After leaving a diner in Bridgeport because the service was lacking, we decided to try Duchess Diner. Been there many times, the last time was "meh," but we thought we'd give it a chance! To our surprise and delight we were seated immediately, our server came right over with utensils, menus and a big smile! I had the cheeseburger club sandwich which comes with a huge portion of french fries, coleslaw and a pickle. The cheeseburger club was really good! Fries were crispy and tasty, too. He ordered roast beef on rye, which turned out to be a great, rosy, tender roast beef piled high! Our server was attentive, bringing extra napkins and lemon for our water! It was an excellent experience! We will be back! read more

The fat guy at the register at the Duchess Diner is a real idiot, I had breakfast there the other day and when I went to pay I noticed that I was charged for a coffee that I didn't have, After politely telling this idiot he proceeded to go to my table checking to see if there was a coffee cup. I said don't you believe me and his response was I don't believe anyone. He then called the waitress over to confirm. I have going to this place for over fifty years and the new owners have really brought this place down as evident by the number of cars in the lot. Go to the Blue Sky Diner down the street where customers are appreciated. When I walked out this clown said have good life!! A real classy guy!! read more

Came here with my Family for the first time and it will definitely be my last time, where do I start lets the place was dirty and sticky i refused to put my grandson on the high chair because it was sooooo gross and sticky. I knew that it was a bad idea after seeing that but my said give them a chance. The waitress was nice she was an older lady. We ordered coffee first and there was a hair in my coffee!!!!!! My omlet was overcooked!!! I dont know how this place is still in business!! Never again!! read more

In the area 2 days over night. Found them for breakfast. Everything from the staff to the food was amazing. Went back for dinner and breakfast the next day. You can't go wrong there, great food, great staff and reasonably priced. read more

Very good and quick service and food is always dependable and good I always enjoy coming here.

What's up with diners lately how hard is it to cook an over medium egg and not burn toast to the point where it crumbles when picking it up? Don't bother letting the owner know because he will stare off in space probably wondering where he is and how he got there. Don't know about other meals but breakfast was a massive failure read more

I loved eating here until the last few times it has been the worst experience I've ever had in a restaurant. from waiting 15 mins for silverware, to my order being wrong, the waitress being a moron. food is ok subpar to other diners in the area. I will never be back here again and if I can help you make a decision, do not go to this diner. Also a piece of advice before you go here go make toast, then go outside. Find some dog shit put it on the toast and you will have a better experience than ever coming here. I wish there were negative stars. Also the ambiance sucks. read more

I've been going here for years and always great food. I suggest you call before going to make sure they are open. Went by today at 9 am, and they were closed. read more

Owner is rude Doesn't know how to take orders Too old to be on register and phone Get him off the front read more

Always the best hangover breakfast ..... service was fast and nice. Good. Food with gf company!! read more

Duchess Diner - Eggs Benedict...... late picture - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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Great food, superb service and the ambiance is friendly and welcoming. Thank you.......... read more

**Covid Review** Walking in there is a fading, wrinkle and ripped "Masks Required" sign on the door. However, when we walked in, a guy walked up to us pulling his mask up to his top lip and bringing us to our booth. Mask never went above his nose. Waitress was perfect. Mask on whole time and professional. Other staff were walking the floor and behind counter never with masks on. The guy who sat us had a full table of decaf sippers and they kept getting up and walking around NEVER putting on a mask. I will avoid read more

I passed by this place so many times and finally decided to stop in. I'm so glad I did. It has now become the go-to-spot for my family and I. Nice place, give it a try! read more

Fast friendly service. I received prompt service with a hot cup of coffee. I ordered an eggs Benedict for myself. The hollandaise sauce was not the best I've ever had but still good. Even with the volume of people in the diner, the food came out pretty quick. I also placed several items to-go. Those items were also exactly what we ordered. If you're looking for a diner in the local area, I would give this place a try. read more

Duchess Diner - Eggs Benedict - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

What a great place! Food was great. Service was fantastic. I had moussaka, which was delicious and my husband had the Greek salad. They have all kinds of fave foods and soups. They are in reasonably priced. Lots of choices on the menu. Seating was comfortable and the people were very friendly. read more

New hours. Only open until 12. I believe that they stop seating at 11:30 or maybe sooner.

This is exactly what you can expect to get from a diner. They have an extremely large menu with lots of different options! The best thing about this spot is it's located right off the highway! The food is nothing to write home about! The food was not hot at all I had french toast, bacon, and home fries, the french toast wasn't anything special just basic french toast wasn't really hot at all. The home fries were okay the first bite was extremely hot the second bite was room temperature. All of the food my friend and I ordered was not hot like fresh prepared food should be. But let me give them credit for how fast the food arrived to us after we ordered. Which really leads me to believe all the food is pre-cooked and then heated up once ordered. This diner is good for anyone who is looking for a late night spot to eat when everything else is closed! Put keep in mind you've been warned! read more

The staff was lovely. Tuna melt has the most perfect toast and was delicious. Always get pudding with whipped cream! It's a nice spot, parking out front read more

And it's been a long time but I have had meals here before and they weren't too bad not the greatest but OK. Today I went for lunch and got the if it was prime rib, sandwich with lettuce and tomato. It was ridiculous! There is 1/8 of an inch maybe 1/10 of an inch piece of roast beef. Two unripe tomatoes and lettuce the roll was good and the lettuce was good. The roast beef was a joke. They cut it in half in one of the house. It was an inch in from the sides, so it didn't even go to the end of the bread the sandwich was a total joke and we got two of them. They're both exactly the same, we would've been better off taking the meat from one side and put it on the other and I still don't think it would've been enough but that would've been at least better. Probably not gonna eat there again really don't recommend it breakfast as I think we're OK, but there's sandwiches read more

We were in the area passing through and just love diners, so we decided to get breakfast here. It was a quiet morning and we were immediately approached by Santiago with coffee. He was a fantastic waiter- friendly and attentive. My husband got the eggs benedict and said it was fresh and delicious. I got the fruit parfait with yoghurt. The diner was clean and had a HUGE array of food offerings. Staff was very friendly! Great place to enjoy a meal! read more

I dined here because I left home without eatIng. It was really hot outside and I needed nourishment. I ordered the sliced roasted turkey. It was really good. The raisin/cranberry in the stuffing was a nice touch as I've never tasted it in stuffing before. Our waitress was personable and hospitable. An older couple and I were the only people dining in there. I have a tip for the made to order food and great service. Please support this business if you are in Stratford or in Fairfield co read more

Duchess Diner - Sliced roast turkey - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

We stopped by Duchess Diner last night and as we were finishing our meal, a mouse ran by our booth. My brother spoke to the manager who really didn't seem to care. The reality is if there are mice in the front of the restaurant, I have to believe the kitchen must be loaded with them! I would avoid at all cost. read more

I love this diner! My husband and I have been here just twice so far, but both times were phenomenal. The first time we both got breakfast, coffee (which is sooooo good), and waters. Yesterday I got the chicken quesadilla wrap and fries and the husband got an omelette. I saw someone thought the portions were stingy, I was wishing I wore thanksgiving sweatpants there we were so full I was hoping someone could roll us out to my car. Both times our waitresses have been incredibly sweet, talkative, with great personalities and sense of humor. We didn't feel rushed, our coffees were always filled up, and we were checked on enough times to be satisfied without being annoyed. This is our new favorite diner! read more

Duchess Diner - Chicken quesadilla wrap, was a lot bigger than it looks, loaded with chicken! - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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The food is amazing but the owners not so much my friend fell in there parking lot I took pictures because of the uneven parking lot and when I brought it to the owners attention he did nothing read more

It was a little slow/inattentive but honestly it really wasn't a big deal. The food is always pretty good. I got a turkey club on wheat, with mushrooms and onions and a side of sweet potato fries. I only got through half of this, but brought the rest home. Always a good choice. My friend got a steak and cheese that she said was delicious and a spanakopita? She enjoyed both. The mozzarella sticks were also ok. I didn't love them, but they were good. I would buy again. :) read more

Duchess Diner - a plate of fries and a sandwich - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

Save your money and choose a different diner. Food is extremely average and that is being generous.

I live not too far from this diner, and frequently visit usually after a long night out on the weekends. This diner has plenty of options, I would recomend the wings, fries, and the BLT sandwich. Reading some of the other reviews, seems like a lot of people hate this place. I will say this, the servers have always been polite and friendly towards me so I can't complain on that. The bathrooms though, are horrendous! Haha but I'm not really their for the bathrooms and also don't expect too much from a 24/7 diner. All in all, this place isn't as bad as everyone else makes it seem. read more

Duchess Diner - Wings-curly fries-grilled cheese with bacon. A+ - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

The food was great but it was the waiter that made me regret my decision to go eat at Duchess Diner. The male waiter I had only came to my table when he was to taking our order and bringing the food. Now to start my friend who was with me asked for lemon to go with his water and the waiter rolled his eyes at him and didn't even get the lemon he asked for. Mind you, we were the ONLY BLACK customers in the restaurant and the waiter was checking all the other tables he had but mine. Now we done eating and really want to leave this place from the horrible service but we need the check. We waited for like 10 minuets and during that time he was once again checking other tables but mine. My friend had to get up and go to the front desk to get the check. I had been to this restaurant many times and only tonight was the night that I experience racism. Not Happy at all and won't be returning!!! read more

Failed their health inspection. It feels very dingy. But service is at least decent most of the time. The cashier/owner/manager is not that personable. The food is okay but if you fail a health inspection I can't give you above a one star because you're open 24 hours and you have a duty to keep a clean establishment and put out quality food. It has fallen off, but it could get better with proper management and committment from staff. Just so much stuff is suspect. I usually just order the reuben and that is okay. But if you don't wanna pay for okay don't come here. There's so much room for improvement. So improve. Best of luck. read more

I've been here with my gf maybe a dozen times or so, & honestly it isn't as bad as these reviews make it seem. We usually come here for breakfast in Sunday. The wait staff is always very pleasant, and the food is good. Typically the dinner is about 30% full of people. You can tell they are a crowd that doesn't use YELP. Older couples, families, etc. I have to say, with the exception of my gf & I, I've never seen any other patrons on their smart phones. Make your own judgements, society has become to sensitive. The food is good. It's an older diner, not a 5 star restaurant. read more

Duchess Diner - Seriously... not as bad as the reviews make it out to be. - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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Like Ty said, curly fries & chocolate chip pancakes, 24 hours with nice staff, new years tradition

At the end of the evening of whatever attitude adjustment got you there, the Duchess awaits you. Since high school I have been going here. It used to be for the $2.00 breakfast, now just for memories. Coffee is what a diner coffee should be. The rest is, well, the rest. Don't expect much and you won't be dissapointed. read more

Duchess Diner - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

The service her was fine. Helen our waitress conversed with us for a bit when she brought our check. However, the food was lack luster. I felt like the sausages that came with my meal were those cheap a$$ banquet brand kinds. Just dry and shriveled. What ever happened to those fat juicy diner sausages I remember. I asked for my eggs scrambled dry...yea they were wet and gooey inside. I didn't send them back because my vibe was already like...ok, we came we saw, never again. Plus something was up with our syrup. I asked if it was sugar free or something. It just wasn't sweet. The bacon was really good though, then again can you really mess up bacon? Hmm read more

My husband and I enjoy going out to a diner from time to time. For the most part we have been very lucky with the meals we have been served. Unfortunately; our experience at this diner we were not so lucky. To begin with, the place was freezing! We moved our seat to another booth; but it was still very cold. The only saving grace from our perspective was the wonderful waitress we had. She was very friendly and very honest about the food selections. My husband ordered the prime rib; which usually at other diners; is a great meal. This one was overcooked and to be honest; was questionable if it was really prime rib. I ordered the veal marsala; which was served in a very oily mixture over pasta. Not very appetizing. The dessert which was an apple cheese cake; was interesting to try; but wouldn't order it again. Upon paying; the cashier DID NOT SAY A WORD to my husband. Did not ask how the dinner was; did not say thank you; did not say happy holidays: NOT A PEEP. Terrible customer service from that perspective. We gave it a try; but won't be going back. There are too many diners out there that serve a great meal and has friendly staff. read more

Unfortunately, it's hit or miss here, since new owners took it over a few years ago. I know the new owner from his previous diner and was genuinely shocked at his reaction when I had an issue with my food one night. Ordered stuffed cabbage. After a few bites I get to the middle and thickest part. The ground beef was completely pink. I do eat red meat, so I tasted it & it was not good. Too under cooked. My server, who was very familiar with me and my husband as we were regulars agreed and told me that several had come back for the same reason. Knowing Johnny, and not wanting to embarrass him I walked up to the counter where he was sitting. Quietly and nicely showed Johnny the meat. Instead of being apologetic he got loud and rude with me. His reasoning for the ground beef being pink was the seasonings they use. I explained to him that I tasted it and it's not cooked. Offered him a taste. He got mad at me and was loud about it too. After that I never went back. Glad I haven't after reading Health Dept scores and actual violations after inspections. read more

Charged us for fries even though we specifically asked for the entree without fries...

This diner is easily a well known diner in Stratford, however you can't find a single take out menu online. Why is it so hard to find one?

If you want the opposite of what you order then this is the place for you. If you don't care for napkins and prefer to dry your mouth on your sleeves, then this place is for you. If you want diet sugar and you have to ask the waitress who brings you a box full of sweet n low instead of a small variety of sweeteners, then this place is for you. If you like coffee and should be on a caffeine diet, then this place is for you because the cups are small and the saucers catch what little coffee you have to drink. The potatoes for the breakfast was bland, but if you like tasteless raw potatoes then look no further. I won't be coming back. Oh, one of the waitresses came to my table; said good morning, and then took some of cream off my table. That was funny. read more

Duchess Diner - Diners Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

Good food , fast and friendly service. No complaints, very accommodating with food choices and service.

Look this is a diner, and a 24 hour one at that. If you expect cheap diner food while your drunk at 2am this will do. The food is your typical diner food at typical diner prices. Nothing special, nothing drastic, lower your expectations people. read more