This cute cozy diner is a hidden gem in this shopping plaza. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive. I got a asparagus and feta omelette and added spinach to it. I really like that they chop the spinach up and mix it with the egg. No one seems to take the time to do that anymore. It was delicious. They make home fries exactly how I like them - thoroughly cooked, but not burned; a crispy on the top, and slightly loosing the cubes potato form. Love the smuckers jelly selection; they have apple cinnamon - my fall fav. I wish I would have taken a pic. It was the best breakfast I've had in a long time! read more

Solid breakfast here. Tasty options and my favorite is the scramble on the front of the menu. Potatoes are well seasoned and tender but a little crispy. Order always comes out correct and we get great service. Would give it 5 stars but they don't take cards. read more

One of my least favorite breakfast places. Only reason I keep coming back is that my dad loves it, hence the 3 stars. Helen must be a no-nonsense old lady, because that's what her diner looks like. Tables are old school laminate. Cash only. Mostly old people out to get a bargain because this place is cheap. Probably because the food is just okay. I've had the pancakes twice and I can make better ones with pancake mix. They are big, but get super soggy the second you put syrup on them. The syrup is also really gross. I don't know what it is. My dad always loves his eggs and hash, but then again, he liked MREs in the Navy. Pretty sure the hash is canned. Only perk is that the food is cheap and it comes quickly. Waitresses are nice enough. My best advice is to take your Scrooge older relatives here for a quick breakfast. Sorry, Helen! read more

Cute family style restaurant. Prices are reasonable and food is good. They only take cash, so that can be a downside if you don't carry a lot on you. There is an atm, however. read more

If you're looking for a cute diner this is the wrong place. If you're looking for tons of good breakfast food for a low cost come on in. Although it's listed many places in house this is a CASH ONLY place, which for me is why it lost one star. We quickly ran to the bank and got cash out before we sat down-not a big deal but if I had kids I wouldn't be back. The food is really good. Solid Omelette with a large side of potatoes and toast. I didn't finish and was stuff. We also got the "hungry man" which was two plates of eggs, French toast, regular toast, and bacon...I could be forgetting potatoes as well. Both breakfast meals plus two coffees under $25! The decor is very out dated and if you sit at the bar the bar stools are a bit shaky. The wait staff helps each other out and know the locals. Overall I'll be back read more

I must say, I was skeptical of this joint. It's hidden in the Ski Market plaza on Transit. My mom takes my nephew here sometimes, so we decided to try it while we were on the hunt for blueberry pancakes. We got there late on a Sunday at around 1 p.m. There were only a few other tables. The service was prompt and very friendly. Turns out my mom is a regular and she recognized our server. On to the food.... I ordered a short stack of blueberry pancakes that were quite good. Nice blueberries mixed into the batter. I also got a side of bacon. It was a bit too crispy for me... Not sure if I said it too loud or what, but the very nice server graciously offered to bring me a less done order. The second order was perfect. Be sure to ask for it not crispy if you like your bacon normal. Overall, this place is a nice little independent breakfast gem located in the massive sea of franchise chains on Transit. I will definitely be back next time I'm in town! read more

Went here for the first time today and while the pancakes were good, everything else was average at best. I'm not sure what coffee they used but it was pretty bad and I didn't finish a full cup. The decor is simple and a little dated with pleasant enough waitstaff. However the biggest reason for the two-star review came near the end of the meal. As I was finishing my pancakes I found a decent size piece of plastic wrap. It wasn't a huge deal so I moved it to the side and finished my breakfast. When she delivered the check and asked how things were, I politely said the meal was good and pointed out the plastic. I mentioned she might want to give the cooks a heads up so others don't get it. She got visible upset and quickly grabbed the plastic. She started ripping it apart on to the plate telling us it was probably just egg. When I gave her a skeptical look she just grabbed the plates and walked away. No apology. No discount. Nothing. Here's my biggest problem with the situation. First off, I can tell the difference between plastic and over cooked eggs. It was definitely plastic. Second, even if in the off chance it was a piece of extremely over-cooked egg inside my pancake, at least apologize. Between the poor service and average food, I definitely won't be visiting again. read more

I poor experience was had by all in my part on a recent visit to Helen's. It was a Saturday morning and while the place was busy, it was not full. We sat ourselves and waited for someone to come over with menus. Generally, my expectation is that should happen with 5 minutes of sitting down. In our case it took close to 10 minutes. A sign of things to come ... We received our menus and a server took our drink order. Those drinks arrived promptly. We were about to give the server our order when she let us know the waitress would be over shortly to take our order. Another 10 minutes went by before the waitress arrived. She was polite and efficient with our orders and promptly disappeared to get our order in. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. I will note they were frequent coffee refills during the wait but it was close to 30 minutes before the food arrived. Now we did not order a soufflé, we order 2 orders of bacon and eggs, and pancakes. They finally arrived with burnt toast, which my one dining companion does not care for, and a side of Luke warm, flavorless hash browns. The rest of the meal - eggs bacon and pancakes were good. One hour and 20 minutes, and $35.00, later we were finally able to exit Helen's for the first and last time. The kitchen needs some help in terms of both quality and efficiency. And there is simply not enough wait staff for the size of this establishment. I would recommend trying some place else before you head to Helen's. read more

I love "old school" restaurants.... especially when they are authentically "old school"... not just new places decorated like they've been around back in the day. For that "Helen's Kitchen" gets high praise. Everything from the decor..... to the menu items..... to the ladies behind the counter (sorry gals) seem like they've been there for quite some time. The service was efficient and friendly.... and the prices were fair (which is good since it's a cash only place..... nobody wants to have to arrive for breakfast with a bank roll in their pocket). The only so-so thing about this place (for me) was the food. It wasn't bad, but it was really nothing special. I asked if the hash was homemade.... nope, I was told..... canned. I asked about the country fried steak..... nope, frozen. The syrup.... generic pancake syrup (not real maple). And, the "butter" was really margarine. The pancakes were huge and fluffy and made with real buttermilk (not a mix). But, the home-fries were mushy and tasteless. Maybe I hit "Helen's Kitchen" on a day that Helen wasn't quite feeling up to par (we've all had those days), but my experience here was so-so at best. read more

Went here early today with my mom, not really knowing anything about the place. We were greeted right away - seated, and coffee within five minutes. So far so good! :) Very friendly service, I felt like everything was taken care of in a timely manner and the coffee kept coming! Always a plus with me. I ordered french toast, eggs, and bacon. Everything came out hot and tasty. The french toast was delicious. Definitely enjoyed a nice, quiet meal. Good food, good service. CASH ONLY... so just be ready for that, but otherwise, I would come back again. read more

Awesome, service is the best, food has a great taste. People are friendly and so are there customers. Recently Helen took a needed vacation and we had looked for another breakfast location, ended up in a well know place in Clarence, it was horrible, service was bad and food was bland. Helens does it right! Mark t. read more

Yummy breakfasts and more jelly then just the boring grape! My favorite is apple cinnamon jelly- the only place I've ever seen that flavor!

Very unprofessional staff. Our waitress was an older women, when she got in front of us she looked at another waitress and rolled her eyes before even saying hello? Still no idea why, but it was not a great start. We then spent the rest of our time eating breakfast listening to her and two other waitresses talk badly about customers right in front of us. The customers they were talking about were still there, sitting down at their table. They were not shy about it, extremely uncomfortable. Be kind or find a different profession. read more

This little sit down restaurant was very good the Service was 5/5 people were very nice, I had the Country fried steak it came with eggs and toast, very good food and people. read more

10/15/20: two for breakfast. We had a Denver omelette and French Toast. Excellent. Home fries are "real", not frozen stuff. Very good. We will return. Cash Only, a one star deduction. read more

I wouldnt reccomend this place to my worst enemy. Hair is on food on multiple occasions. Ordered multiple times through phone to go to pick it up and its not there. Waitress's are miserable and unhappy with their life. Do yourself a favor and go to Dennys read more

Quick service. Great with my kids. Very good food. Eggs were fluffy. Bacon perfectly done. Hash browns had the right mix of well done and soft potatoes. read more

I really like this place when we walked in and able to seat ourselves. Our waitress was friendly but definitely did not was conversation from us as she took our order. As we sat in our booth, across from us was the counter service where your could also sit on stools (this was an old Your Host restaurant). Another waitress was blowing her nose on the waitress side of the counter. I noticed she walked to the end of the counter and disposed of her tissue and proceeded to a booth to take a customers order. There was no hand washing before taking the tables order. First, not a very appropriate place to blow your nose while customers across from you are eating. Second, did she just forget to wash her hands afterwards? This is not a time to be unsanitary. read more

I just had a breakfast meeting here this morning and it was overall, a nice experience. The food was pretty good, the waitress was friendly, and the place was clean. The coffee left a little to be desired but then, the coffee at most of these types of little diners have the same problem. I got the short stack of French toast and it was good. I also go a side of homefries and I loved them. Delicious! I would definitely return, You can't beat the prices, it wasn't overcrowded, and I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. read more

i've been here multiple times with family, and have never been let down! i always get the hungry man breakfast and every single thing is so good! all of the options for such a low price is unbeatable. i've had the french toast which is amazing, and also the grilled cheese and fries! the vibe in there is so homey with such friendly servers and an amazing cook! read more

Food is ok but customer service is terrible. It's a long wait for just eggs and french toast. They give you the wrong order and insist that it is the correct one. read more

Stopped in for a quick breakfast and wasn't disappointed. Classic diner feel. Can't beat the prices and the staff was friendly. Hidden in a strip mall, but don't let that scare you. read more

I'm not a 'big breakfast' guy. Aside from my morning work muffin, I only have a 'big breakfast' about three or four times a year. When I do, though, I go to Helen's Kitchen at least three out of those four times. There's a rule in the restaurant business: follow the old people. Old people know where the good food is, where the good deals are, and where the hideaways are. Maybe it's because they have more time on their hands, maybe it's because they're thrifty, whatever the case, that rule has never steered me wrong. And Helen's Kitchen is lousy with them. I also noticed a popular weatherman there on my last visit. For a place that's only open for breakfast and lunch, they pack them in floorboard to ceiling. Why? Because the food is good, the price is right and they stay on top of the coffee. When I'm having breakfast, I want my coffee refilled almost the second I notice that it's almost empty. Helen's Kitchen is all over it. This is a cash-only establishment, but you should be able to get in and out of there on less than $20 even if you give a respectable tip. Their 'Garbage Plate' is phenomenal: hash browns, sausage, peppers and cheese and most likely some other stuff in there, too. It sticks to your ribs for $8.95 and you won't have to eat until the next day! I've had some of their other specials (they have Daily Specials and chalkboard specials), but I keep circling back for the Garbage Plate. It also comes with toast. You won't have room for the toast. The wait-staff is friendly, they have a separate server for the aforementioned coffee situation, and what else do you need from a breakfast spot, really? I love Helen's. It'll be another two or three months before I'm in the mood for a big breakfast, but I'll be dreaming about that Garbage Plate until then... read more

This is a little hidden gem! Little diner with great homey atmosphere. Good food wonderful customer service.

Service was slow. Waitress got my order wrong. Never received a beverage we ordered. It was my first time there and I won't be going back

Ordered here a few times w/my team and each time there's been an issue w/the orders. We normally order 5-8 separate meals and it's expected with a bigger order. Today only 2 and they still got it wrong. Not only do they get the orders incorrect but the old ladies there will argue you up and down as if you don't know what you like or dislike. Today we expressed the order was wrong for the 5th time the lady goes well I took your order and it's not wrong. Horrible customer service. Will never order here again. The food is basic, not that its bad but I can make it in minutes you're paying for convenience I guess. read more

Came across this place today. Haven't had a BLT in forever, so I decided to try the BLT club. It was amazing! Definitely found my new favorite! The service was just as great as the food. Comfortable atmosphere and immediately felt like home. read more

Horrible Experience. My husband and I sat down at a table and waited 10 minutes before we were acknowledged. We were then told that they could not have us sitting at the "only" table left because there were only two of us. We were so mortified we left. read more

Went for breakfast today and my eggs were cooked completely wrong. Lost my appetite. The waitress never came back to check on us until 15 or 20 minutes later. I was offered a remake on the food that I didn't even eat and by that time I didn't want anything else because I was so upset. And then she offered me a grilled muffin. I declined. And when we got the check I was still charged full price for a meal I didn't even eat. We won't be going back read more

Please get a hostess and a busboy. Sat down at a booth with a rag still on it so I wiped it down myself. After 10 minutes of waiting, we were finally acknowledged. Placed our drink order. 10 minutes later we got our drinks to which she said she would "be right back". 10 minutes later placed our breakfast order. Pancakes. Simple pancakes. When we received the pancakes they were just flour. No flavor. nothing.. just taking a giant bite of flour. Got up and left. HORRRIBLE place. read more

I came here with my roommate this morning and I told the waitress a instance I had with a different restaurant where they cooked my potatoes in bacon fat, and I asked how they were made and they told me it's cooked in butter. I proceeded to tell her I am allergic to garlic and onion. They made my potatoes with bacon grease and garlic(the cook told me), then my omelette had bacon in it. I told the waitress and she did nothing. I had to pay $10 for something I got sick off of. I am a vegetarian and I don't appreciate that. I called and the told me it was my fault when I told the waitress before hand. If I was anaphylactic I could've died! I am upset I had to pay money for something I couldn't eat and the way they told me it was my fault because I have allergies! Never eating here again! read more

Any restaurant that would allow me in Is a 6 star in my book + Staff and Helen are really friendly even when Helen is in a grouchy mood! read more

This diner is amazing. You are in and out. The wait for your food is about 5 minutes. This is a great place for kids and the staff is amazing. Love this place. Only one downside, cash only. read more

Do not go to this restaurant!!! Horrible- went for breakfast- pancakes easy breakfast items waited an hour plus no food ended up having to have it boxed up and the order was wrong and food gross! They were completely unapologetic kept telling us wait a few minutes - save your time , money and aggravation - any place was better than that! read more

This place is pretty good, even though it can be easily missed. It's one of those diners that have plenty of regulars, and they'll act like the restaurant is the best place they've ever been to. The chicken souvlaki omelet I had yesterday, it could have been better, but not even close to the worst omelet I've ever had. There are plenty of other great breakfast places in that area, but this one isn't too bad either. read more

Judging from the pics, the breakfast potatoes arent remotely crispy. Those are the entire POINT of going to breakfast for me - not to have some gushy brown steamed lookin sludge. read more

food was awful waitress was rude and yelled at customers