The Agawam Diner was the only motivation that got me out of bed early in high school. I had high expectations when I stopped at the A-D for the first time in almost 10 years and it did not disappoint. The chicken pie (think upside down chicken pot pie with no crust over the top) is phenomenal. When I think 'comfort food' this is exactly what I have in mind. Quick & friendly service, generous portions, and great prices. Two meals and 2 fountain drinks came to $24, including 20% tip - how can you beat that? My only regret is not trying one of the desserts that filled the display case behind the counter. The Boston cream pie practically had me drooling, but I was stuffed after our meal. Guess I'll just need to visit again! The A-D is a traditional lunch wagon diner. If you're looking for a spacious, renovated restaurant with gourmet cuisine and a quiet environment, this is not the spot for you. If you enjoy home-style cooking and a good bang for your buck, the Agawam Diner is second to none! P.S. it's cash-only so don't forget to stop at the ATM before your meal! read more

Locals galore, they've been coming here for decades so why not you? This place is your average diner. Nothing unique, nothing bad. The food is your basic diner food, no frills, and super cheap prices. You can get a full breakfast or lunch for less than $5 and walk out of there full. It gets crowded from flea market goers on Sunday's so be prepared to wait a while. Fast and friendly service, and the classic vintage 50's diner atmosphere combined with the cheap prices make this a good worthwhile visit. read more

It is all the good stuff...nothing pretentious or phony or retro...this is the real deal, pies and all.If you like diner food and I do...this is a destination. Get your kids here before this one goes......we used to have three or four when I was growing up in Beverly..now the last one is a Subway :( sadness..but I will go out of my way to eat at this place, this great restaurant, with wonderful staff and those pies! Thank you Agawam for keeping the diner alive and well on the North Shore! read more

This is a diner I have been going to for years. It is a go-to for young people, families and the older crowd. The food is great and the prices are cheap. The Agawam serves classics - traditional diner food exactly the way you want it to be. The service is fast; you can be in and out in 20 minutes or less. You definitely cannot go wrong with any of their offerings- BLT, breakfast served all day, beef stew, chicken salad club, and many more. You must save room for dessert. If you leave without trying one of the pies (made on site), you are doing yourself a disservice. Cash only FYI! read more

Tasty...but not amazing in my opinion. When I go out to dinner I try to order foods that I usually don't make at home or can't make myself. I understand diner food is supposed to be basic all American food but this was just a little too basic for me. Maybe I should have gone with the meatloaf or some fried food...or some breakfast options, which is very cool that you can order all day. Don't get me wrong...it was tasty but I think I was expecting more. Now the pie on the other hand...WOW! Delicious! I ordered the Coconut Cream Pie and it was perfect! I'll be back here sometime soon for some breakfast and to try some other flavors of pie. read more

Agawam diner, you disappoint me. I had high hopes. Everyone else raves about it. I mean, it has 4.5 stars here. That's practically unheard of. In fairness, I've just gone the once, for breakfast last Sunday to be exact. My opinion of the place might have been higher if the service had been better. There were only 2 waitresses in the place and no bussers. Our waitress was pleasant enough, but inattentive. She was an older woman, had probably been there forever, but still, I'm going to want more than that first 6oz cup of coffee. No refills were forthcoming. The waters I asked for initially never came, we needed to ask more than once for the chocolate frappe my boyfriend ordered. Who gets a frappe for breakfast? He does. That was the highlight of the meal. He's been looking for a breakfast joint that serves frappes. Found it! Too bad the homefries sucked. Well, I thought so, he liked them. They were too mashed up for me. And they tasted like meat and were orange. I don't like any part of that. I also didn't like their Bisquick-y tasting blueberry muffin. I did not like my fried egg sandwich to be runny after I requested it over-hard. I did, however, like the look of their cream pies. And I liked that it LOOKED like a diner. But looks only go so far. If I went again, and I'd give it another shot at some point, I'd I look to see who the waitress was and seat myself accordingly. No offense to the older woman, but I want someone who is still young and eager to please. read more

Hey Catherine, I see what you're saying and I don't buy it. I call that point of view the "Durgin Park Syndrome" as in, "this place is great! Really fun! The waitresses treat you like shit! You'll love it! I mean it's really a great time.... Great atmosphere...." Horse shit. Bad service is bad service. Four Seasons or a fly on the wall diner like Agawam. But your memories of the place sound more pleasant than mine. You keep them and I'll keep my money. read more

There is no place like 'The Ag'. It is the perfect example of a 'classic' diner, with stereotypical diner food and decor (not designed for a retro 50's look... literally from the 50's), motherly waitresses and unconscionably large slices of pie. It's a reasonably priced place to get a tuna melt or a BLT or some Saturday morning eggs and bacon with the locals. If comfort food is your goal, this is your place. It is what my husband calls "Lazy Good", meaning that it's like something your gramma might've made you for lunch when you were little. Tasty, not mind-blowing, not fancy, but good. Unlike the modern style of diners, the menu and the seating area are not huge. Only the desserts. Expect that you might have to wait during busy times, although not too long because of the quick service, and expect to eat tasty plain food in a setting that is unique and somehow sort of comforting. read more

If you're looking for a real classic diner, for better and for worse, this is it. The Agawam is a great old Fodero Company diner built in 1954, still run with the traditional menu and style. read more

Agawam Diner - Diners Near Me - Rowley, Massachusetts

I have eaten at the Agawam for over 25 years, and stop by for lunch or coffee/pie snacks whenever my errands take me up to Rowley. It's a diner-lover's diner, with the right food and atmosphere to fit the stereotype of the all-American eatery. Yeah, the waitresses can be self-absorbed in their chit-chat, but here is the secret to successful diner dining: Be Assertive. Yes, don't stand quietly in the doorway waiting for someone to direct you to an empty, clean table. Just go and sit yourself down! I mean, it's a DINER, not The Four Seasons. There is no maitre'd or hostess, unless you count the owner, in his late 80s, who naps at the cash register. If no one waits on you within 3-5 minutes (a reasonable wait period for getting acknowledged), just amble up to the counter and take a menu or two, or say to the gabby waitstaff, "Hi! We're a hungry gang and would love to order breakfast/lunch/supper! Could we please get some menus and someone to take our order? Thanks!" It works. I know it's nicer to be greeted and have someone promptly come over, but in these casual times sometimes we have to start the process ourselves. I find that being polite and cheerful but assertive does the trick. Anyhow, back to the Agawam Diner itself. It was owned by Greek-American brothers, but one passed away around four-five years ago and the other brother, well into his 80s and nice chap, can still be seen around (at least, he was last time I ate at the Agawam). He snoozes at the cash register like I said. Maybe he's not still alive, I didn't check. But he is usually at that register next to the door. The place serves all the diner basics, from clam chowdah and tuna salad sammiches to a bunch of different omelettes (Western, American, etc.), fried chicken, burgers, pancakes, and of course diner coffee. But the best thing about the Alpha-Delta (that's what ambulance drivers and cops call the Agawam... their haven for late-night and early-morning meal breaks), is the PIE. Yes, the pie alone gets 3 of the 4 stars I awarded. They will sell it by the generous slice or the whole pie, and they are one of the few diners and restaurants around that have cream pies: banana cream, chocolate cream, coconut cream. Drooooool. Also, apple, custard, coconut custard, cherry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, Boston cream, and sometimes others. Never met an Agawam pie I didn't like. I think they use a mixture of beef tallow and lard for cooking fat, and it makes the batter on their fried fish and fried chicken light, flaky and delicious. I love the fried chicken with mashed badaydahs, gravy and cranberry sauce, cole slaw. Then finish with a cup of coffee and a slice of chocolate cream. When I go alone I never have to wait because there is always a stool at the counter, or one that will open up quickly. So, don't get your feelings hurt if the waitresses seem preoccupied. Just sit down at the table. Fetch a waitress or catch her attention. Don't worry, you'll get fed. read more

I've stopped in here a couple times while on business. It's definitely your typical diner -- old train car, amazing (and simple) grilled cheese, delicious fries, BLTs, super friendly service, and lots of locals/regulars. But the real reason to visit? THE FREAKING PIE. Oh my lawd. They have a TON of flavors (and other desserts as well) but do yourself a favor and get the chocolate cream. I think I had an out-of-body experience while eating it. NOM. read more

Agawam Diner - Chocolate cream pie! - Diners Near Me - Rowley, Massachusetts

Went in expecting to see Marty McFly and poodle skirts and get ok food and what I got was great comfort food by friendly people. I have been here dozens of time over the last 6 months and I have never had a bad experience or a bad meal. Great burgers, meatloaf, beef stew, chicken fingers, French fries, and THE PIES!!!! HOLY CRAP THE PIES ARE FANTASTICS!!!! read more

Breakfast, Burgers and Pies Oh My! The Agawam is an institution on the North Shore. Great for a simple breakfast anytime or for a quick sandwich. Tonight I swung by after shopping at Market Basket in Rowley to check out the soup (they also have great soup) and it was Boiled Dinner night. Got one of those big @ss dinners and it fed 2 people plus! Also got some Beef Stew that smells great which will make for a great lunch while I'm working around the house tomorrow. Back to the Boiled Dinner. Heaps of tender corned beef (brown type like roast beef), boiled potatoes, turnip, cabbage, carrots and beets served with the Agawam rolls. I don't usually care for their rolls, but they go perfect with some of their entrees, Boiled Dinner being one. I plan to stop and get this $8.00 Special a couple of Thursday nights a month. I love the Agawam's grilled cheese with a milk shake and they make a great American Chop Suey (not as good as mine, but it will do). Sure, it's not fancy food but the quality is decent and there is plenty of it. Most meals will feed 2 people. Entrees also come with soup. Pies, pies, pies! Try the Angel Pie, it's like a reverese Boston Cream with Chocolate cake and a cream center. The fruit pies are also great, in fact all the pies rock. You can't find nicer staff anywhere-everyone at the Agawam is friendly and always smiling. Even if I sit down at the counter alone I always feel at home at the Agawam because a visit there is like a moment in time that never changes. You can't say that about much in life. read more

Breakfast, lunch or dinner - the Agawam Diner won't disappoint. Our favorite meal is the Chicken or Hamburger Club. The ambiance is great and has a family feel to it. Prices are also very reasonable. We have never had a bad meal! read more

What's not to like if you love diners? Great selection that changes daily. Friendly wait staff and the best selection of fantastic homemade pies read more

Well, prepare to take a step back in time! Just step right up, enter the agawam diner, and you'll feel like someone thrust you into a 1950's restaurant. You might even turn around to check for the cadillacs full of hormonal adolescents parked outside. And hey, milkshakes ARE on the menu! After a quick look into the past of the restaurant, hey, they were built in the 50's! Fancy that. As you walk in, there's a person on your right on a stool, (Could be a guy, or a girl, i'm not sure who or how often they switch register people) To their right is a big shelf full of candy. (For dessert on your way out, i suppose). I guess they have their register set there to make things easier, but i have to admit, it kinda threw me off as i entered, seemed almost churlish. (Like they thought i was gonna run out without paying) I'm sure they have some perfectly legitimate reason. (The place is pretty short on space, i'd assume that's it. Well, anyhow, after that, the place seems a little claustrophobic, if you don't like tight spaces, you're not gonna do well in this environment, the place is basically a hollowed out traincar. Anyhow, me and the wife went here for a date, i got the steak tips and potatoes, she went for a burger. (Gotta love a woman who digs her meat) The waitress was a nice young woman with dark hair, she got to us pretty quick and was all smiles, didn't mind seating an old fogey like myself. ;) I had been wondering if this was one of the places Rowley locals go to stretch their legs and talk, and i wasn't dissapointed, there was a group of what J.R.R Tolkien would have called "Old Gaffers" at the bar, talking away about some sort of mechanical problem with someone''s Ford. I can't say i enjoyed the ambience too much. ( Like i said, got a thing with small spaces,) so me and the old lady ordered a few pieces of apple pie to go, and took it home. It was quite good, tasted home made, and i can't say i didn't enjoy it. All in all, it's pretty much your basic diner. Hate it or love it, though, it's got a reputation, and some nice waitresses. Not a bad place to stop for a lunch or dinner. Three stars. read more

I dragged my brother up here this past Sunday. I had heard raves about the fried chicken, and it was good indeed. It was crowded, as well. I wanted to like this place more. I found the service slow, and not because there wasn't enough staff. There were a lot of ladies milling around. Some of them staring at me as I used furtive ocular muscles to signal that I wanted to eat something. To no avail. And while the food was good, I wouldn't call this a destination place. But if I was in the neighborhood and wanted to eat decent food at really great prices, I'd totally stop by. And you gotta sit at the counter. Seriously. read more

Really good food, and a really convenient stopover on your way to or from Plum Island. My spouse loves their liver and onions. I love their juke boxes. Solidly good diner food, solidly good diner feel. read more

To folks complaining about the lack of egg whites, it's now an option. But please remember this is a diner. A real diner, carted here on wheels once upon a time. You can get omelettes, tuna melts, grilled cheese, croquettes, lasagna, clam rolls, frappes, pies, etc. It's all good and cheap. read more

I look forward to going here just about every Sunday. No, not after church, after my riding lessons. The food is consistently good. I don't think they have a chef , it more of a cook situation. What I like?... I have always had excellent service, I know that can be hit or miss, but they have never missed a beat with me. I also love the diner atmosphere! Makes its cozy and somewhat similar to eating in a museum. Portions are good, not fat Italian "omg give me a to-go box before I start eating, more like okay I'm not going to finish my fries. Put its not expensive either. What I don't like?... The wait can be looooong. As in into hungry, (hangry) to deal. But I can always guess at the wait time when I see the parking situation. If you are looking for a spot you are screwed. I am ashamed to say I have not tried the pies. They are going to filter out my review. :-( lol read more

Went for breakfast on a Sunday morning. There was kind of a wait so we opted for the counter which was quite enjoyable. The staff was very pleasant and friendly and we met some colorful characters seated next to us. The menu was short and sweet. My food was very delicious at a super reasonable price. (2 breakfasts, 1 coffee and 1 doughnut came to $12.45!) But the best part was the glazed doughnut the hubster and I shared from their local bakery and I must say, I was sorry I had agreed to half it. I could feel tears of pleasure welling up in my eyes as I finished the last bite. Pure joy. And only 90 cents. That's how much happiness costs. John ogled the many pies they had but we decided it was worth the trip back north to try them another time. read more

This place is pretty amazing and has a lot of historical character. It's a traditional boxcar diner dating back to 1941. Service is like you would want and expect in such a place- indifferent. The food is great classic diner food. I've had breakfast here a couple of times over the years (they serve a full menu all day long) and the food was great greasy spoon fare, but where they really shine is pie. This place serves some of the best pie I have ever had. They make a dozen (or more) pies fresh daily, and you only have to ask the waitress and she'll rattle them off for you. My wife and I have been eating our way through these pies for the last year or two and haven't had one that isn't stellar. In particular, the lemon meringue, chocolate cream and custard pies are fantastic. Stop in for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie after a long day at Crane's Beach. You will be happy you did. read more

This place is amazing! An actual diner on Newbury Turnpike. What a surprise. there is an old man who sits at the front cashier greeting you--I think he is the original owner from 1946! Crowded during rush times, but it goes fast. The Menu is perfect and the prices were so reasonable. Burgers and fries were great. Pie? to die for. Huge slices of really great pie. We went back for breakfast and were so happy with the everything we ordered. Service was amazing both times--lots of attention and refills--just what a diner should be! read more

Nostalgic diner from a bygone era. Many locals and retired people which created a friendly atmosphere. Food was good. Prices were reasonable. Rowley is a bit out of the way. Diner was right at the intersection of 1A (south) & 133 which adds to convenience. read more

Great cooks out back they do a great job especially the early morning breakfast cook with the tattoos hes always there amd he always says hi with a smile! read more

Agawam Diner - Luv this place - Diners Near Me - Rowley, Massachusetts

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They're Simply the best, better than all the rest. BETTER THAN ANYONNNEEEE... try the fish sandwich gravy on the side for the fries, Or the cubes steak read more

This was our first time here and I was not that impressed at all. They have a small menu just basics omelettes, eggs bacon, pancakes, French toast and breakfast sandwiches. There is no EGGS BENEDICT none whatsoever so we were disappointed on that. The coffee cups are so small I lost count on how many cups I drank, lol anyways the food was okay but I don't think we will be back. They did have homemade corn beef hash it really didn't look appetizing. But my husband had it and he said it was good. read more

Found this place on the way to Maine. Lucky us! Great diner! Excellent waitress! The homemade pies and desserts are excellent! We brought 4 pieces of pastries to Maine with us. We really enjoyed them later on in the hotel. We will be heading back up from Rhode Island to have lunch and try more delicious pastries. read more

I had a delicious brunch at The Agawam this past weekend, enjoying eggs, homemade hash (so delicious), homefries and toast. Definitely also try their pancakes as they are incredible! Your food will be delivered faster than you could ever imagine - another huge bonus! read more

This old style American diner, long known by the vocals as close to be greasy spoon, now caters more mature version of the same customers. $7 for a cheeseburger with fries. $11.50 for grilled chicken sandwich with Sprite. $12 for a cheeseburger fries and milkshake. Pleasant wait staff clean counters and lots of nostalgia... and the food has not changed much in fifty years. read more

I love that they are open when I am on my way to work at 6am. The woman behind the counter recognized me after the second day, this is why I left NYC, a little humanity. After a long weekend with no sleep and lots of manual labor, a big stack of blueberry pancakes really makes me happy. read more

My husband loves this place but quite honestly, I fail to see the attraction. It's apparently an iconic institution in the area and if you're a people watcher, you might be entertained. It is the classic vision of a retro diner right down to the juke boxes in the booths. I just wished the food was less..... dinery... and more like what grandma made. But you go there to eat, and quite honestly, I don't understand the lines out the door and down the steps. I find the food to be totally not memorable, especially the pie my husband dragged me there to try. I'm not sure they actually bake it there. The coffee is good, but whether you get a refill or not is hit or miss. I love home cooking but this doesn't do it for me. For one thing, the veggies are from cans. Yuck. Gravy should have flavor. And most everything is under-seasoned. Breakfast is better than lunch or dinner but I wish I could get truly "lightly" toasted wheat toast. We go two or three times a year - hubby goes to places I like and so I do this for him. But for that, I wouldn't go there. read more

A real Diner! I love going here. It's fun to sit and flip through at the variety of songs on their Mini jukebox players on the tables while waiting for yummy food and the best pie ever! Favorites include their coffee, egg salad sandwich with fries, and the best pie ever! Did I mention the Pie?!!!! It's all good. The waitresses work their butts off and are very friendly. They do not hover over you to finish your food like The Rosebud "Diner" in Davis Square. read more

Probably one of the first diners I've been to. The service is nothing out of the ordinary. I stopped in for dinner and ordered a BLT sandwich with a generous slice of their chocolate cream pie. The meal was certainly affordable, but the ingredients were almost too common-placed. I hoped that the BLT would be served on a bakery-type bun, but instead it was served on sliced bread. The chocolate pudding in the pie tasted just like it was made from Jell-O brand. I'd say it's a good place for a quick meal if you're sick of McDonald's and other fast food chains. Plus it has the additional perk of atmosphere (though there wasn't any music while I was there). read more

This place is my favorite diner on earth. There is nothing bad about this place. I've had everything here from the eggs and bacon to the burgers and veal cutlet sandwich. The breakfast is amazing everytime, the pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast, french toast, and hash, and home fries are amazing. That's all they are amazing try them for yourself. Now if you come in here for a little lunch action a burger is a great way to go. It's a flavorful blend of cheese a nicely toasted bun and a wonderfully sized little diner patty. You cannot go wrong with this. Also a little shake wouldn't be bad with this meal either. The veal cutlet is delicious as well I've only tried it once but I loved it and my friends get it everytime we stop in for lunch. Now the pie is amazing the coconut pie the banana pie and every other pie there are outstanding. I've been coming here for years and I've never had anything like it. Easy 5 star 10/10 favorite place to eat some good non expensive food. read more

Went into the Agawam after spending a few hours mountain biking in Willowdale State Forest. To say I was craving protein and carbs would be fair. I found both in one of the specials, a shaved BBQ pork sandwich with fries and slaw. It definitely hit the spot. I've been in for breakfast before. It was fine, as well. Fun diner atmosphere. Lots of crotchety old men sitting around harrassing the waitresses, who do a very good job of giving it right back. Fun! read more

I always try to stop here when cruising through Route 1. Like any classic diner; no unnecessary pleasantries, prompt yet attentive service, bottomless coffee. Arrive hungry and leave satisfied. read more

We were looking for a place off the highway to grab some food while driving up to Maine and saw a sign at the exit for Spud's so pulled over. Unlike most places nothing but houses were next to the highway so on the way to finding Spud's we saw Agawam first and decided to give them a try just because it looked cool. The outside (and in) looks like a traditional diner out of the 50's and is very small. All of the food was good and your usual diner menu. Our table ended up with a cheese steak (served on a hamburger bun?), a hash omelette (thin egg loads of filling), a bowl of clam chowder, and a country fried steak sandwich (open faced). Even the side dishes, cole slaw and fries, were good. Nothing amazing but exactly what you would expect, decent food and closer the interstate than the restaurants advertised at the exit signs. read more

My wife and I were traveling along route 1, saw the old fashion diner and were excited to go in for lunch. A trip down memory lane ... at least we thought. What a disappointment. Service was painfully slow (our waitress, seemed to care more about chatting with co-workers then waiting on us). We were seated with ear-shot of the counter where three old male townies were seated and seemed to enjoy talking aloud and sharing their admiration for Donald Trump and disdain for job taking minorities. They seemed to relish in speaking loudly so everyone could hear and the waitresses and staff just joined along in the conversation. Pretty rude and no one seemed to care. Past that, we ordered their pot roast and chicken briquette specials expecting to be served something that resembled good home cooked comfort food. What we got was two of the worst meals we've ever had in a restaurant. The pot roast was tough and had little taste, the chicken briquettes tasted like sawdust with some chicken broth thrown in for flavor. Mashed Potatoes we're definitely from a mix and the green beans were from a can. (like what they used to serve in school). Gravy was tasteless and looked it too came from a can.One step better than dog food if you ask us. Our waitress was no where to be found when it was time to leave so we asked another waitress for our check and paid ourselves at the register. And as a final reminder not to come back again the sweet old man working the register didn't even make eye contact as we were leaving and as we were leaving (think he was joking) said to us "now get the hell out of here". Not cute or funny, even for an old man. lousy food and rude people. We'll never go again. read more

I hate to complain because I am grateful that they keep this adorable old place going, but, really, fake mashed potatoes, canned green beans, and fake whipped cream on their vaunted pies. I did enjoy the vegetable soup and the chicken croquettes, however, but I don't think we will return. read more