A VIP client (a CELEBRITY) chose this restaurant for a business meeting yesterday, so I arrived expecting a professional and welcoming environment. When I walked in, the place was packed--which I initially took as a good sign. Busy usually means good food and good service. I was seated at a small two-top in the back blocking the counter seating, which was already tight for a meeting with paperwork. As the lunch crowd began to clear out, the table next to me opened up. I started to move my materials to give us a bit more space for the meeting. At that point, a waitress approached me in a very abrupt and unpleasant tone and said, "Where do you think you're going?" I explained that the table had just become available and that I needed the space for a business meeting. She immediately shut me down, saying, "No, you're not. That's a four-person table and you're only two." It was around 2:00 p.m., the restaurant was already emptying out, and they close at 3:00 p.m., so the response felt unnecessary and frankly rude. I told her she didn't need to be so nasty--I had no idea there were strict rules about not moving to an empty table in a nearly empty restaurant. I stayed where I was because the only other available tables were even more cramped for 2 people, and at least I had space to set my pocketbook and paperwork on a stool next to me instead of the floor. Unfortunately, the experience got worse. When my client arrived, 215pm, we were largely ignored for service even though the restaurant was nearly empty at that point. Food was basic. My takeaway: unless you enjoy being packed into tight seating, dealing with extremely unprofessional and unfriendly staff, struggling to get service, I would not recommend this place. Hospitality and courtesy go a long way, and sadly both were missing here. And one final thought: in the service industry, you never know who your customers are or what opportunities kindness might bring. Do better! 65+ MILLION FOLLOWERS on the internet! read more

Lakeside Diner - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Terrible service -- truly awful. The food was fine, but the service completely ruined the experience. I would not recommend this place. read more

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Was leery because of stars but decided to roll the dice . Was pleasantly surprised. Service and breakfast was good . Coffee was great also . Took donuts home for the kids . read more

Lakeside Diner - Breakfast special - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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Stopped by this diner on my way from work because it's conveniently located right off exit 34 on the Merritt parkway. Lakeside diner been open since 1951; Inside has a retro aesthetic. It is by the side of Holts Ice Pond providing a nice dine in view. My job bought us their fresh homemade donuts a few times, but it's my first time walking in. I didn't realize this was cash only, so I had a to run back to my car to get some. I ordered the special with bacon, fried eggs, home fries, and French toast to go, because I knew I'd be late for work.The portion only came with two pieces of bacon. Even with the salt and pepper packets, my food was bland. The home fries were soft, almost like mashed potatoes. Both my toast and French toast was a bit soggy. I wasn't impressed with their breakfast today, I am willing to give them another try. read more

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Lovely little diner with a pretty view of a little pond. Plenty of comfy breakfast and lunch choices. My "Grecian" omelet was generously stuffed with spinach and feta. Cash only! read more

Lakeside Diner - Pond view - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

The best place for a great breakfast and homemade donuts. Been in the same spot for years. And you can look out the windows at the lake. Some times you will wait, but the staff is very good. read more

The first time I came to this diner I had a great experience. Since the last time I was there a lot of things changed. The food is still good and its a nice cozy spot but it's the billing system. One thing I dislike is deceptive billing. The waitress gave us a bill with a bunch of numbers on a calculator tape. Nothing was itemized, but we knew how many items we had. When I asked the waitress about the check she act like she didn't know what was going on, so she referred me to another lady. Then I was informed that the extra charge was for tip. Not once did the waitress state that tip is included in the bill nor are there any signs or notations on the menu stating that tip will be added to your bill. My issue is if I didn't question the extra charge I would have left an additional tip. I wonder how many customers they charged for tip without informing them. read more

Friendly staff and fantastic view of a large pond from the dining area. Classic American menu. Steak hoagies, onion rings, donuts, and sandwiches look great. Don't go here for the salad which is pretty basic and overpriced (The chicken meat in the grilled chicken option was very dry and the portion was very small). read more

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I never really understood the apparent obsession folks seem to have with diners, until now. The minute I walked into Lakeside I was transported to childhood smelling morning breakfast scents and sitting in cushioned banquettes. The atmosphere is perfect with the hustle and bustle of the counter, staff and kitchen. There are no fancy banquettes to be found here but there are as many chair+table combos as can fit in this cozy, small restaurant. The menu consists of breakfast classics like pancakes, French toast, and egg omlettes and they also have specials and specialty items like 2 types of fresh homemade doughnuts. The portion sizes were perfect for me and most of my company. If you're a big eater or a "gym-bro" bulking on protein and calories I'd recommend ordering two entrees or the steak and eggs and some sides. A lot of their menu ranges between $8 to just under $20 so you won't be breaking the bank here. Nothing fancy, but it's clean and hits the spot. Service was nice & friendly even if sometimes a bit hectic but 'twas nothing that can't be easily resolved. Swing by early in the day as they absolutely get super busy and people know it's worth the wait. The view of the lake is gorgeous and I definitely will be back! Hablan Español! read more

Lakeside Diner - Apple cider donuts - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

It was a solid three stars. Food was good. Service was OK. Didn't like the cash only policy. I had to go to the ATM next door at Carvel. Reading another review, I wonder if they added a tip to my bill. I really have to pay better attention the check. I tend to just look at the bottom line. Convenient location. Always wanted to stop there. Now we have. read more

We come here regularly, and really liked the simple, easy breakfast style. Unfortunately when I received the bill today, I actually looked it over and noticed a discrepancy. We only ordered three meals, but there were four items charged. Asked the server about the extra charge, and she acted confused, telling us this is our check and we can pay at the register. No, we only ordered three things, she asked the server who took our order and then came back to tell us it's the tip. Oh, ok. I have no problems with tipping, but nowhere in the diner or the menu stated that tips were automatically charged to the bill. Even the line item on the check didn't explicitly state a tip line. While waiting for a table, we didn't hear the cashier tell anybody that tips were already included when they stepped up to pay. This is very dishonest, and they are hoping nobody looks over their checks so they can receive double tips. I don't know how long they've been doing this, but we've been multiple times in the last half a year. In the most recent yelp reviews, someone has posted about this same deception since five months ago. I'm hoping to add to warn others that frequent this diner, you are very likely double tipping. If it doesn't bother you, great, servers work hard and deserve to be paid. However, I'm very disappointed they're not being transparent about their charges and will be reconsidering any future patronage. read more

We walked into a yelling match between a customer leaving and the staff, all in Spanish. We sat down to a frigid reception and horrible food (who knew you could ruin diner food). My son couldn't eat his burger it was so gross. On our way out the cashier miscounted our cash just to cement our experience. I used to love this place...I will never come back. read more

This is the best score for this place. Nice location, great views from inside on the lake. The food unfortunately less than 2 stars. The over easy eggs came burned and greasy. You could see that the pan is dirty and you could taste the oil is over burned. The home fries also came very greasy and burned. The blueberry muffin was the worst - too sweet, also greasy, only after one bite I could feel the horrible taste for half an hour. Service is 2-4 stars. I would definitely recommend to find another place for traditional breakfast read more

Lakeside Diner - Breakfast - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Food is good we have a good brunch is a diner on the go very nice place small but beautiful read more

Lakeside Diner - Us enjoy this beautiful place - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Used to love this place but no longer a special destination place. The throwback experience has become mediocre and not sure the quality is there anymore after giving it 2nd and 3rd chances to win us back. Kids have now given the thumbs down as there are better options at the same price elsewhere. The menus are cheap paper color copies that are all tattered and ripped that cheapen the experience. The donuts are no longer freshly made. Used to be a destination to be able to get a warm homemade cinnamon sugar donut. The kids used to love them and bring a dozen home. The donuts are made in advance now and just kept in the back room and brought out to replenish. Very dry donuts now and no longer moist. Not worth making the trip anymore nor taking the donuts home anymore. The French Toast and home fries were soggy as well. Resting on their laurels a little here. Deceptive charging as well. Don't tell you the tip is already included. Receipt has all sorts of codes on it and make it unsure as to what you really ordered and seems they want you to tip double for a 50/50 experience. Disappointing quality and lost my trust all around. It is not worth the wait anymore!!! read more

Dishonest We've been coming here for over 10 years, we love the location overlooking the lake and the cozy laid back feeling. This was a go to spot for us anytime we had visitors and a must stop recommendation to anyone that moved to the southern CT area. Recently they've made the decision to include tip to the bill without any notice or even proper labeling on the check. It just looks like you ordered another item. When we asked politely about it thinking that it was a mistake, we were met with confusion and deflection. It was only after we pointed out that there were more items on the bill than people that we were informed that it was tip included. Now I have no problem with tipping 20%+ nor do I have a problem with it built in automatically. The problem I have is that it is deceptive and dishonest. Servers deserve gratuities and the work is hard. I would just prefer they ask and notify than sneak it onto the bill. Disappointed because we loved this place. Hope they change their practice and that others see this and are aware. read more

Had the pleasure of visiting this place. Very great donuts the cinnamon sugar and the plain homemade donuts are the dot com. The people were very nice in there. As your sitting there you can see the wildlife in the lake have a relaxing time. It's very relaxing to watch as your dining. Try to take a window seat if you plan to go read more

Lakeside Diner - A plain donut and a cinnamon sugar donut - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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What will I say about this spot.. Well, to start it's a mom and pop spot. Feels warm and homie. You know the food is super fresh and made with love. The corned beef hash is made from scratch! The staff are all female. Beautiful people. Very nice, sweet and accommodating. Diner is very clean and up kept. I always go for Breakfast Or brunch. I keep it simple with their one of a kind Pancakes. They're thin, sorta like crapes but Pancakes! They taste so delicious.. So I get that with scrambled eggs and toast.. Slamming! Their Milk Shakes are amazing as well.. But there's no way you can leave without getting their fresh Apple cider Donuts! OMG So delicious So if you wind up in the CT area make sure to hit this spot up. You can thank me later! Have a great one everyone! read more

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One of my favorite diners and a gem in Stamford. There's almost always a wait in the morning but they turn tables quick. Servers are friendly and it's solid diner breakfast. Hubs and I love their pancakes - large, thin but chewy/bouncy. My go-to is the red white and blue (strawberry, banana, & blueberry) pancakes or French toast. I recommend sticking to breakfast though. The few times I venture into lunch, it's just ok. And a must-get is their donut - especially if you see a tray of freshly fried ones get stacked on the counter. Sometimes we've started our meal with the donut if we see they've come out fresh. Window seats get a few of the cute little lake. Big portions and cash-only. read more

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The food is average but the view and nostalgia garner an extra star. The ladies behind the counter are also top notch. Quick and friendly. Convenient location right off the parkway. read more

I don't get it. Cute, kitchy, location right there by the highway.Convenient. Is it good? That is debatable. The service is either great or in an empty dining room, where is she? Pricing is off. Pancakes for instance. $11.95. If you want an apple, banana or blueberries it is $3.00 more. For a banana. A waffle is $9.95 but if you want apple, banana or blueberries it is FIVE DOLLARS MORE? $5 dollars for a banana that cost .19 cents? For a banana?! The breakfast special 2 eggs any style, french toast, bacon, home fries and toast is $10.95. Not bad. BUT YOU GET 1 piece of french toast. Here is a tip, since it is french toast leave off the toast and give the plate TWO pieces of french toast. I have had other items there and am never thrilled. It was been there a long time and I am sure at one time it was great but not a place for me and the location of convenienece for that part of town is good. And cash only. read more

I asked the waitress what the blackboard specials were and she said they were the same as the menu. Weird. On the way out I could clearly see they were not and the cashier proceeded to say how good they all were ! Why do people lie? At least put the specials where you can read them . read more

A good place for Breakfast in North Stamford, a rare find behind a family members house, it's great, I love being be to see the lake from my seat. I like the food, and it comes quick. read more

I would rate this place a zero if possible. Stopped here as it is conveniently located off of 15 on our way home to Maine. Sadly we never made it inside. As soon as you pull up to the door, they have a posted sign, NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS! All the businesses in the same area, same thing. We got back in the car and had a lovely lunch elsewhere. read more

Another example of a great diner, this one is small yet has all the bases covered. Oh yeah people love the doughnuts, I love the breakfast, good natured folks, setting & prices. Go here read more

Lakeside Diner is a classic diner restaurant that opened in Stamford, Connecticut in 1951. Since 1987, it has been owned by Jane Agostino. The diner was originally founded inside a trailer, but moved to its current location next to Holts Ice Pond a few years later. In the 1980s, Agostino decided to purchase the diner with her husband Dominick. This was her first time working in the food industry. The counters and the stools are the same ones that have stood since the 1950s, though the chairs have been changed out a number of times over the years. The diner's menu features several classic diner staple plates, but the biggest draws to the business are their fresh homemade old-fashioned donuts and their close proximity to the pond. Children love to stare out the window and look at the ducks swimming around. A scene from the 2008 film "College Road Trip" was filmed at the diner. In 2019, actress Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband actor Matthew Broderick took a detour off of the Merritt Parkway and stoped at Lakeside Diner for breakfast. My family and I recently stopped at Lakeside for breakfast. My wife grew up in Stamford, so she has been there numerous times. However, this was the first trip for me and our son. We were also joined by my wife's parents. We were able to get a table fairly quickly. The place is a little small, but we really liked the 1950s-style charm that you don't see in diners too often anymore. My mother-in-law and I both ordered the "Mediterranean Omelet" (onion, tomato, sausage & bacon) with home fries and toast, my father-in-law ordered the "Florentine Omelet" (spinach, feta & onion) with home fries and toast, my wife ordered the "Lakeside Special" (two scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, with home fries and toast), and our son had the "Banana Waffles". Everyone really enjoyed their food! We made sure to grab a bag of some of their delicious Old-Fashioned "Lakeside Donuts" for the road. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Old school diner, known for its breakfasts, homemade donuts, and gorgeous view, that has been around since the 1950's. The place is pretty small, but it has counter seating, tables, and picnic tables outside. The main draw to the place is the bucolic view, as there are floor to ceiling windows that overlook a small duck point. The menu is a basic diner menu, although they have extensive pancake offerings. I tried a donut & pancakes and they were both fresh & delicious The staff were all extremely friendly as well 9.5 read more

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My favorite diner in the US. I've been coming here for 25 years and the food is the same. I was it was then. Very friendly staff, good food and good coffee. read more

Great place to meet for breakfast. Can get very crowded. Get there early for the fresh baked donuts!

Fantastic donuts, great food and great views of the lake! Perfect place for a bite and so much fun for kids

This old time diner deserves nothing less than 5 stars. And that's not based on the most amazing natural scenery I've ever encountered in all my travels and vast restaurants and reviews, both national and international. On this Fall day in 2023 while on the way to an early project in Massachusetts, I luckily got hungry. The humble diner itself is the perfect prop for this stage. I invite you to view my photographs. The owner and host is a wonderful and inviting lady who was cherishing the outside beauty as well. Myself, she and another counter customer toasted with our mugs of coffee to my announcement of "being blessed" to experience this colorful morning. The food was above average standard diner fare. The donuts are homemade and seem like a special treat but I had to pass. My eggs, ham, toast, grits and home fries were tasty fresh and comfort-food homemade. The aged interior is comfortable and peaceful. Very old Formica (yes, when there was only "Formica") was campy, worn and beautiful like an aged smiling face. I believe this is my first Destination Diner. I would invite other readers to put a date in their late October calendar to come here for an early near sunrise breakfast before spending a fall foliage journey. Cash only! Of course as it should be. read more

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Disappointing! Service was acceptable, not warm or welcoming. Donut had a cheap oil aftertaste ... yuk. Western omelet and home fries were ok. The place just felt dirty, everything could use a remodel. Would not go back. read more

Loved my "Jason" omelette -- it was packed with shredded Cheddar, chopped white onions, and shredded corned beef. (Filling and delicious!) Wait staff was friendly. Love the views! read more

Lakeside Diner - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

We came here for brunch after church and my boyfriend was very hungry. He ordered the French toast special. It came with 2 eggs, hash browns, choice of meat, and French toast. We were so disappointed when his food came and he received 1 slice of regular bread that was cut in half as his French toast! It wasn't even Texas toast bread! I've never seen this before at a restaurant/diner. He orders French toast all the time at various places, but this was definitely the worst! Also, the hash browns were tasteless. They needed much more seasoning (onions, peppers, salt). We will not be back which is too bad because this diner has potential despite its small size. Gave it 2 stars based on its location only. read more

Lakeside Diner - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Nice position by a lake and great food. Good donuts! We had a sandwich and an omelette. read more

Maybe the best diner on earth. Lovely staff, wonderful atmosphere and environment, and first rate breakfast foods. Love stopping by here for breakfast as often as I can. Classic. A destination place. read more

Lakeside diner with classic eats set beside a gorgeous lake off of the Merritt Parkway. Good service. read more

Lakeside Diner - Outdoor Seating - Diners Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

DELICIOUS food(large portions!), courteous staff with an amazing view!! Short Story - Flew into NY from CA and driving to Boston for a wedding. As we're driving through Connecticut, hunger hit. Found Lakeside diner, met the owner Jane and than the food is amazing. Janes warm welcome and friendliness in combination with the cleanliness of the diner made this one of the best diners I've ever been to. P.S. TRY THE DONUTS! read more

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Best pancakes, chocolate milk and eggs. The service is always the best. The girls working are attentive. -Sr. Buzzi

My wife and I just happened to stop in at this diner on our trip to Hartford Connecticut from New Jersey. The food was very plentiful, was fresh, and was very tasty. We also got one of their famous doughnuts but it was just ok, it was cold and "meh". Service was fine, but I thought the price point for the meals were a little high for what we received. One important item of note is that they only take cash so if you come here to eat, make sure you're prepared to pay with cash. A nice little diner, and I appreciated the food and the service... Thank you! read more

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