The short version is many years ago this place is great. There was a fall out between some brothers that happened or something like that, it was a family business, and one of the brothers took over. At first it was a little rough and then it became outstanding for a while. And then it started to slip again. Haven't been back since it started to slip. Freshness and good ingredients are very important. It seemed like the ingredients were slipping the last time we were there. We have not been back. There's a lot of good restaurants in this area that don't slip. So we stick with our favorites for now but, we do like to try new things. Most of the time the service is spot on and really nice. Such a shame to have all those good things in place and not pay attention to the most important detail. Food quality is where it starts. If you don't do this correctly and use subpar raw ingredients down to every detail, you're wasting all the hard earned resources that you have to work with. It's a desperate move, not a move that is going to lead to a long term successful business of any kind. The key is sticking to quality and find a way to keep going with those good ingredients. Lower prices can jumpstart the business again. And, if you're fortunate enough to get your customers back and your business grows again, lower your prices just a little to show your appreciation for your customers. Sincere good will is what you want and what you need to spread. Don't allow greed to return even in difficult times if they should return. And in regards to ambiance, we found it to be nice but, on occasion the shades weren't blocking the sun well enough. Small, yet important detail. Clean restrooms are also very important. I understand that you can't be everywhere at once but, like a security guard, you can do a run from station to station or restroom or freezer to check that everything is all good. I used to work in a kitchen for a few years. I loved the first one but, the second one had some people that I couldn't work around. Two entirely different experiences. The second one drove me back to pursuing my music career again and I am still at it. I will be playing at The Water Lantern Festival on July 18th at Cedar Beach Park in Allentown. My set is at 8 pm. And try not to look sad. I understand it's not going to be easy. Good things don't come easy is a saying that I heard a long time ago and I understand it from experience. And I can testify that it worked for me. read more

I ordered hash browns figuring they were the real thing since this is a diner. They were not. Just like the stupid paddies you get at McDonalds. On the bright side my partner ordered the Monty Cristo which she enjoyed. read more

Food was good and a lot of it. Reasonable prices and an outstanding server. Entree came with soup, salad bar, and a side. Can't ask for much more. read more

East Penn Diner - Broiled Stuffed Flounder and buttered noodles. - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

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Everyone is always super friendly and the food is always great - today I got the eggs and ham steak and this ham steak was massive but so tender! It's Easter and they are open and their staff all have cute ears on. It sets a fun vibe while everyone is served in a great timely manner! read more

East Penn Diner - Continued - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

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So surprised at the good ratings for this diner. We stopped on the way to visit and tour Martin Guitar, looking for a good breakfast very close to the freeway. Yelp directed us off the freeway onto much smaller streets which took us at least 30 minutes out of our way. It was ridiculous. By the time we arrived we ordered Cream Chip Beef and a simple Egg Sandwich. The food came out so quickly it had to be pre made. The cream chip beef was awful. My husband took two bites and left the rest. The waitress noticed that he only took two bites and asked if we wanted it to go. We did not take it and didn't feel good telling her that it was awful. My egg sandwich was just as bad. I took two bites and left it. We ended up paying $20 for a nasty taste in our mouths. It was an all around terrible experience, one of our worst via Yelp! read more

Cute little family diner typical of after church Sunday meals. We typically come in for breakfast but have on occasion come in for the cakes and pies. Rotational soups have nice variety and often missed when rotated out. Prices continue to go up over the years but manageable. read more

East Penn is accommodating and clean with excellent service and great food. My girlfriend and I usually go there on Sundays. Whether we order breakfast or lunch, the food is consistently wonderful and the staff has been stellar. And their coffee has been the best I have had in a diner in some time. read more

East Penn Diner - Open-faced Reuben with onion rings. - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

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Food is always amazing. Service is always great. Never had a bad experience. All waitresses and staff are amazing

The food was good. The server was attentive and pleasant. A really nice place. We took some food home for supper time.

I was very impressed with East Penn Diner this morning. I have lived across the street for awhile now and finally got over there for breakfast. This is Dutch Benedict: English muffin, scrapple, poached egg & holidaise sauce. Crisp home fries laced with sensational fried onions. Corned beef hash that was perfectly crisp on the outside. The cook who poached these eggs is a master of his craft. The scrapple was crisp and well executed. This was one of the best diner breakfasts I have had in a long while! I can't believe it was right under my nose. The service was warm and friendly. The place was packed and my party sat at the breakfast bar. The coffee was decent. The dessert case was right in front of me and it all looked tremendous. #rushieeats read more

East Penn Diner - Dutch Benedict. Home fries with onions. Perfectly crisp corned beef hash. - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

East Penn is a clean, popular diner in Emmaus. They have a salad bar and they make soups such as lemon chicken & rice, cauliflower and lobster bisque. Rochelle sandwich was good, french fries were very good. Stir fry with scallops & vegetables was a good, healthy meal. Roasted chicken breast with crabmeat was very good and came with side of pretty good mashed potatoes. We We also tried Texas meatloaf with BBQ sauce on the side and steamed broccoli. Granny Smith Apple pie was rich. They open early, close late and have something for everyone. read more

A wonderful diner experience. The service staff is kind and attentive. This is a locals feel welcome atmosphere and do by default so did we. The food was prompt & plentiful. The coffee was hot and delicious. The gorgeous glass mugs a plus. We had breakfast. In and out quickly but no one rushed us. Packed at 11am because it's well worth the visit. The way they treat their customers with care & attention is wholesome. The place was clean with plenty of seating. 10/10 would visit again. read more

East Penn Diner - The hostess/Cashier area - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Excellent service and food! Wonderful and clean salad bar! Food came out quick and waitress was accurate with our order and friendly. This was our first time but we will be back again! read more

Food was good and serving size was great. I they accommodated my picky request which I appreciated as well

I certainly enjoy coming here. The Rueben 8 ounce burger is pretty awesome!! Will definitely have it again ina few trips here. read more

East Penn Diner - Rueben burger and cheddar bacon burger - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Our family met for breakfast, there were 8 of us and food and service was great as usual.

Two things stood out: 1. A cheeseburger ordered medium rare was delivered 'dead solid perfect' medium rare. In my experience in the Valley this does not routinely happen even among fine dining establishments, let alone a diner. Next time I'm in the mood for a burger, I'm heading here. 2. Our server Manuela (I hope I spelled her name correctly) was about as professional and personable as one can be. She combined an effortless conviviality with a sense of humor and customer focus. Outstanding - and a tremendous asset to this organization. Might also mention that I was able to get a waffle, though it was well after what most people would define as breakfast hours. Based upon this and previous visits this 5 star rating is well-earned. Full disclosure: A healthy number of years ago I did own and operate a large diner in Philadelphia. It is not a business for the faint of heart. It is, as most people would guess, a demanding and notoriously fickle industry. When I see a diner/restaurant operating as smoothly as does East Penn, I am delighted to give them their due. read more

The service we had was awful the server never refilled our drinks or checked if everything came out okay. One of my party ordered linguine Alfredo which was bland and tasteless. The lasagna I ordered was swimming in grease and was also bland. The server actually never even bothered to bring us the bill. When we left I had to go to the counter and ask for the bill and tell the manager about the meals and service, he comped the Alfredo dish (which no one ate and was left there) and told me in the future I should come to the counter and talk to him. Really, is that not the waiters job? read more

This diner has really upped their game. I've been many times. I was here yesterday morning. And the food was absolutely fantastic. The server was so friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere was good. It was very clean and tidy. I recommend the East Penn diner to anyone that wants a good breakfast or maybe lunch. They also have lunch items. I definitely recommend this diner. read more

Good simple diner food. Friendly staff. Good coffee. Much better place after the redecoration a few years ago. Worth the visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience at East Penn Diner. Talk about a diner being bright and very clean. The owners were very friendly and checking on me to see if everything was going well. My waitress at the counter (with child) was very kind and efficient. My mushroom and swiss omelette was OUTSTANDING! The quality and size was fresh and huge. The rye bread was toasted and butter perfectly and oh, those homefries so tasty. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day! Thank you! read more

Food was good and nice portions. Welcoming place. We keep coming back . Casual and inviting. read more

Best ever salad bar is the best!! The service was amazing great accommodation. The setting is nice as well.

Nice place to stop for great service and good food. It's a diner with tables, booths and counter service. No waiting to order, and your orders come out quickly. Wait staff are very attentive. Generous portions. I will stop in again. read more

I had breakfast w/family this morning. The food & service was excellent ! Will definitely go back again. read more

The menu is very extensive . The food is very good, especially the gyros. The service is good. I recommend this restaurant.

After I left Dorney park and having terrible food BTW. I found this lovely gem only 15 min away. Well worth it... great comfort food excellent staff also the owner super friendly and gracious we stopped by. I forgot to take a picture of my yummy food but I was starving. . I can't wait for my longgggg drive back to Jersey I'm sure this delicious ice coffee will do the work! read more

East Penn Diner - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

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The service here is amazing! We had the best waitress. Stopped by after seeing the Yelp reviews. It is a traditional diner with good food, nice variety (breakfast served all day) and great service. Highly recommend trying their soup. The chicken cuscus was excellent. Our food was fresh and served promptly. The veggie burger was very good, although I would ask for fries instead of the chips it comes with - their fries were perfect. Like a good diner food and friendly people? Go here. read more

East Penn Diner - Veggie burger w/ fries (instead of chips) - New American Near Me - Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Enjoyed lovely food. Quick and friendly service. We had the breakfast and chicken croquettes. Nice outdoor seating for those not comfortable sitting inside yet or those just wanting to sit outside. read more

It's a decent breakfast with plenty of seating. Most of the waitresses are good old rough and tough diner waitresses. Real people!

I've been going to EPD for years and always had decebt diner service, quick meals, and good food. I'd recommend their eggs, omlettes, burgers, fries, and milkshakes. read more

We stopped in because we were in the area for just one night. It was amazing! Super friendly staff and very clean. The food was delicious and we brought muffins back to the campground for breakfast. If I lived here, we would be there a lot!!! Loved it. read more

I struggled as to give this place 2 or 3 stars. On the one hand the service was fast and pleasant AND our food was brought out hot and fast. All of those are important for travelers wanting to get in, get a meal, and get back on the road. However even though travelers was a hot and fast meal they also want one that is fresh AND flavorful neither of which my husband or myself got tonight. My Ruben was lacking in flavor, the bead was soggy and there was hardly any sauerkraut on it. FOR GOD'S SAKE IT'S A RUBEN, SANDWICH IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT THAT IS SACRED IN THIS WORLD. Apparently not at Penn diner. In addition the only thing my sweet potato fries had going for them were they were hot. Honestly they could have been dyed orange and they would have tasted the same. Mark C ordered the gyro and confirmed that his fried tasted the same AND were under cooked. And HIS gyro... Meh. So come here for convenience and a hot meal just don't expect it to leave you wanting more. read more

Always a delicious and enjoyable dining experience here! Staff is friendly, food is good!

Good service, good diner food with the expected limitations- traditional fare is good but the more complex offerings are very mediocre (eg. the spaghetti sauce tastes like dishwater, wouldn't push my luck on the exotic) - other than that notable exception - for a quick affordable diner meal, with courteous service, in good company highly recommended. read more

Incredible service and charming ambiance. The staff here are incredibly friendly and attentive. The owner even stopped by our table with delightful conversation and offered us a free dessert after our meal. Will certainly return read more

Best diner in the Lehigh valley. The food is amazing, the staff are friendly, attentive, sweet and everything you'd want in a dining experience. I have never had bad food here and I swear it's the best in the Lehigh valley. read more

Diners are standard in the NE. But, not all deliver. EPD is benchmark! A good Diner doesn't get too fancy. EPD sticks to the basics and does it right!!! Friendly service, super tuna salad on perfect whole wheat toast, and flawless fries with brown gravy! Like clock work! Be there! read more

Clean, spacious, great service and good diner food! We went for breakfast today and had quicker than usual service on a busy Sunday morning! I got the mushroom & cheese omelette, my husband got the Dutch Benedict, and we tried French toast. It was all delicious! We will be back! read more

Decided to try this place again. Went a little earlier on a Saturday (instead of a Sunday) and stayed to eat instead of getting my food to go. Service was far more friendly. Food was simple (two eggs, toast, bacon, home fries) but more or less perfectly executed. I still felt just a little bit rushed, but that's probably because they wanted to clear me out for a larger party. I'm sure it's a numbers game to some extent. Glad I had a better experience this time though. read more