Great place to eat at had breakfast here last year in May 2019 had some hash browns eggs and bacon

If you're a west haven resident you know elm been the spot. They fell off a lil bit about a year ago but now it is the great place I always knew it could be because of the new management. Great food and great staff. Support local businesses!!! read more

So many great diners in West Haven, this one isnt worth your time food was very very underwhelming.

I never knew that walking to the bathroom would be an issue?I understand you have to clean the floor however use some common sense such as informing the customers so they can plan accordingly.To add insult to injury the addition of foul smelling chemicals,to the floor,ruined a meal.What separates a corporate chain restaurant and locally owned diner is service.An establishment is truly defined by the people who create magical moments for their customers by treating them right. read more

This is a very nice place to hang out and relax but also enjoy food that is worth it! The prices are decent and the food is nicely portioned you get a great value and a nice time. The restaurant is set up where you can have decent privacy with your family and friends to have a nice social gathering with the staff right there to help you at all times! read more

I've ordered several times in the past And it's always beeni great food. however this is like the third time I've ordered since Covid and I don't know if the place is under new management but the food quality is not good. In fact I could have gone to the store and picked up better quality food. Prepared it myself and paid probably half the price. That being said I do my part to try to help out restaurants the mom and pop shops but they're charging more money and giving less quality I will not be ordering from the Elm diner any more read more

This is not the Elm Diner (aka White Trash) of my childhood, but it's pretty close. Relocated from their original location to a strip mall, the new version of WT boasts the same classy waitstaff (when we arrived one of the waitresses was brushing her hair - behind the counter) and mediocre diner food, but it's just a bit too... nice now that it has moved - even as it exudes that classic diner feel all the same. Highlights include waitress conversations with regulars about how knocked up seventeen year olds will not be served, as well as 5 dollar pancakes + sausage. The waitstaff are very friendly and gruff at the same time - just as they should be. Drawbacks include now not being open twenty four hours a day, and the lost memories of my disaffected youth which live only in the old location. read more

Breakfast meal portions are huge. Friendly and courteous staff. Great food and service. Has that small town friendliness vibe to it like you are family and not just another customer at a chain diner. read more

Ate there once with my fiance. He ordered a spinach/feta omelet, I ordered pancakes. His omelet was generously stuffed and he was very pleased. On the other hand, my pancakes were TERRIBLE - tasted like they were from a really cheap mix and had an awful texture. This place was slightly better than Duchess Diner down the street. So we're still looking for a good diner in the area.... read more

This diner was pretty good! My friends and I found this place at 10:30 on a Saturday night. We had just done a 5K and were starving. For my meal, I had the Greek panini. It featured grilled chicken, tomato, mozzarella, olive oil, feta and tzatziki sauce on pressed panini bread. It was pretty good, not the best sandwich I've ever had but not the worst. The flavors were a little mushed together. My friends enjoyed their meals as well. They had a grilled chicken sandwich (the fries were yummy), a Philly cheese steak and a Cesar salad. They all enjoyed their meals. For a late night bite, this is a pretty decent place! read more

I've been here a few times for breakfast. Never have had to wait more than five minutes to be seated even though the place is always crazy busy. Servers are friendly as well. Not the best diner I've ever been to but they serve consistent good breakfast food. I particularly enjoy their french toast - its made with challah instead of your typical bread. read more

This place was unbearably disgusting. My boyfriend ordered bacon and they brought him what appeared to be half toasted lettuce. Overall, our experience was not pleasant. I don't recommend. read more

What to say about elm diner. Breakfast breakfast sweet breakfast. They have all you need for a wonderful and low priced breakfast meal. If you are hungry (and like to overeat and hate yourself) they do have breakfast lumberjack meals which i highly recommend. Lunch is also good but i would say this is one of the top breakfast places in the area! If you see a line do not worry because they have a very fast turn around and you wont wait any more that 15 minutes. read more

I've gotten in the habit of stopping here when driving through New Haven on I-95. I endorse others' comments about the friendly service and good food. On my last visit, I had a delicious veal piccata with plenty of capers and artichoke hearts. The veal was moist and tender, the sauce flavorful, and the portion big enough to split (or take home half for a second meal, as I did). The key was they they used real egg batter, not a breaded coating. As with most diners, the menu is extensive and varied and supplemented by a long list of specials. Based on how many customers are greeted familiarly by the staff, owners, and other patrons, this is clearly a favorite with locals. The main downside is ambiance. It is in a strip mall so it doesn't have the feel of real, old diners. The space is big and wide with suspended ceiling and fluorescent lights. They have dressed it up with colorful paint and wainscoting, but that just feels like a not-quite-successful attempt to be trendy. It is a storefront with booths and tables. That is no reason to stay away--the food is worth it. Just don't expect a real diner experience. read more

The diner is now open for interior dining and I could not be more pleased: the food is as delicious and plentiful as ever; the servers are conscientious, friendly and very service-driven; and it's just plain great to have my cake AND eat it too!! read more

I want to thank you, Elm Diner, for my Thanksgiving Day meal today. It was delicious from start to finish. And now...perhaps a pleasant nap.

The last time I came here was with my friend Eunice and we liked it. It was her treat and we were looking for a place where the price would not be too steep so of course it had to be The Elm Diner. Well we were seated immediately and we both found specials under $10. I think the food portions and cuts here are very generous plus it's fresh and well-done. I've eaten out before and bit into chicken that was not cooked fully through so one good thing about The Elm Diner is that I don't have to worry and check my food before chowing down. They will refill the coffee and sodas, etc. for free and that is nice! So I worked at a place in the winter of this year I gotta tell you that the whole staff was lunching at The Elm Diner and I've never seen it empty or heard bad things about it. read more

Elm Diner is a great place to go for waffles at least from my experience today! I had everyone at my table take a bite of my waffle. We all agreed that for some reason it was the best waffle we have ever had. I am not sure what the ingredients they used but I will say that it was the best waffle we have ever had. The pancakes my wife had was also really good. The atmosphere was that of a mom&pa diner. 5 stars because it's what I expected but the best reason for the 5 stars is those darn waffles! read more

Very attentive, pleasant, and friendly. Food was good and delivered quickly to our table. First time at this diner and I will visit again.

I frequent Elm a lot-along with my friends & we would like to comment that lately food is better than ever. Also we have seen waitresses come and go...some we haven't taken a shine to at all actually...recently a new hire-well new to us-by the name of Jill joined the staff. Do yourself a favor, if you stop,ask for her-she is an excellent waitress & my friends and I have all waitressed so we can be critical. She is sweet & friendly & kind without being overbearing. We let Wilma evening Mgr know first nite we met her. Great addition to staff of some pretty great people... read more

Not only is The Elm Diner our favorite West Haven diner, we have yet to find another diner in the greater New Haven area that offers more in terms of food quality, service, cleanliness, gererous portions and reasonable pricing. Large menus with a great variety of food, owners are personable, servers are friendly and attentive. Plenty of off street parking and food is great. John and Deb read more

I don't like or will not eat at a place that does not give free refills. I ate here once, got charged for a refill, have not been back.

Never eat here again!!! This place changed in the past few years!!!! If you mess up a grilled cheese you better close!!! Never again!!!! Nasty!!!!! read more

Great experience ! Love this place! We had such a good time as a whole group. We ordered a variety of dishes and each one tasted delicious. The owner and staff is super nice, you can tell that they put their heart and soul into the food and business. There's a ton of varieties of different dishes, so you won't be disappointed! There's something for everyone. Definitely one of the best diners I have been to! Thanks a bunch for a great experience! read more

Friendly place. Large portions and good value. Huge menu with lots of choices. If you like the diner experience definite recommend.

I just recently got there chicken and shell soup and there was one piece of chicken in the quart of soup that I bought. It seems ever since they switch owners it hasn't been the same. I know they have changed owners awhile back but the new website is a joke. All the links are actually ads or they bring you to a page where it says error read more

Good food , we got there at 11 ... They close at 12 and we were repeatedly told they close in an hour , had to ask for menus , and were asked to move tables because they had to mop..... Talk about being pushed out , when you go to a diner you expect to be in and out in minimal time at slow hour so I don't see why and hour is not enough time to eat a waffle ... You can lead staff to knowledge but you can't make them think apparently read more

I really enjoyed this diner I had a good time with my daughter-in-law she frequents there a lot I will be going back

The staff is horribly rude, especially the younger Italian girl with black hair. Maybe teach your employees some customer service skills and you'll have return visitors. Also, the cake I ordered was stale - clearly not fresh. read more

When my husband, son, and I come, the service is great. The food and portion, is worth the price. My son always ends up leaving with a cookie given from the owner. read more

I've been going to Elm Diner since they were in their previous location many years ago and it continues to be my favorite diner in the area. It definitely has a family feel, which I love. I've been here at 4pm and 4am and it never disappoints. Service in general is very good, I've never had a negative experience though it is a little slower when it's really busy of course. The food is great! I like everything I've ever had and if you order off the specials menu, you cannot beat the amount of food you get for under $15. Elm is also great for take out and they box everything so your food doesn't get soggy and gross. I love this place! read more

One of the best diners around. What makes it great are the owners and the waitstaff who are super friendly. The food is consistently good and the soups are always delicious which is something that I get all the time. I love their veggie wrap too. read more

For me, the food gets 3 stars, but the owners get 5 stars for being so ridiculous nice. So a 4-star average. The food is average, regular diner food, cooked reasonably. Occasionally I get the best French toast ever, and once in a while I get a couple of burnt onion rings. No complaints here. read more

Worst tasting food I think I have ever had. No flavor at all, didn't get my order right. Do not waste your time and money at this place. You're better off eating McDonalds. Wish this okie could give a good review but that's a no go read more

I had breakfast here because it was very close to the motel that I stayed at. Ordered the corn beef hash with two eggs. The eggs were find and the toast that came with it was good too. What I looked forward to eating was the corn beef hash and that was a disappointment. It had a very bitter taste and salt didn't help at all. The waiting service was exceptionally friendly, but the food was the main turnoff. read more

Definitely fine for breakfast. The service was a little slow, though pleasant. We finally had to ask for our bill and food as we had an appointment where we thought for sure we had enough time. However, they handled it very well and went out of their way to accommodate. read more

I have been coming to this place for years. The food is good, and the people are friendly. It's all around a great diner, especially for breakfast. My cup of coffee is never empty. read more

I will start out by saying that I never expect a fine dining experience when I go to a diner. I will also say that I expect to tip 20%, adjusted downward to 15% for so-so service, and upward for spectacular service. The 12% tip I left today was an absolute gift. I had always had pretty neutral feelings about this place. I neither sought it out nor avoided it, going there only when it was suggested by friends. I found myself there today as a result of one of New Haven's many unexpected and frequent road closures which prevented me from reaching my original destination. The food arrived very quickly, was prepared well, and the portion was a good size. It was followed almost immediately by the check, which the server informed me she was leaving on the table and Theresa was there if I needed anything. Before I could even swallow she had vanished. Excuse me? Okay. Whatever. Maybe Theresa will be more attentive. I couldn't tell you who Theresa is if my life depended on it but my guess is that she is 1 of the 2 women who repeatedly ignored me on the way to tend to other customers and then stationed themselves behind the counter to chat. Here is a hint: customers don't like having to bring their empty glass to the counter to ask for a refill. They prefer a simple "is everything okay?" or "can I get you anything?" and an acknowledgement that the booth is occupied by a living, breathing, human being. When I was ready to leave, I approached the counter to pay and, once again, was ignored by the 2 men who were engaged in conversation. Only after I excused myself and interrupted them was I acknowledged. Shortly thereafter someone emerged from the kitchen (I think he may have been the owner or manager) and greeted me in a friendly manner. Unfortunately, by this point it was too late. My opinion was formed. My friends want to go there for breakfast on Sunday morning. I think I will be busy. read more

The milkshakes were in just one word, "epic and amazing". If your visiting CT or passing through Stamford this is a must stop. Try the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake read more

A West Haven fixture. John and Foula have been serving great food for over 20 years as owners of the Elm Diner. They are famous for great service, great food and legendary generosity. Please stop in and say hello. Phil Liscio read more