylie S.
The food is good, not great, but still better than standard diner fare. But mostly I love this diner for the atmosphere--the design, the lighting, the perfect comfortable booths (perfect for me anyway, being a short person--most booths have me wishing for a booster seat) the coziness. They have cage-free eggs, that's a huge plus in my book. They have some veggie options and a lot of options in general. The wait can be really long because the diner is popular. The prices are awesome. This is a really fun place to eat with a big party.
(4)Phil H.
Some of the best diner food I've ever had. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, Town Diner is incredibly consistent. The menu is also strangely inventive. My girlfriend hates this place because she's impatient and doesn't like waiting or being forced to sit at the counter, but I prefer to think that it's a testament to the quality of this place. Yes, it's a bit overpriced, but Town Diner uses its reputation to its monetary advantage. A must if you live in or around the area.
(4)Alexis J.
Obviously a fave with everyone around, but just had to say that I went here for breakfast for the first time this Saturday and loved it. Authentic diner (reminds me of my home state of New Jersey!!!) with a fantastic menu, full of unique choices. Although it was absolutely packed, we only waited 5 or 6 minutes. And although it was a little difficult to slide in to our back corner booth without wiping out someones breakfast, the service was excellent. I am not embarrassed to admit that I ordered the Hungry Person's Breakfast because I was in the mood for every breakfast food ever invented. It was huge and delicious. They even had veggie sausage, among many other vegetarian options, which was truly exciting. I must also mention that the staff is just wonderful. While seated I somehow lost the belt to my coat (which has no zippers so was useless without belt). They were nice enough to take down my name and number, find the belt, and call me back. I am so pleased I will eat there again tonight when I go to pick it up!
(4)Kerry M.
Parking is a pain, you might have to wait, but everything is amazing. Get the sweet potato or corn meal anything.
(4)Sara F.
One of my go-to breakfast spots, though maybe a little overrated. Traditional breakfast food, served up fast. Decor and seating could use a little work. The booths are downright uncomfortable, and don't let yourself get stuck in one with anyone over 5'11" or you'll be bumping knees for an hour. Though the circular booth in the corner is fun. This place has lots of fans, so expect to wait in line (outside).
(3)Gordon G.
A great little spot right between Cambridge, Belmont and Watertown that's worth the trip. Nice big breakfasts with tasty pancakes that are perfect for a Sunday morning, and chili and sandwiches that are just right for a late lunch. Authentic retro decor and feel, nice din, classic Americana.
(4)Ed C.
First time there on Sunday. They said 15-20 min wait and it really was ! Had hash & eggs (excellent) Bananna Pancakes with banannas cooked inside not just on top and French toast. Wonderful food and great prices ! Will be back soon.
(5)Jeffrey L.
Over priced, a diner is a diner is a diner. I always try new places to see what the hype is about and don't mind paying any amount of $$ as long as the food justifies it but here that's not the case. The corned beef is real corned beef which is good and bad. It's like eating deli meat rather than breakfast items. Other than that the food is basic nothing over the top nothing bedazzling and that goes for the service as well. So when you jack up the price and don't have big portions to match it or exceptional flavor to justify it I have to knock you down to 2 stars. Still willing to go back in hopes something changes my review since people seem to like it so much.
(2)Josh D.
most tasteless eggs benedict I've ever had. nice people, well run. wouldn't go back for the food.
(2)Carl H.
Hash, Hash, Hash..... The best I have ever had..... If you like Hash, you have to try it here. Great breakfast joint, have not tried dinner or lunch yet but the menu looks great, will try soon! Staff is quick and very nice, everything you are looking for in a classic diner...
(5)Melanie T.
The tables and booths need some renovation and it's a tight squeeze, but hey... it's a diner. I like a diner that can do both breakfast and lunch food well. Deluxe Town Diner can do that. Bonus points for the option of getting salad instead of hash browns. The pancakes are fantastic. Remember, you can order just a single pancake. I secretly wish they actually had fake syrup instead of real maple syrup, which they are very proud of serving. The omelets here aren't as good as at Victor's down the road, but the pancakes are better. Prices aren't diner cheap, but food is above average for a diner and it doesn't have that weird diner smell.
(4)Tony S.
This place was great, service was exceptional, food was delicious, ambience perfect, price good We had the steak and eggs and the corn beef hash... This place has no rivals
(4)erin n.
WOWWEE, I love going to Deluxe Town Diner on quite a regular basis for so many reasons. The menu. It's great! Such an array of options for vegans, vegetarians, kosher, greek, breakfast, lunch, dinner. They've got it all. Some of my personal favorites are the sweet potato pancakes, sour cream pancakes, meatloaf sandwich, turkey dinner sandwich, fish and chips, the B.E.S.T. (bacon, egg, spinach, tomato sandwich), and cole slaw. AND they have like 10+ bread options (which I looooooove). Oh yeah, pretty dang good espresso, too. The wait staff. They're awesome. Attentive and nice but not overly or annoyingly enthusiastic, but they recognize me and are personable. I love that. The diner. It has SO much character and detail as it is an ACTUAL old train car. Kitschy but authentic. Small but not claustrophobic. and the music that is playing is ALWAYS good. The food has a simplicity about it and isn't "too" much of anything. No bells or whistles. Similar to what one would cook for themselves at home. Which makes me really feel at home :)
(4)Lydia Effie C.
I've been coming here awhile because it is my mom and her boyfriend's weekly tradition. But honestly, this place sucks. The food is paltry, the omelets are small, dry and NASTY, the homefries are old and hard and sparse, and it's always so busy, you have to beg for coffee. Why do people like this place? The prices are steep, the food BLOWS, this morning we waited over an hour for SH*T food, and the coffee sucks. Ugh.
(1)Matt E.
This place is the Awesome!! Great food and service. I would recommend is the Kobe Burger!!! The staff is the best!!
(5)Lindsey M.
love, love, love this diner! I came here with friends whom raved about the place and found this charming diner to have a large selection of both lunch and breakfast options- great menu and reasonably priced.. Most notably, our food wasn't saturated in grease like in most local diners, and staff friendly. This place comes highly recommended!!
(5)Ed P.
NB: May change this to a 5 if my intuition is correct, will visit again soon to find out. A friend suggested this diner and the three of us went for breakfast around 10am. I was going to order a special with eggs and pancakes, then I spotted a breakfast burrito and boom! there it was...Huevos rancheros, a recent favorite. It wasn't bad. It just didn't wow me and neither did the home fries. Then I tried a bite of the sour cream pancakes...I was stuffed and entering food coma ville so forgive me for not Tom Cruising up on the counter and making a public declaration, but these cakes brought back good memories of flapjacks past. One of being a kid and every summer going to Maine, on the Sunday (?) we would always hit the Lions club for all you can eat pancakes. Hot, amazing and with all the syrup and butter you want. My old man used to make pretty rad animal pancakes. He'd get creative with the whole thing and whether they were regular or blueberry they were always delicious. These sour cream pancakes were on par with the best I've ever had and they were a hit with the person who ordered them as well, while our other dining companion preferred his blue corn cakes which I will also have to try. More soon...
(4)Ash E.
I can honestly say, I've never had better blueberry pancakes. When your friend doesn't want to spend the extra 56 cents for the blueberries you can tell them that's a mistake. Go with the blueberries!
(5)Chip F.
Breakfast at deluxe is my favorite. For ambiance and variety it can't be beat. Prices are a bit high for the quality of some of the dishes, but both the Ployes and their corned-beef hash are excellent.
(4)Bridget B.
I am lucky enough to live down the street from this diner, and I love it. They serve delicious egg creams, the turkey curry burger is fantastic, they have $10 Kobe burgers, and TEA menus. Their breakfasts are fantastic, they have a good number of vegan and vegetarian options, good music is usually playing in the background, and they've experimented with running the place on bio-diesel. How cool is that? Also, the bacon and homefries are beyond fantastic. I also like that the bulk of the food served there actually seems to take at least an iota of interest in preserving the health of the clientle, even the standard sides like cole slaw and pickles seem fresh and appetizing (well, maybe not the cole slaw so much, but it looks far better than most I've seen) I'm not too in love with the cupcakes, but the attached shop is very cute and has nice tinned and bagged loose teas.
(5)Jon H.
So on our way to apple picking one fine Saturday, we stopped over in Watertown for the Deluxe Diner. No joke, this place is a blast from the past on the outside, but the food and the variety inside is a blast of modern goodness. The wait can look long from the line outside, but we got in with 5 people in about 15 minutes. Word of advice: if you're waiting, go around the corner past the gas station to the middle-eastern grocery store, and you won't be disappointed. I ordered the low carb meal (three eggs with bacon and linguica) and the blue cornmeal cakes. The eggs + meat were nothing to blow you away (eggs are eggs), but the corn meal pancakes were perfect. Just the right amount of softness with that chew that cornmeal gives you. Plop some warm butter to soak through and a good splash or gallon of syrup and you're good to go! Good thing I had some coffee to keep me awake for the drive afterwards! Bottom line: Great place for solid diner brunch with an interesting variety of pancakes, corncakes, potatocakes. But if I had my pick I would still say the Paramount in Boston on Charles is still the best breakfast.
(4)David V.
Deducting a star because their insanely delicious waffles are not available on weekdays. This despite the fact that they have the batter (it's the same batter that goes into the pancakes). What, do they rent a waffle iron or something? Is there a waffle iron technician who only works on weekends? Items not available every day is ok, if there's a reason for it (availability, difficulty in preparing, etc). But this wanton weekday waffle depravation must end! That said, the pancakes tasted great and Deluxue Town Diner is still the best diner food in the greater Boston area.
(4)Annie C.
Sweet little diner nearby my parent's place. They have a pretty hefty menu that has breakfast, lunch and dinner options which are served pretty much all day. For the veggers out there, there are tons of options on their menus. Lots of wraps (their falafel sandwich is pretty great) and some nice soups and salads. They've also got a pretty impressive burger line up and some dinner classics (steak tips, chicken liver, yee-haw!). Beverage side, they have a smattering of teas (loose leaf too) along with frappes/shakes and the like. The atmosphere is old school diner all the way. Which is great, but it's a smidge cramped. Service is usually pretty good and the food definitely comes out fast. My only complaint is that this place used to be a bit of a secret but now it's sort of expensive...8 bucks for a wrap with a little side of coleslaw? For shame.
(4)Vincent R.
Wow, this one is hard to review. Perhaps I'll start by making a list: Pro: *Good food - the food was delicious and the portions very large. Price - for the amount of food, the price was excellent. *Friendly service - despite the slowness due to the crowds, the service was very friendly. *"Neighborhood-y" feel - if you like the feel of a neighborhood place with lots of regulars, then this is a good place. Con: *VERY crowded - If you aren't a regular, expect to wait. I noticed that regular customers who came in AFTER us got seated BEFORE us. Not a good way to win new customers. *Slow service - I am not used to having to wait for a cup of coffee or water. To be fair, most of the slowness was due to the place being packed rather than "bad service" but slow is still slow. *Cramped - even despite the crowds, the place is small and cramped. Some of the isles (and the path to the bathroom) is so narrow that I can see people who are even "slightly plump" not being able to get there without brushing the dishes on the tables of other diners. Summery: If you are in a rush (long table wait) or if you want to linger over coffee (I don't mean to rush you but is this ready...), then this is definitely NOT the place for you to go and enjoy yourself. However, if you like a lively neighborhood spot with good food at good prices, then give it a try. It's worth going at least once for the experience. I can certainly see this being a fantastic place to go (perhaps sitting at the counter) for a summer afternoon snack or late lunch.
(3)Rebekah C.
If you are a person who digs diners . . . . this place is a cute classic diner, with good old diner food. They have a big menu with a wide array of classic breakfast and lunch dishes to choose from. While I have a hard time appreciating the old and not so clean appeal of diners as they crank out meals like a well oiled machine . . . I was pleasantly surprised that Deluxe Town Diner's breakfast was decent. While this probalby won't be my new breakfast hot spot, I could see coming back. The pancakes were 3/5.
(3)Jean C.
Definitely a solid breakfast spot. The food should make this a four star review but the 45 minute when quoted 20 minutes knocked it down. I mean, is it really difficult to come to us and let us know that it's taking longer than quoted and that we weren't forgotten. Is that difficult? No. Can it be done? Yes. But anyway, we finally got seated we were ready to eat. I normally go with my usual eggs benedict but there was something on the menu that just caught my eye. The Southwestern Chili omelette sounded amazing. And it was just good. The chili flavor was there but it was mainly beans. Where was the meat? The tomatoes? Maybe it was the spoonful I got that was missing it. The potatoes were ok and the rosemary garlic bread was more rosemary than garlic. The serving was portioned just right. The coffee was very tasty, one of the best I've had at any breakfast spot. Our server was polite but not the friendliest. I guess when you're constantly busy, you don't have time for that. Since I visit Boston once in awhile, I will probably try another breakfast spot before coming back.
(3)Kara S.
I came here a few weeks ago, thinking I'd never been. But upon entering I realized i'd been here once before, for dinner with a friend. Dinner was ok as far as I can remember. But Breakfast? Ohhhhh breakfast. It was delicious. Great coffee & Tea, nice hearty egg dishes, high quality bacon, all so good. But the pancakes? Good lord they were a revelation! I have never had pancakes so good in my life, they were so moist and tangy and flavorful. Let me tell you, there is a reason the sour cream flapjacks are highlighted with a bright yellow box on the menu. Do not ignore the signs, my friend. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. Mostly I just want to try the other pancake offerings. EVERYTHING sounds amazing, from the sweet potato pancakes to the blue cornmeal pancakes, to the Rhode Island johnnycakes. Mmmm. They also are located in an adorable old diner car, which is always retro-fun.
(4)Alyssa l.
Three words: SWEET POTATO PANCAKES. Hands-down the best pancake I've ever had. My family and I have been coming here for years and this place never disappoints. The real maple syrup on every table seals the deal. Just a heads up that weekends get really crowded so be prepared to wait a while for a table!
(4)Chuck K.
Here's what you do. You get the pancakes. You do NOT get the breakfast sandwiches. You do NOT get the omelets. You do NOT hope for a gourmet cup of coffee. No. The pancakes are exquisite, homemade, and unique. They come in a number of varieties and do not rely on the cheap trick of using fancy toppings to cover-up mediocre pancakes. You can get Southwest Blue Corn pancakes, New Orleans Sweet Potato pancakes, Rhode Island Jonny cakes or even just Deluxe Town Diner's own original batter recipe, scrumptious! The ambiance is small but not cramped, a more-or-less standard but cute diner. The prices are a bit high but not shockingly so. Parking is adequate. Service is friendly. Treat the pancake-lover in your life to a breakfast here and you'll transform her into a dependable ally, someone who would take a bullet for you.
(4)J D.
I've heard good things about the Deluxe Town Diner, and being a fan of diner breakfasts I was looking forward to checking it out. My wife is a Jersey girl where they have diners on every corner, so I was hoping the Deluxe would be the real thing. And....it definitely is. They have a great atmosphere, homey and to the point. No white table cloths here. The tables are a little tight, but that is to be expected with a true diner car. The food is great. I had the corned beef hash and there is nothing canned here. Fresh shredded corned beef, great potatoes and a lengthy choice of toast (the sour dough was good). The blueberry pancakes were as good as I've ever tasted. Service was friendly and efficient. Can't wait to go back .
(5)Chris L.
Yum, yum, yum! A perfect little diner in Watertown. We had a tremendous curry apple turkey burger with goat cheese, a reuben, a chicken pot pie and a turkey club with avocado and everything was delicious. It can get a little crowded at times and the booths are the most comfortable....the slightest twitch by the person behind sends a jolt into your seat but you can go wrong with this place. They have loads of options and the breakfast food, which I have had in the past, is fresh and perfect for that cold winter morning. If you haven't been yet, give it a try. You won't regret it!
(4)Kaella C.
After seeing Deluxe Town Diner on Phantom Gourmet, I had to check this place out. I decided to do so tonight with a friend after some shopping in Watertown. This place is a REAL diner - I had never been to one so it was so cool to walk in through old diner doors and sit in an old fashioned booth. What I like about this place though is that it doesn't go over the top to have that typical diner feel. It's authentic. We were seated immediately and were given water in this adorable glass bottle that we could pour ourselves. It was nice that if we wanted more, we didn't have to ask for it. A very nice man took our order - I got a short stack of sour cream flapjacks and my friend opted for the same, but with chocolate chips. We also got sides of bacon. The plates that they brought us were ENORMOUS! The pancakes were so amazing and moist and filling... I can't even describe how amazing they were. I just can't. My friend was in heaven with her chocolate chip ones as well. Whenever we get breakfast, she orders chocolate chip pancakes. However, she is very particular about whether or not the chips are mixed into the batter or placed on top. 9 times out of 10, they are placed on top. It's just not the same. Deluxe Town Diner places them IN the batter, which put her over the moon. The bacon was delicious as well. Neither of us could finish our short stacks - that's how big the pancakes were. We left feeling full and satisfied, but not over stuffed. I honestly haven't had such a satisfying meal in a long time and I cannot WAIT to go back! Everyone needs to take the trip up here to visit this diner. It's just that good. Not to mention it was $25 for the both of us to eat. What a deal.
(5)Sasha B.
This diner is fabulous! The service is fast and nice, we sat up on the bar next to the cooks, and they work together like a well oiled machine! Very impressive. Now, what I ordered: (don't worry, there were 2 of us sharing both meals) Corned Beef Hash with poached eggs- 5 stars, the best corned beef hash I've had. It has nice meaty pieces, and I watched them flatten it on the grill to give that slight char taste. It isn't super potato-ey (which is great), so you can use the delicious homefries as the potatoes. Sweet Potato Pancake with Pecans- 5 stars. Delicious! Definitely get it with pecans. Blue corn pancakes- 4 stars. Good, standard pancakes. My one warning is we asked to have one of each pancake, and a stack of two costs around $5, but they charged us for 2 individual pancakes for a total of $8 or so. Not a big deal, but next time I would just get 2 sweet potato pancakes!
(5)Catherine G.
I like diners a lot, and this place had by far the best diner food I've had in awhile. It's cramped, but I went in around 3 on a Sunday, and had no wait. However, this place is probably crazy busy during peak hours. Service was quick, attentive, and polite (if not exceptionally warm). However, the food is just GREAT. We all got breakfast dishes, and loved them. The spinach-goat cheese omelette was delicious, the pancakes were excellent. AND, the bill wasn't huge, which was nice ($65 for 5 people, and everyone got drinks and sides and the like). It seems like very good quality food- ie, my side salad had spinach and balsamic, rather than a hunk of cheap iceberg. Lots of nice touches on the very large menu (they had quinoa, and a whole tea menu- nice). Fricken' fantastic. Highly recommended, and a pleasant surprise for diner food.
(5)Margot T.
Fall in love every time I eat here... ...with the Harvest Salad, the sweet waitress, the beer that saves my life, the view, and the conversation. Best.
(5)Karen D.
A diner with some healthy options? I've gone here a couple of times and it is great. They have all the regular diner food, but there are lot of interesting items such as the apple curry turkey burger. A turkey club has fresh roasted turkey and you can get it on some nice harvest bread. The spinach salad is warm (OK, not so healthy if you have the bacon with it, but worth it). The also have brown rice and quinoa. I've gone off hours and it can be busy, so if you go on a weekend morning, be prepared.
(4)seven f.
Better breakfast than lunches though there grilled bacon & cheese is pretty damn good. Excellent, high quality breakfasts. Best hash, made from scratch. Not only is it made from scratch but has no fillers in it - some places add a ton of potatoes. All meat. A variety of pancakes and french toasts - if your into that - and many omelets to choose from. Good coffee. Busy, but attentive waitstaff.
(5)David W.
My wife and I eat here at least once a week, which in itself is an endorsement. They have a nice selection of pancakes, but I always order the plain buttermilk variety, which are among the best I've ever had. One item worth noting - they make their own homemade pastrami-style smoked salmon and it is amazing!!! Some of my favorites are the crabcake benedict, broasted chicken, corn/clam chowder, mac and cheese, meatloaf and burgers. (I am always dubious of "kobe burgers" though.) Their chili, while not hot/spicy is quite good, always served with a nice piece of cornbread (which is firm and does not disintegrate). The chili cheesedogs are outstanding but be warned - one is more than enough! (There's an option to order two.) The chicken livers app is an unlikely home run. They have a fried green tomato app that I could literally eat every day. The service is always good, and when they're on a wait for tables they move things along quickly. One minor thing I'm not crazy about.... the club sandwiches are served with fancy mesclun bitter greens - I would much prefer romaine or iceberg. After eating there once a week for over a year, I did have one instance where I had to send something back - the grilled swordfish skewers. It was just outright fishy. (I worked at Legals for 5 years and know what swordfish should taste like.) It's ok - they could have had a bad batch or maybe it sat in the fridge for a day longer than it should have. The important thing is that when I sent it back (which still drives the waiter in me crazy) they recovered gracefully. They rushed out my replacement meal (grilled cheese w tomato) and the manager came by to check in. Every restaurant is going to have a misstep at least once in a while - but these guys handled the situation in a way that just reinforced our love for the place.
(4)Leo L.
I can't believe I never reviewed this place. It's the best breakfast in the Watertown/Newton area by a decent stretch and a surprise for other meals. Read on... Fantastic pancakes. Take your pick: sweet potato (light and naturally sweet), jonny cakes (slightly savory, delicious), blue cornmeal cakes (nice alternative to buttermilk), ployes (ethereally light but flavorful) - only the latke disappoints (not enough onion flavor). Good oatmeal, average egg dishes, average home fries. I don't remember the french toast or waffles (probably because I can't stay away from the pancakes). Note that the Greek sausage seems VERY authentic - i.e. gamy and spice-laden - but I like it like that. Lunch and dinner are also very consistently good and often oxymoronically healthy. When's the last time you've gone to a diner that served quinoa, homemade falafel, grilled turkey tips (just downed them tonight - yum), and fresh vegetables prepared to order (not the frozen mixed kind)? Answer: never. Only downside is the benches are falling apart and the line is hideous after about 8:30 on a weekend, but, the latter comes with the territory. I hope I didn't just make the lines worse. The kids love it, the wife loves it, and so do I.
(5)Keith M.
Got there at ~5pm on Saturday. No wait at all. A classic ancient diner. We had a Rueban, Chicken Pot Pie, French Toast & Pancakes for dinner. The food was fresh and came quickly and hot. For dessert we had a cupcake and apple pie. Overall we liked the food, but.... 1) $4.95 for a piece of apple pie was a bit much. 2) The bench in the booth must have been the original from the 1950s.
(4)Lindsey M.
So I'm trying out this wheat-free diet on recommendation of my doctor. That said, I'm so tired of salads and Chinese food I could scream, the silver lining of my week thus far has been the Rhode Island Johnny Cakes: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo… . This special corn-based recipe is crunchy and sweet. It's somewhat reminiscent of a Potato Latke but with a different texture and overall more pancake than hash-brown like. These puppies are crunchy and sweet, a perfect compliment to a side of crispy bacon or sausage patty. They leave you feeling satiated but not, oh-my-god-I'm-a-pancake-fatty-full. If you're looking for gluten-free safe foods they're a must try. FYI breakfast is served all day, so get your Johnny Cakes for Bre-nner (breakfast-dinner) if you please.
(5)Melissa B.
I feel like I'm betraying both my co-workers former neighbors when I say, I just don't get it. Is Watertown really lacking decent food that everyone flocks to the Town Diner? I've never, I repeat, never had anything on the menu that I didn't fake "it's good" response to the waitress. Even when I'm at a table full of people all eating different things, nothing looks remotely appetizing. So what am I missing? The pancakes recommended by everyone were dry. Their signature sandwich was blah. I'm pretty sure I'd just skip a meal if Deluxe Town Diner was my only option. Not that I couldn't use a missed meal or two....so there....try the Deluxe Town Diner diet.
(2)Cara C.
$85 for dinner for 3 adults & 3 kids under the age of 5?? Food may be great but not THAT great...and the owner/hostess sure did have a 'kid' attitude that was NOT friendly. Don't give us RUDE looks while we are in YOUR establishment. Food may be GOOD but for sandwiches & burgers, that sure was a STEEP bill, not to mention noodles & butter & a pancake instead of fries for the kids was all EXTRA. Booths & tables could be in BETTER condition if they are charging that much for food, we were sitting on duck tape in a booth that made you feel like we were practically sitting on the floor. Won't be back for their lunch or dinner menu (unless I win the mega-bucks)~
(2)Marissa C.
We've been coming here for years for a weekend breakfast splurge - I always get the hungry person special (affectionately known to my hubby as the colossal fat a$$ breakfast because he knows it gets a rile out of me!) (pancakes, eggs, toast, hash browns, and veggie sausage) which is a great assortment all my favorite breakfast foods - we recently just discovered that a phone call about 10 minutes before showing up, even during the morning weekend rush (between 10am and 12pm) pretty much guarantees we are seated as soon as we get there. Highly recommend!
(5)Sara G.
I had breakfast here with a friend. my friend ended up filling up my coffee cup more than the waitress. the breakfast was tasty, i had the Greek omelet with potatoes and 9 grain toast. the potatoes were the best part, the Greek sausage in the omelet tasted sort of strange, but then again, it was my first Greek sausage experience. i did get a coffee to-go cup, which was nice, considering had to drive to Providence RI after breakfast.
(3)Zoe P.
"Excellent mashed potatoes, pleasant atmosphere, large menu, lots of "best of" hype, on a bus line. Years hence, everything else has faded from memory. Mark that." So I wrote once upon a time, but recently, fate has brought me to the Deluxe Town Diner again. And again. For breakfast. And the Diner has lost a star because it sure looks a lot like a diner but they can't make eggs over easy without breaking the yolks. Please. And then there are the jonnycakes, which if you've read the Little House books, you remember that Ma and Laura discuss this food item . . . Indeed, "Ma had heard some say that it should be called journey-cake. She didn't know. It wouldn't be very good bread to take on a journey." Well, she's right. After the journey from kitchen to table, these managed to be both gummy and stiff, and pretty tasteless. But the buttermilk and sour cream pancakes are delicious and so is their linguica and their syrup and they keep the coffee filled. Actually, everyone there is really nice and helpful and fast. So I can actually see this place becoming a regular Boston-area breakfast. As long as I keep my expectations low, eggwise, I'm good. The turkey Reuben is also good, and the doggy-bag containers are cardboard - yay!
(3)Tamara N.
I go WAY out of my way to come here! I used to live close to the Diner and I loved brunch there, so I continue to eat there, though it is no longer convenient . . . at all! They take no shortcuts with your food, it is like home made, except the portions are ginormous. Seriously, one pancake is intensely filling and the omelets are pretty crazy too! I now live downtown but occasionally head out to Watertown for a good, old fashioned brunch that I know won't disappoint. A useful tip - there is usually a line on the weekends but call ahead and they will tell you the wait time and may even take your name for the list!
(5)Elizabeth F.
It was a long wait for a table on a Sunday morning, but it was a wait well worth it. People have been recommending Deluxe Town Diner to me for as long as I can remember, and this morning, I finally went. I got an egg white omelet with fresh herbs and sundried tomatoes with wheat toast and a salad. What I was expecting was a massive, runny omelet with large herb leaves and oily sundried tomatoes, toast soaked with margarine, and iceberg lettuce with shredded carrots and some nasty "Italian" dressing. What I got was a perfectly-sized and fully cooked (but not overcooked) omelet with snipped fresh herbs mixed right in along with small pieces of sundried tomatoes, two slices of thick, fresh toast with a slight spread of real salted butter, and mesclun mix greens with sliced grape tomatoes tossed in a light oil and vinegar dressing. I can't wait to come back and try something new.
(5)J J.
Best one in the Boston area! I've begun to have an obsession with diners...but this one is my absolute fav! Sweet potato pancakes, challah bread french toast, OMG...we have made it our once a month food splurge.
(5)Shelley S.
Okay, maybe not as inexpensive as we'd like. And at times they are very busy. There are lines out the door. That is mainly because they serve up some awfully good ease and comfort meals. I'm picky and also have no complaints. I am heading over there now for my favored indulgence: sweet potato pancakes with pecans.
(5)Mark B.
I'm not quite sure why people (I guess that would include me) rate restaurants that have already been reviewed hundreds of times. I would have to write 100 reviews using different pen names to actually move the needle on this restaurant. Don't worry, I don't have the time, inclination, or creativity to come up with 100 different names so I'll stick to yours truly. I had Egg Nog French Toast and it was the best French Toast that I've ever had. Unreal. Okay, so I don't remember every piece of french toast that I've eaten in my 52 years. I just know that this was fantabulous (that sounds too feminine, doesn't it?). This place has a great menu and it's impossible to just order one item. My daughter had the Spanish Omelet and it was also really good. The service was great and the place had a lot of character. FYI, I don't give 5 stars unless I've eaten at a restaurant enough to really know that it should be a 5 star place. I live in California so it's unlikely that I will return to this place in the near future.
(4)Brook T.
Oh Deluxe. You are a gemstone in the rough. Their menu is HUGE. A little too big. I obviously get the french toast because I cannot turn that down. It's pretty awesome. They do not have strawberries though - which is kind of mind blowing. Strawberries make everything that much better. Breakfast all day = love. Also, do try their Boston Creme Pie. You will not regret it.
(4)Danne D.
I consider myself to be somewhat of a diner connoisseur and The Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown is definitely one of my favorites. It's about as authentic as it gets: in business since the 1940's, family owned and operated, classic stainless steel decor and neon signage, red vinyl booths inside, etc etc. What's so special about this diner though is the menu. Not only do they have the typical diner staple foods, but they're the most vegetarian and vegan friendly diner I've ever come across. Vegan pancakes, veggie sausage, veggie stir fry, a tofu loaf! It's a vegetarian diner lovers dream come true. What else is amazing is the tea selection. Most diners just offer your standard Lipton black tea but the Deluxe Town Diner has a huge tea list that I've never seen another diner even come close to. So, all in all, A+. Definitely worth the trek to Watertown if you don't live here.
(5)John S.
I paid twelve dollars for five turkey tips. That's pretty much a good gauge of what kind of place this is. I grew up in New Jersey, where you'd pass five diners on the way to the diner, and this here is merely an adequate one. The service was fairly good, but the prices were higher than any diner ought charge and the food was only decent. This place is a neighborhood staple, but unless you live in walking distance, don't go out of your way to get there.
(3)Larry H.
So a buddy of mine asks me to try this place with him on Saturday the 4th. It was his birthday that day so of course we went. As we drive up to this place we see a crowd outside of this tiny little boxcar diner which is a good sign. I don't remember seeing a parking lot, but it looked like most people were parked on the street. So we go in and put our name in "table for three, ten minutes. feel free to go next door and get a cup of bottomless coffee. We'll refill it here". So we do just that, my wife doesn't drink coffee so Jim and I grab a couple cups of the bottomless Joe. Well, that sets us back $5 bucks already. Yup, two cups of bottomless coffee - $4.95. I'm thinking this coffee has got to be awesome. I normally use 2 creams and 2 sugar packets for this size cup (16oz?). I needed 5 of each just to get this sludge down. If you like Starbucks coffee you'll love this. We just finish getting our coffee and our names called so we head on in. We are quickly ushered to the far corner table. Man they pack this place tight. We ended up basically sitting at a table for 6 with three other people we didn't know. It almost felt like we were invading their space but they were friendly enough and greeted us as we sat down. The booths are very uncomfortable, at 6'2, 200+ pounds I'm obviously too big for these seats. It's almost like the padding was gone and I was sitting on a frame of what the seat used to be and if you want your butt comfortable you have to sit in a position so that your back doesn't touch the back support. I have to tell you my back was sore for a good hour after eating. On to the meal.. I got the "Eggs and Hash" - Corned beef hash with two eggs any style, home fries or salad and your choice of toast. I ordered my eggs over easy and I got them over hard. Please don't tell me you're going to sell me a breakfast dish and mess up the eggs. Who screws up eggs these days? -1/2 star because you can't either: a) get my order right or b) cook it the way I ask. I opted for the home fries which were fine. I'm not really into home fries so these must be something special. I only ate a couple to try them. If I had a choice of hash browns I would have opted for those instead. Here comes the real winner of this dish... The toast and the corned beef hash.. It wasn't your typical ground up hash. It was full-on boiled dinner style. That's right, like a slab of meat with small pieces of turnip and potato on top of it. As awesome as this tasted it wasn't what I was expecting. I would go back for lunch and order the hash when I'm in the mood for boiled dinner but I won't order it again when I'm craving corned beef hash. The toast - I asked for white. What can I say.. I love carbs and this toast was really good. I mean, it was what this meal was all about for me. I had no yoke to clean up with it so I had to eat this straight up with the dab of butter they put in the middle. It was perfect, the crust was crunchy and the center was soft. The place was hot and I don't like being cramped and uncomfortable when eating so I took another 1/2 star off. I also didn't think the place looked very clean. It could be that it's an old place and just looks beat up, -1 star. The waitress was friendly enough to not knock down a star. All in all my dish worked out to be about average. I thought it was a little on the expensive side. All in all this place is nothing special to me. I'd eat here again if I was in the area but I'd probably try something else.
(3)Jenn V.
If breakfast is king, than this is where the king lives! And his favorite is the potato pancakes. That's all I have to say.
(4)Paul B.
DTD knocks the corned beef hash out of the park. Hands down, the best I have ever had, clearly made by the kitchen and not out of a can. The meat is actually shredded and there are tiny bits of carrot to be found. That seems to be pretty much it, but their simplicity rocks.The hash brown potatos are different but not necessarily in a good way. They don't have a pile of them bubbling away on their precious grill space, but held in some sort of warmer. The result is a slightly tough exterior and an interior that kind of disappears in your mouth without making much of an impression. I understand that DTD has made its deserved reputation via pancakes, but don't miss their corned beef hash. The menu also seems to have healthy choices available, which must be some sort of record for a dyed-in-the wool diner. If you sit at the counter near the service area, you will see some really tempting plates flying out to other diners. The staff is always warm and thankfully, highly competent.
(5)Aboud Y.
This place is wicked good (though I find their sour cream pancakes a bit too heavy at times). But the food is delicious and service is on. Maybe the best true "diner" in the Boston area.
(4)Suzy D.
Deluxe is heaven. Simple as that. The past week, I found myself there THREE times. By the third time I hesitated, but knew the person I was going with deserved some Deluxe and I was more than happy to inhale another batch of delicious diner grub. I'm a loyal fan to some breakfast dishes and their grilled cheese. Yeah, people scoff when I say that, but it's really the best grilled cheese I've had. Great frappes, good fries, sour cream flapjacks are stupendous. I'd give them five stars if it weren't for how they spoil me. The servers are excellent - very friendly, incredibly attentive, and almost always upbeat. Except for one. After getting my favorite (brunette with the ponytail!) for visit after visit, my luck ran out. Curt exchanges about ten to fifteen minutes apart, and forgot every request of her table other than their immediate drink and food orders. Took her ages to come back to split the check, and when we finally leave she doesn't make any comment. Now, I understand that behavior if it's busy. Too bad we were her only table. Point is - Deluxe is great! With the exception of one accursed waitress, they've got the best server staff. Fairly priced food. Just know that if you go a lot, you're going to be expecting the best from the servers. And when you end up getting so-so service, you will be appalled. Deluxe has changed my expectations for dining out.
(4)Ken M.
Service: 5 stars Food: 3 stars Price: 1 star I'd been here when I lived around the corner and liked it well enough, but I didn't remember the prices being this high (for a diner). The waitress was awesome and joked with me and my dining partner and was attentive enough. The coffee was good. The bacon was flabby and gross. A side of toast is one small piece split in half. The homefries were just okay and the eggs were eggs, hard to mess up too bad. The wait was insane at 10 am. Why wouldn't I just go to The Breakfast Club which has higher quality diner food at better prices with less of a wait at 10 am (albeit with way worse service)?
(3)A M.
My teammates and I often come here the week of our bouts for a team dinner. The atmosphere is great and everyone has a favorite something on the menu. Personally, I get a basic breakfast with a few eggs, bacon, homefries, and toast. I can't complain - it's a great breakfast and the price is not so bad. A few people have griped about the price, and I will admit that the fancier the ingredients, the more expensive it is. However, their regular breakfast fare is all I can speak about, and I can honestly say that it's very, very good. I can't speak for the wait - usually we visit on weeknights and later in the evening, but even then they are more than accomodating to our large group. Our waitstaff has always been friendly and helpful, and we've enjoyed our experiences so much that we keep returning to the diner.
(4)Amanda B.
Let me explain: I come here for the pancakes. I'm a fan of breakfast food. If breakfast food is an option, why wouldn't you order it?? I don't understand you people. In any event, the pancakes are generous. Ok, that's understating it a bit. They're HUGE. I can barely eat three quarters of a short stack. My favorite is the blueberry. Always tasty. I took a friend from Long Island (Land of the Diner) here and she raved about the Mac & Cheese. Loved it! This place is nearby, which is nice. Trouble is, there's always a line. Well, always during brunch hours. I try to come here at off-times so I don't have to wait. Really, there's nowhere to wait here but outside or in the doorway. The service is ok. Just ok. I don't think I've ever had stellar service here. The place itself is charming. It's an old-school diner and very small. There's a lot on the menu including some unexpected gems. Large tea menu. I came back to the Deluxe after a long absence and the place felt more funky and a bit cleaner. More hipster-ish. Maybe I'm imagining things. I think I don't go here more often because when I leave, I end up smelling like fried things. As if I've been standing over the fryer. I am like a sponge when it comes to sucking up smells like that. Same reason I hate going to Fajitas & 'Ritas.
(3)Molly C.
LOVE this diner. Yummy food - fun selections. Lovely desserts too! And it has the best mac-n-cheese I have ever had. YUM! However (and hope the owner is checking this out) but my only complaint is that the menu mistakenly boasts items that are 100% vegetarian (vegan vs. vegetarian debates aside). My complaint - french fries, onion rings and falafel all fried in the same oil as chicken fingers and fish are just NOT a vegetarian items at that point. This is considered cross-contamination. Otherwise - an awesome joint with great service!
(4)Mira S.
I have been to this place at least 5 times now at different times of day and gotten different things. I am gluten free. Their johnny cakes are AMAZING. So far Boston's only locale I've found that has GF pancake option. Eggs are really really tasty and fresh. Homefries are excellent. Dinner here: was ok. I think breakfast is their strong point...luckily they serve it all the time!!!!!!! I would defo recommend this place! Good prices too!
(5)chris p.
This was my first trip to the Deluxe town diner. I have been told many a time before by friends, and co workers that this place is very good. So i decided to try it. I decided to take out, and got the kobe beef burger. It was perfectly cooked (and as i asked Med-rare!) I love when u go to bite into a burger, and its just juicy. It was like heaven! probably the best burger in town. The fries were good. I like the seasoning of the fries, some kind of salt pepper, all-seasoning mix. Not a huge fan of the cut of the fries. I prefer more steakhouse like fries over shoe strings, but nonetheless the taste was excellent. A nice change to things is that they put greens on your burger, not just the usual lettuce, but baby greens, and that just tastes soo much better than reg old iceberg lettuce. The food was excellent, and I'll come back again to try the pancakes everyone on here seems to be talking about. I don't know if they can beat The Breakfast Club diner. Give me a "basket case" with french toast, scrambled eggs and bacon and i'm happy. :-)
(4)John W.
Where do I start? How about the building. As you approach it, it looks like the only change it's undergone in the past several decades is age. You walk inside and yep, same thing. This place is old. Why do people rave about this place? You look around and see a really cool crowd with a mix of people from all walks of life. And something just feels really right here. Hey, this place is cool! But the food is what really makes this place. They NAIL the classic american breakfast/lunch/dinner. And if that weren't enough, you can get yogurt and granola and fresh fruit; high quality loose leaf tea; a great tofu/veggie stirfry. Hippie food at a diner that's as real and classic as it gets? For real? Yep, for real. HIGHLY RECOMMEND - the Colossal Hungry Person's Breakfast. It's not as big as it sounds, but is "comprehensive" and just under $11. Pancakes or French Toast, eggs, home fries, toast, meat, and never ending cofffee (which is actually very good). Get either the French Toast with it or the Sweet Potato Pancakes. I always recommend the Sweet Potato Panckes to friends whom i bring there and they always pass on them. Then they try mine and say without fail "I should've listened to you and gotten the Sweet Potato Pancakes. They're awesome, not what i expected at all". My wife loves the chicken noodle soup - the owner's grandmother's recipe which he is guarding with his life (trust me, my wife can usually get secrets out of people). This place has the food and the soul.
(5)Toodles K.
Went there for lunch on 6/30. Love the fact that they serve breakfast anytime. My co-worker had the sweet potato pancakes and a plain omelette. She said they were great. I had the Huevos Rancheros which I have never had before. The eggs were scrambled with cheddar, onions, peppers, and salsa on top with black beans and a small cup of sour cream on the side. Total YUM! The home fries were very good. Their iced coffee was superb. I highly recommend this place for the simple fact that they are a huge step above IHop for comfort food.
(4)Suki S.
I think since I am a regular here, it would be good to finally write a review. My husband and I love this place. Their menu is so thorough that anyone, regardless of how picky they are, will find something on this menu that they like. They have the most variety of pancakes I have ever seen. From sweet potato to Jonnie Cakes to Ployes (Buckwheat) which are my personal favorite. Couple of tips: If you're going on the weekend, go as early as possible because this place is insane come 9-9:30am. Its also best to go with as few people as possible because I find that when it is just my husband and I, we get in very quickly since we can just hop in at the counter. I'm vegetarian and although I am not a huge fan of fake meat, they do offer soy sausages which are actually really good. But like I said, there are so many options on the menu that I'm never left hungry. They have a great array of teas as well, I'm a tea person and love the fact that I can get a pot of vanilla rooibos tea which you can't find at probably any other diner in the world, accept for maybe Africa where Rooibos comes from. The service is also great. The food comes out quick and hot, and the cooks are all within view so if you're at the counter you can actually see your food being made which is good for inpatient types like myself who somehow feel better when I can see that my food is coming soon. All the waitresses are really nice and the best part about this place is that the price is so right! It's inexpensive like a diner should be but offers meals that are much more satisfying than any diner I have gone to. They also offer lunch and dinner but to be honest I have never gone for either, I have only gone for breakfast but I am curious as to what else they have to offer since what they list sounds very appetizing. You will not be disappointed if you come here especially if you're like me and you love breakfast food, you will love this place.
(5)Cat M.
Good lord this place is delicious. And vegetarian-friendly! So rare for a traditional diner! Get the sweet potato pancakes with pecans and pretend you're in Memphis having a hungover brunch at the Blue Plate cafe. DTD does an excellent job, for yankees. Blue corn pancakes are like nachos for breakfast. It makes sense if you've had them. Props for calling it the 'Colossal Hungry PERSON Breakfast' and not the 'Hungry MAN Special' or some other patriarchal nonsense that denies women's appetites and perpetuates body dysmorphia etc etc I went to a women's college...
(5)Rich S.
Good traditional diners are tough to come by in the Boston area, but deluxe diner has it all. Very old school, diner atmosphere and a MASSIVE menu. Standard "breakfast all day" type of place. You can get anything from fish and chips and buffalo wings to french toast and eggs benedict. $3.00 tallboys of 'gansett, fair prices and friendly wait staff make this my favorite diner around.
(4)Savannah R.
Cheap. Delicious. Seriously down right yummy. I've had amazing food here every time. It's usually a wait for the breakfast/brunch times on the weekend, but seriously it's worth the wait. The best pancakes. The best omlettes. And you can watch them make the food right in front of you if you sit at the counter. The waitstaff are pretty friendly too.
(5)Jake B.
My girlfriend, my two roommates, and I went here on Labor Day morning for breakfast. The line was pretty long, but we only had to wait fifteen minutes. To make it even better, we got to wait outside, and a staff member (it might've been the owner) came out to call us when our table was ready. I got the New Orleans Sweet Potato Pancakes, and they were delicious. I've never had sweet potato pancakes before, and I really liked them a lot here. My girlfriend and I also split a side of home fries, which were pretty good. The place was pretty loud and crowded, but it was Labor Day morning and the line was out the door, so I wouldn't hold that against them. I'll come back another morning and see if it's more comfortable. As a side note, one of my roommates got a large orange juice, and it cost him $4.95 ($2 less than his meal, and $1 less than mine). It was pretty run-of-the-mill orange juice, so we have no idea why it was so expensive (yes, we asked the waitress to make sure it wasn't a mistake, and it wasn't). If you come here for breakfast, don't order orange juice.
(4)Andrea H.
I should have read the reviews before we went here. We arrived on Saturday morning around 10am. I realize this is a busy time, but the crowd looked manageable and we were quoted 25 minutes. An hour later, we were still not seated. And people kept showing up and were seated before us!! Turns out, they take call aheads. I've never heard of a diner doing anything like this. Moral of the story--call ahead, and when you hear 25 minutes, it really means an hour. The wait was miserable. The food, however, was excellent. The pancakes are some of the best in town. I had their special sour cream pancakes with blueberries, and they were so delicious. My husband said the corned beef hash was some of the best he's ever had. The prices are reasonable but maybe a tad higher than other diners ($8-12 for a breakfast entree). All in all- we will definitely be back, but not without calling ahead.
(4)Anastasia C.
Good breakfast. My husband's favorite corn beef hash hands down, at least before he stopped eating meat. The menu is large, the breakfast is served all day and I can't get enough of their breakfast that comes with a green salad on the side. I nearly gave this place a three star after today's visit, though. Do not call it a fresh, seasonal fruit salad when I get grapes and tiny pieces of pineapple. And don't you dare tell me what you served me is a lime ricky. That was the Hi-C Ecto Cooler of my youth with some bubbles and a wedge of lime. Beware weekend visits. The staff does their best to move things along without rushing guests (I've never felt pressured to leave), but its a popular spot and you'll probably have to wait awhile to get a table on a weekend.
(4)Jon N.
After living in Watertown for four years, I finally made it to this place for the first time for breakfast last weekend. It did not disappoint. Strong coffee and a pleasant waitress greeted us at the counter. I had the corned beef hash and eggs -- the only complaint would be that the hash didn't stay on the griddle quite long enough so it did not crisp up or brown at all. But this is the real deal -- fresh pulled corned beef and lots of it. The New York style Potato Pancakes were also delicious. I walked out full and happy!
(4)Debra L.
I don't know what has come over me but someone has kidnapped the "salad with grilled chicken" healthy girl in me and replaced her with the "I'll have the chicken pot pie" girl. Maybe it's the winter, or maybe it's the fact that I've had my fair share of bad salads at diners, but I ordered chicken pot pie here for lunch today and I wasn't very impressed. The meal was good for a cold day. Hot and creamy with good sized moist chunks of white meat chicken, potatoes, carrots & peas. The sauce was really rich (but that's what I signed on for so I was okay with that). The problem was the crust (well, lack of crust). To me, the best part of chicken pot pie is the golden flaky crust, especially when it gets really crispy and almost sticks to the edges of the dish it's served in. The kind where you can get at least a little piece of crust in every bite. Well, this pot pie had no crust and therefore it was not a pie. It had a dry, stale, triangular shaped croissant-like pastry sitting on top of the creamy chicken & veggie insides. The pastry only covered about 1/3 of the actual dish. This was more like eating creamy chicken stew. On the plus side though, it was served with a nice mixed green salad. On a side note, I may have just ordered wrong (I was torn b/w this, the hot turkey sandwich & the Mediterranean plate). My co-workers got the lamb burger & the turkey club and they both raved about theirs. It was my first time there but I will definitely go back and try something else and update my review (if it's better next time).
(3)Naomi U.
We love (d?) this place. We've been going here for years...lately we only go every few months because the weekend breakfast line just got to be too much to deal with. We went yesterday only to get two plates of cool eggs...and the worst bagel I've had in forever. They've always been rather finicky about food quality, service, and preparation....so, I hope it was just an off day... something I thought was impossible at this joint.
(2)Stephanie S.
This place gets crazy busy on the weekends and most of the time its worth the wait. I guess they're known for their pancakes, but I've never tried them. I'm more of a lunch for breakfast sort of person. I'll have a turkey club, buffalo chicken wrap or chicken sandwich and those are all my go-to's. They do Diet Coke refills so that huge. They also serve water it handy large refillable water bottles. Looks like its the fancy water you pay extra for at nice restaurants, but not. It's just tap and keeps you hydrated without bothering the wait staff. So is it worth the wait. Most of the time yes. But be prepared to wait outside. And once you get inside the crowded joint, be prepared to shuffle your table around to let your table neighbors get in and out.
(4)Karyn V.
We used to go here at least once a week, but after three months of absolutely horrible service, we have decided to never go back again. At one point, we were so upset about the service (waited 15 minutes for the check, another 15 minutes to take my card, and then 8 minutes for the reciept to sign) that we wrote an email to the restaurant manager to let him know how his wait staff was treating people. Because it was so terrible, we could only assume he had no idea what was going on. However, our email never got a reply back. Not a "sorry" or "we will try to make things better". I guess the poor service comes from the top.
(1)Yoonie C.
Ham - sliced with the bone + 2 Eggs over easy + Bacon + 1 tomato slice + Grapefruit juice = my best diner breakfast yet. If this place were slightly closer to me (i.e., within walking distance) I'd probably eat here every weekend. Service is always prompt and good. Their fans in the summer are a bit off-putting though. The grates of the fans are visibly dusty. If they clean those and kept them clean, I'd give this place 5 stars.
(4)Will W.
Best pancakes I've eaten in my adult life. I stopped trying to make pancakes because of this place. They always have a wait on weekends but turnover is quick and you can get in and out in about 15 minutes if you don't mind sitting at the counter by yourself. I've also had the meatloaf sandwich which was fantastic as well. I order the pancakes about 85% of my visits. Whatever you order for breakfast/brunch try the Linguica for a side order. For the un-initiated its a portuguese sausage that is criminally underrepresented in boston area restaurants, and often of low/poor quality when it is on the menu. The linguica here is as good as you'll get in the portuguese enclaves that stretch from E. Providence to P-Town. I'd give 4.5 if I could. The half point demerit is on account of their prices. I know this isn't typical diner fare, but it is a diner car. In Watertown. We're in a recession economy people.
(4)Jonny L.
Nice atmosphere, but for what it is , prices are very steep!
(2)Florina K.
Really good food!! The Service can really suck if you get a particular waitress that has been working there for a while... So good luck! Hope you get a good waitress:)
(4)Jamie H.
Pretty good food.... it was difficult for me to appreciate the food and extensive menu because I could barely fit into the seat behind the table! (And I'm not particularly big, just tall... and my knees practically levitated the table.) The coffee refills didn't come as quickly as I expect from a diner.... the food was only okay. Worth a try, but better not during the huge brunch-bunch!
(3)Stacey F.
First off ,your going to have to wait a little while but I believe its well worth it. Its on the healthier side so if your looking for a greasy spoon go else where. That also means it may be a little pricey but I will pay extra money for better quality. They are vegetarian friendly and have items that you dont usually see on the average breakfast menu. I've never been for lunch or dinner but the menu looks great for that too. Check it out.
(4)Bill M.
The food was okay. It really wasn't worth the wait for both the price and the quality. I would suggest continuing up the road and go to Tresca's Eating Place on Church Street. I went for breakfast with my girlfriend. The Banana Pancakes I had were better then IHOP's, so I would rather wait here then at IHOP in regards to pancakes. I'm not saying the food here isn't good, it is good food, but I'm closer to Tresca, and between the wait and the prices, if I want a good breakfast, I'll go to Tresca, but I wouldn't kick the Deluxe Town Diner out of bed for eating crackers....unless it was charging me for crumbs
(3)Timothy B.
A friend recommended we meet here last Saturday morning. Thankfully, he made a reservation ahead of time...the place was packed with a line out the door! Obviously, a good sign. Many typical breakfast/brunch options with several unique dishes (check out the variety of pancakes) offered. I built-my-own 2-egg omelet, which was delicious. We had six people in our party and the booth fit us perfectly and the service was great. Again, I recommend a reservation.
(5)Robin G.
I've been there a few times now and have always enjoyed both the food and the ambiance. I have not yet been there for breakfast but I keep meaning to, it's right down the street from my work but I never get in early enough to do breakfast. I've heard their pancakes are amazing.
(4)Colleen B.
Dinner was diner-rific with an upscale twist. There was jazz playing on the jukebox and wine and beer could be had. Yes there were blue plate specials, but there were also bistro favs like scallops and linguine and salmon. We opted for the more traditional diner fare and started with homey chicken noodle soup. It lacked full flavor, but what it lacked in flavor it made up for in fresh veggies an soft noodles. The turkey dinner was supremely satisfying and the burger was a healthy portion on a fresh bun. Pricing was middle of the road and a good value overall. Not crazy about the extra charge for cheese on the burger and fries.
(4)Sara A.
Since it's Sunday, another diner review. I agree with most of the reviews; the wait can be long and the service can be a bit slow during busy times, but it's worth it. Bonus points for the traditional diner atmosphere. As a celiac, I have but one thing to say: buckwheat pancakes. Tasty tasty tasty buckwheat pancakes omnomnom. The sides of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon were also excellent, as was the chocolate frappe... but PANCAKES. I could eat. That were GOOD. Not cheap, but definitely becoming one of my favourite places for brunch in the area. A great place to go for brunch with a small (3-6 person) group of friends!
(4)Jennifer B.
Shortly after I moved from Somerville, MA to Oakland, CA, I found at an Anthropologie store a packet of placemats that featured phographs from noneother than: you guessed it, the deluxe town diner. I suppose that makes this diner an institution, or at least corroborates my taste in food and clothing? Odd...anyway... My first time here was on a date when I'd first moved to the east coast. I had no farkin idea where it was in relationship to Cambridge, Boston, or the festival in JP we had just come from. It was just part of the thrill of riding through the fall streets in the car of a complete stranger. 3 years later you could find me working down the street at the Perkins school and coming here as part of a weekly ritual. I rarely feel the need to order other than the sweet potato pancakes, which have yet to reach their match in my palate's experience. Coffee is far better than what you'd expect from a diner, in fact better than most specialty coffee shops. Their dinner options are also consistently good. If you find yourself in Watertown, there's no better place to eat. And yet it's worth traveling to from anywhere in greater Boston. Just expect a long wait on the weekends (there are several parks nearby).
(5)