Another stop on our road trip for lunch. We had one of the Monday specials, the Philly sandwich which came with fries and a drink (also a dessert which I think was bread pudding). We split this and it was plenty of food. It was a delicious sandwich and the fries were so crispy and good. The diner was retro in a good way, the bathrooms were clean. Service was friendly. It was easy to get to off the thruway. Highly recommend! read more

I Visited this fascinating restaurant while I was on vacation. I thought all the art and collectibles on the walls were super cool. Not to mention the food was good too. I ordered two eggs over medium, bacon , white toast and home fries. My wife ordered the crazy pancake combo Starts with two eggs, any style, with your choice of ham, bacon or sausage. Two slices of bread and 3 big pancakes. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful too. read more

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Nostalgia galore!! We stopped in on our travels through New York and waking in was a step back and time. There were old movie posters, action figures and other memorabilia on the walls and ceiling!! Very cool!! We got the 2 egg and meat combo with hash browns and bacon and the pancake combo with scrambled eggs and bacon. Let me say the portions were HUGE. I brought the pancakes back with us. Our server was very friendly and gave us some tip about the area as far as rock mining and activities. read more

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Great food and great service. I would recommend this place if you haven't tried it yet. It can get busy at times but that just tells you how good they are. Always appreciate the service. read more

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My husband and I visited this area for a wedding. We tried to look for a breakfast spot and voila found Otto! The food is good, love the ambiance and decoration. Can't believe they've been running for years! Staff are so friendly and quick. Love it! read more

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Have called twice for take out. Service is friendly and food is ready when they say it will be. Appreciate that they offer gluten free toast and also gluten free pancakes at breakfast. However as many others have said they charge a $10 "convenience fee" for to go orders which makes an already pricey meal much more expensive. They also are not accessible to someone who cannot do stairs (unless there is a back entrance but if so it's not even remotely well labeled). read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - Inside of Crazy Otto's - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

Cute little diner. Opening the door you feel like time is frozen as it transports you back to the 50's. Happened upon the diner while out with a girlfriend. This is a place you go for a diner experience. The food was OK but nothing special. If I go back would probably try breakfast versus a lunch item. They have daily specials which is nice. Wait staff was attentive. read more

We decided to go to Crazy Otto's for breakfast, a place we've visited many times in the past. We've always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, but unfortunately, this visit will be our last. When we arrived, the restaurant wasn't any busier than it had been during previous visits. As soon as we walked in, a woman, who we assumed was a waitress, asked for our name. After we gave it to her, she rudely told us to wait outside without giving us any estimate of the wait time. We waited outside for about 15 minutes. During that time, we could clearly see several empty tables and many open seats at the counter. After waiting, my wife went inside to ask for a rough estimate of how much longer it would be. Instead of answering her question, the woman began waving her arms around and repeatedly said the kitchen was very busy, never actually giving us an estimate. While we were waiting, we watched at least three groups leave, and there were still empty tables and counter seats available. At that point, we politely asked her to remove our names from the waiting list and left. We've always enjoyed coming to Crazy Otto's, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Poor customer service can quickly outweigh good food, and unfortunately, this visit ensured we won't be returning. read more

Decided to come here for lunch with the fam before leaving town. We were promptly greeted and seated outside. It was a beautiful day, so it was good to be in the fresh air. There were 6 adults in our party. Someone came out after a few minutes to get our drink orders and then food orders. Service was fast. I was not super hungry and my stomach had been a little off from breakfast, so I ordered a grilled cheese and chips. My husband ordered a Philly. The food was really good and exactly what we wanted. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, too. We saw the owner twice. He's very involved, which is good. When we were leaving, he asked us how everything was. That was nice. If you do sit outside, be sure to pop in and see the interior, too. If in the area in the future, I would definitely come here again. read more

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Such a cool local place. The food is great- diner style so tasty. There is history and fun things to look at everywhere. The service is great. It was a really good experience and I would highly recommend. read more

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Starting the day off with a hearty breakfast from Crazy Ottos! Finding your way into the parking area can be a little challenging but once you've figured that out... it's onto a great menu of several options. Seating is quick. Your morning choices of beverage is quick. Then it's decision time. What could you possibly choose. Daily special usually makes things easier. Portion is full for what you pay and the atmosphere is interesting and keeps your attention and imagination until you're served. Good morning to your ,about to be full stomach. read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

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Stopped on an out of town trip. Food was good. Had a fun and happy vibe. Staff was so kind.

Cooks served lightly cooked hamburger where inside was completely raw. Said I'd get new burger. They microwaved and I couldn't even bite into because it was so over done. Waitresses are lovely but cooks rushed and not thinking read more

We've actually stopped here a few times and have always been underwhelmed. For a New York diner the food is meh. The restaurant itself has a tinge of greasy all around, while the staff act friendly it seems forced, our last trip sealed the deal where we won't be back. In this day and economy I believe in walking away with a good meal and a pleasant experience. read more

Crazy Otto Diner should mean the Crazy price of breakfast. Two kid combos of 1 pancake(with c.chips), 1 egg scrambled, 2 slices of bacon= $27 Food was good, atmosphere is authentic diner (which we loved) Service is as prompt enough but not busy. Food took a bit for what we ordered. Overall not dissatisfied but was pricey for sure. read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

Cool 1950's Diner. Caboose style old diner. They have a train sound on the speakers (kids love it!) Good sized food menu. I ordered the pick two - Clam chowder and 1/2 sandwich. It was very good ! read more

Great and speedy service in a very unique 1950s diner. You can't beat the atmosphere at Crazy Otto's, from the license plates, old posters/figurines, to their decades of war appreciation and memorabilia! Overall, I'd be happy to visit again for some more of their massive menu. Kitchen slightly missed our order, but they were happy to make changes. Prices were a bit higher than we expected, but that's understandable for a spot with so much high praise! I think it's worth it, because they definitely don't skimp on portion sizes! read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - "Drink Coffee" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

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Food was great, amazing ambience but to be so welcomed and taken care of by possibly the best service I've ever had . Valeriee waited on our table and it was wonderful! I'm coming back!!! read more

Excellent food and great staff. I've ate here for years. I love the classic trailer look and all the photos of the memories with the army and military as I've also served 7 years in the marines read more

We heard about Ottos in a Facebook group and decided to check it out, I'm glad we did. From the moment we walked in, everyone was friendly and welcoming. Our server Michelle, was fantastic, she made sure everything was just right and super friendly. I had prime rib and eggs, my wife had an omlette and out daughter had biscuits and gravy. Everything was made fresh and tasted great. Even though it's about a 50mi ride, we will definitely return to Otto's Empire Diner! read more

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The food was good, we had the Ruben, buffalo chicken wrap, and chicken quesadilla. Everyone enjoyed it. The waitress was great and super friendly. Service was fast. The place has an old diner feel. Would recommend. read more

my great uncle can be found here every single day, if that says anything about their food and service. amazing experience every time and the ambiance brings you back in time to a hometown diner where they'll learn your name. i highly recommend! read more

If you ever in the NY checkout a great diner Crazy otto's empire diner. Place has fantastic food made to order and fun atmosphere.

We just moved back to NY and I love all the food up here. Went to the empire diner for breakfast and it was awful. The French toast tasted like oil bread and overloaded in butter. It didn't taste like any vanilla or cinnamon or anything was used for flavor. The burrito that was supposed to have peppers onions tomato etc in it was literally all ground beef and cheese. It just tasted like greasy ground beef in a wrap. Sad that such a unique diner has such mediocre food. read more

Excellent diner, food, and staff. My wife and I went there today and couldn't be happier. Food was excellent and the pricing was as well. Service was quick, food didn't take long to be prepared, and we had two people checking to see if we needed anything else, coffee refills, etc. Our waitress was wonderful, genuinely kind and polite, couldn't be better. We'll certainly be back any time we're in Herkimer, which will be many times over the upcoming year. read more

This is a solid choice, especially if you're a fan of diners. They have a great breakfast selection (served all day) as well as weekly specials and sandwiches. It can seem a little loud at times, because it's a smaller place, but it wasn't loud enough to effect our enjoyment! The only ding I'd give is for service, which seemed a little slower than average; it took us about 15 minutes to get our check after we had finished eating. However, our server was friendly, and the rest of the staff all seemed to be positive and upbeat. I want to go again on a Thursday to try their chicken and biscuits special! read more

HIDDEN GEM!!! Its worth driving into town and bypassing Dennys to eat here. The food is excellent! My husband had a half ham and cheese omelet and I had a half cheese omelet. Both orders came with hash browns, and FINALLY someone knows how to make them! You also had a choice of toast or a biscuit with gravy, which we chose the biscuits and gravy. Every morsel was excellent. The coffee was the best we've had in 8 days of travel. And to top it all off the service was friendly and attentive. The ambiance is a Route 66 Diner style which made it interesting and fun. You could tell there were lots of locals dining there. It's very comfortable and neighborly. We highly recommend. Actually this is the highest recommendation I've given on Yelp because Crazy Otto's earned it. read more

I don't get to Herkimer as much as when my in-laws were living here. But we stopped through and decided to go the the infamous rail car diner- The Empire Diner. Now it is called Crazy Otto's Empire Diner. See my pics for the story... What a cool diner- you could spends hours looking at all the nick nacks, license plates (from all 50 states plus other counties!) and memorabilia lining every inch of the walls and ceiling. The food is typical diner- breakfast through dinner served all day. Love it! I ordered a grilled tuna and cheese- tuna melt and my wife had the "half omelet" with 3 eggs and Yes they do have a full omelet with 6 eggs! Excellent food and an experience to take in at the same time. Highly recommended! read more

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Visiting this beautiful town and stopped here for breakfast. Cute diner. Our waitress Abigail was so attentive and friendly. Service was quick and food was fresh and hot. We had the Otto breakfast sandwich with a side of hash brown and an extra side of corned beef hash, chicken and waffles and Hobo eggs. Everything was good. The Hobo eggs said it's enough for 2 people but it's really enough for 4 people - it's huge! All in all great place. Definitely should check it out. read more

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I ordered food to go. Eggs Benedict with toast, and mozzalunas. They charged me $49 dollars for those 2 things including an insane $10 dollar convenience fee which they did not inform me about on the phone prior to arriving. Beware. Major rip off. Food tasted ok though. read more

Food isn't the worst but far from the best. Service is ok but would be great with getting what was ordered. Typical greasy spoon so didn't have high expectations. read more

We love local diners. Great service. Food was prepared per instructions and was delicious. read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - Breakfast items - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

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Jennifer provided great service keeping my coffee full. The 2 pork chop, 2 egg breakfast was more than enough at a great price. She welcomes the locals by their first names. read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - The inside of this classic 1952 dinner just after opening for breakfast. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

We were so excited to try this old fashioned diner. Sadly, we will not be returning. The waitress was loud and obnoxious... going on a rant to the whole restaurant about how no one should say "happy holidays" and that everyone should be saying "merry Christmas". Such ignorance. News flash. Not everyone is Christian. Then the food came. I requested light on the cheese, but my omelette came full of cheese and oil, toast dripping in butter. Inedible. If there was nowhere else to eat, we would go hungry before going back. read more

Wow! Came here for breakfast and was not disappointed! Great food, great service, great people. Large portions, reasonably priced. The chef even came out and asked how I liked my breakfast! Perhaps best of all was seeing the sense of community and camaraderie shown by the locals inside the diner .... very heart-warming to experience. 5 stars and 2 big thumbs up! read more

Great food and large portions, this diner was voted #1 diner in NY for a reason. Service is great. We got our food quickly and the atmosphere is great. Pancakes are HUGE. Highly recommend. read more

We came here two mornings in a row while visiting Herkimer. Big, delicious breakfasts in a bustling retro diner. We'll definitely be back!

They hit the head on diner feels. Everyone was super nice. I had a hamburger which was very tasty, but a little on the small side for me. I'm a pretty big guy. Bonus: bread pudding added for desert. read more

Kim and Scott Tranter started their first restaurant in California in 1991, and intended to retire to Upstate New York when they finally moved out of California. Instead, they were drawn to what was then the Empire Diner, which had fallen into disrepair. Kim and Scott put their plans for retirement aside, and bought the diner in 2007, and Crazy Otto's Empire Diner was born. The diner is a prefabricated structure made by Mountain View Diners Co. in 1952. At that time, it was the most modern kitchen in all of Upstate New York. It has now been Crazy Ottos for over a decade, and the Mountain View building has housed a diner in Herkimer, NY for over 60 years now, and retains many of its original features. I headed to Crazy Ottos with a group on a Saturday, and the visit didn't start off too smooth. They had been without power for over 12 hours and National Grid was just getting into taking care of the problem. We did end up being able to head in a couple hours later though. We were sat right away. It's very much what you'd picture an old style roadside diner to be...cramped, but at the same time, plenty of seating. The decor is pure kitsch, license plates and rock n' roll stars adorn the classic interior and the atmosphere is cozy and familiar, even if you've never been there before, which you get just from the feel of the regular locals that are enjoying their meals inside. We were given our menus, and our server told us about one of their burgers, the Loose Caboose, a burger topped with thinly sliced prime rib, cheddar and jack cheese, fried egg, 1000 Island dressing and mayo, which had been nominated for best burger in Upstate NY this year. Their burgers have won awards in both 2012 and 2013, so I went ahead and ordered the Loose Caboose to see what it was all about. Others in my party also ordered the burger, along with a french dip, their corn chowder, and their stuffed chicken riggies. Our food was made quickly and brought to us. I got into my burger and it was definitely a tasty burger. Well seasoned, moist and juicy. The fried egg was perfectly cooked, and it was covered in melty cheese. While the burger was very good, I felt the prime rib itself didn't have much flavor and didn't add anything to the burger, but it really didn't need it, as it was very tasty as it was with just the other ingredients. I also tried my friends stuffed chicken riggies, which I didn't realize the pasta was stuffed until I took a bite of it. But it was very good and a nice little surprise. My friend went hot on the heat level and the sauce definitely had a strong kick to it, but it wasn't overwhelming. Service was friendly and prices were fair. I'd definitely go back if I were in the area. read more

Crazy Ottos Empire Diner - Crazy Otto's Loose Caboose burger - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Herkimer, New York

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The omelette's are amazing, hell, everything is good!! Service is above and beyond and the atmosphere is amazing with a lot of great people