Tiny diner. Decidedly upper-age eaters. Some other reviews griped about the service - staff is nice! All flavors are here: tangy sandwich, soup that was on my table in a flash. Home made pies. Tool has the prettiest plates. Quick/hearty diner lunch that satisfied The Rebel Chef! Review: 5 read more

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Small family business, with an incredible welcoming waitress working the front on her own! Hubby had Irish Benedict and cleaned his plate; I had bacon egg & cheese on croissant Yum!! Food was hot and coffee was flowing...very attentive waitress!! We even ordered sandwich for daughter to drop off. read more

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The food and service is excellent! Breakfast is a must. Great dinner meals and sandwiches too.

Great friendly staff excellent food comfortable place to eat good bathrooms good egg Benedicts . I pretty much like everything there

Traditional greasy spoon, not very healthy options if that's what you're looking for, couldn't find fresh vegetables or fruit. Large generous portions, lovely staff, places is popular with locals. read more

Just back from lunch at Tool's: this place is simply the best at being an honest old-school family restaurant. Just try any of their homemade soups, any day of the week, and you're off to a good start. I had turkey croquettes, made from scratch, with mashed potato and fresh carrots. Simple, tasty, fresh. The pies and cakes are also all homemade. It's not exotic, it's not TGI Friday's. They don't serve colorful cockails (but beer and wine I think) and the food isn't shipped from a warehouse. The booths were built decades ago and the wait staff take your orders on a green pad. Support a local family joint and get the soup, and pie. Don't go to Applebees. read more

My husband and I love it here. It's our 'go to' place. Everything is fresh and made there, even the amazing desserts. The people working there are friendly and helpful - but the food says it all. read more

Great place to eat breakfast. Low prices and friendly staff. No wonder it is always crowded there!

In the Times Union 04/10/19 Beware this is the health inspection TOOL'S RESTAURANT 283 DELAWARE AVENUE, DELMAR Inspected on 11/16/2016. Precooked, refrigerated potentially hazardous food is not reheated to 165F or above within two hours. Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces. Inspected on 8/10/2017.Accurate thermometers not available or used to evaluate refrigerated or heated storage temperatures. Improper thawing procedures used. Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).Tobacco is used; eating, drinking in food preparation, dishwashing food storage areas. Improper use and storage of clean, sanitized equipment and utensils. read more

I've been going to Tool's for over 20 yrs. They are a "blue hair" restaurant with great desserts, great breakfasts. Very loyal clientele, and excellent service. I had a chance to try the meatball parm sandwich yesterday. The sauce is excellent! I checked with Katie, one of the owners. She said they make their sauce from scratch. Honestly, their spaghetti sauce is far superior to several of the well-known Italian restaurants in Albany County. (Haven't been to restaurants in the neighboring counties.) For a homey meal, definitely check out Tool's. read more

Good home cooked meals at a reasonable price. Menu is a throwback to my mother's recipes. Tonight's Manhattan clam chowder and lamb stew are a case in point. Always clean and comforting-- I like coming here very much. read more

Tools' is friendly, and comfy to take anyone. Everything is homemade. The deserts are fantastic homemade pies, cup cakes, cakes. Kid friendly and affordably priced. I take friends out to eat a lot. Once I introduce them to Tools' they always want to go back. read more

They're fine. They really are the best example I can think of for a place that is perfectly down the middle in terms of quality. I got the basic breakfast. Eggs, home fries, toast, bacon. My girlfriend got eggs, home fries, toast, and sausage. The eggs were good. A little undercooked, but I did say I liked them runny so I guess I have to take some of the responsibility. The bacon was decent. It was bacon... So... The sausage was actually really great. The home fries were probably the most disappointing home fries I've ever had. No crisp to them at all, they may as well have been boiled. At least they were seasoned alright. My toast, rye, was great. My girlfriend's may as well have just been buttered bread. And the service was unfortunately a little lacking too. We asked for more toast and never got it, and when we asked for syrup, it took 10 minutes and a reminder that we hadn't gotten it yet. In defense of the service, though, she realized she was behind, and on top of that the place was very busy that Sunday morning. So the place isn't bad... But it's not at all great. The atmosphere is nice, and the food comes out quickly. Are you looking to be WOWed? Definitely do not come here. Do you want a quick meal that's cheap and pretty tasty. Come here. read more

Tool's Restaurant - Good old breakfast. Too bad those home fries are so disappointing... But the rest is good! - New American Near Me - Delmar, New York

Disgusting rude ladies! Dirty and nasty food. I am curious how they have not been fined for dirty tables, floors and personal hygiene

Whenever my mom has to take me to a doctor's appointment (which used to be quite frequently) we would follow up with brunch/lunch at Tool's. It's old school, and I ain't knockin it, just giving y'all a fair warning that it's almost exclusively old-timers that populate the joint. That being said, it's pretty small inside, lots of seating though, and a separate room for parties (??). TINY one-seater bathrooms but hey, it does the job. Every SINGLE time I've eaten there, our waitress has been Katie. She's a total doll, she knows all the customers by name and, in movie-diner style, carries on full conversations with all of them while simultaneously taking your order, refilling coffees, ringing people up, and answering the phone. It's diner food, good enough, quick enough (I've never EVER seen Tool's busy)...the parking lot is a little tricky, it's at the intersection (?) of two (?) roads (?)....it's one of those places that will really be a shame to see close, if ever it does. Feels like a good hangover spot, as long as you're not still-throwing-up-12-hours-later hungover. read more

Homey atmosphere, honest food, pleasant friendly staff. The food is obviously all prepared in-house and is simply good, honest and straightforward, as is the presentation. If you're expecting a garnish, this place isn't for you. But I think Tool's is worth the trip! read more

I ate at tools a while back and I haven't returned since due to the fact that the eggs I ate there made my face feel really weird. It was horrible and it lasted the whole day! It Definitely made me not want to eat there anymore.... And I don't even have an egg allergy so that's why it was strange. Also the food here is pretty good kinda average but as a whole it's not too bad. read more

I do not understand the negative reviews! We go to Tools at least 2 times per week because of the great food and the friendly staff/owners! All food is cooked fresh to order, and there are many choices for all taste buds! If you are looking for a fancy snooty dining experience, this is not the place. However, if you are looking for good food, a casual atmosphere and great service, you need to go here! Prices are excellent, and the place is very clean ALWAYS!!! bREAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER ARE ALL excellent!!!!! read more

My favorite place to go for breakfast and dinner. The service is friendly and the prices are great. My biggest suggestion.. try their cheesecake! read more

Not sure how anyone can criticize the folks who work here. My husband and I frequent Tool's and the waitresses and owner are the sweetest. I have watched them interact with their customers and they treat them like family. The food is homestyle, comfort food and always tasty! I have no complaints and look forward to every dinner there. Nothing fancy just "home cooked good food"!!!! read more

I had a great breakfast there today!!! Stopped in after exhausting myself doing the laundry at a very busy laundromat. Whenever my husband and I go in, it feels like home! The place has been around for longer then most of us remember! My Aunt loved Tool's and always took us there for lunch. The staff remembers you, and they greet you like a friend, and to us that's special! The breakfasts are wonderful, my favorite is 2 eggs over medium, hash browns, ham and a toasted English muffin there is plenty of jelly and butter, plus a nice cup of hot tea! Years ago, like 15 they weren't quite up to par, but over these past few years, they have rejuvenated the looks of the inside and it's all cozy, clean and a great place for a good breakfast or lunch....haven't had dinner there so I can't comment on that.....if you want to feel like you've gone home again go to Tool's! Couldn't be any better! We ate a good meal, and the bill is usually about 16. for two breakfasts! read more

I would give them no stars if that was an option. We had been there before and we I. The middle of a busy day so we stopped for a lunch break. They had a nice selection of luncheon specials so we ordered the soup and sandwich and the bbq chicken lunch. We had a 2 year old with us and we know that can go well or become a disaster--- she was very good this time. The lunch came with soup which was very good. It did not come with any crackers which we use to keep the toddler happy. I didn't bother to request any. My lunch came---- a ham salad sandwich. The bread was not stale but the ham salad was way more dressing than ham. The other meal came ---- this is where the huge disappointment came. The waitress put down a plate of 1 chicken leg--- not with the attached thigh/-- literally 1 tiny little leg. On the plate were about 20 French fries that were not hot or fresh. A few pieces of limp broccoli were also on the plate. I ended up giving half my sandwich to my companion because she was very hungry. The waitress came over to clear the plates--- she did not ask if everything was ok so I mentioned that we were very disappointed with the chicken meal. She quickly answered with --- that is the luncheon portion. ---The place is patronized by senior citizens ---- usually they know where the good places are----- nothing good about this dining experience. read more

My husband has good memories of this place but I think after last 2 times that is all it is...memories. SERVICE is fair...not memorable. FOOD is pretty terrible. Not really sure how they can mess up basic diner food but they do. Both my husband and son became violently ill immediately following hot turkey dinner...my husband was sick right there. No one appeared concerned. read more

Tools has been in Delmar for a long time. Unfortunately age does not become it. The food is mediocre and bland. The only memorable thing was how bad the coffee was... Dirty water. read more

We ate there months ago, but I still remember that it was not memorable. Average service, average American food.

My wife and I go to Tools fairly regularly. We always enjoy the food and the service is great. Nice variety, good prices and great specials. Always pleased. read more

Used to be a nice resturaunt. No refills on soda $1.95 a glass. Very limited menu, and the food is sub-standard. Presentation is not very appealing. read more

When im in delmar I bring my whole family to Tools. Tools breakfast is reasonably priced and in a great location. The breakfast is well portioned and everything is freshly made. if you want to have a quiet brunch with your family bring them to Tools. read more

I find it interesting that this is referred to as a "family restaurant." After several dining experiences with our 5 year old daughter, I determined that the women providing the serving do not take to the likes of children. Our last experience was unlike I have ever had in a restaurant... the owner and server were not aware I went to the restroom as my husband and daughter left and they proceeded to talk negatively about my daughter. Walking out of the restroom I felt very sorry for this establishment and will never return. To the woman that told my daughter "I sold your food to the dog", this one's for you. FYI, food is fair and slightly overpriced. read more

Tool's is a diner, and should be rated like one. It should be comfortable, clean, and serve the basics of American style fare. Tool's does that. My wife and son of 1 1/2 years were seated right away. The high chair was clean and sturdy. I was offered coffee before I sat down, and it arrived quickly, hot, fresh, and strong, and was followed by a well used coloring book and crayons for the kiddo. I ordered the veggie omelet, and our son had the kids cheese omelet. The omelettes came with juice, home fries and toast. My omelette was huge and filled with fresh tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, peppers and spinach. The kiddo ate his whole omelet and loved the wait staff, that doted on him. I've had better home fries, but as a total experience it was right on time. I would definitely eat there again. read more

It is a nice place to grab breakfast or catch-up with friends. Noting to fancy but consistent. Reasonably priced Friendly Staff. read more

St. Patrick's day commands corned beef and cabbage. Didn't feel like cooking my own so we went to Tool's for lunch. Excellent - corned beef had little to no fat (and I like the fat) but it was so tender and moist, not dried and stringy, like it can be. Carrots were bright orange, very fresh looking, celery and cabbage were perfect. Vegetables, including potatoes, appear to be cooked in broth but not left to stew in it. The taste was clean and fresh. Started with soup - pea or corned beef and potato. Being St. Patrick's day we went for the corned beef and potato. Very good, not salty or greasy. Wish I had a "take out" for later tonight. Rolls were offered but really I brought home my potato, the lunch portion was large. read more

French dip was very good... roast beef was tender and meaty. But it was hard to eat, as everything was piled on top of the bread (beef, onions, cheese), making it nearly impossible to dip into the au jus. My daughter loved her pancakes, but she's 6. I was VERY excited to get the last butterscotch pudding (who makes butterscotch pudding anymore?) until it arrived. It was in a glass that resembled a small orange juice glass, and was a grayish yellow color, watery enough to drink with a straw and had absolutely zero butterscotch flavor. It was a thick, drippy, grayish sweet liquid. Not really sure what it was made of. When I asked the waitress, she said it was made from scratch, so wasn't the typical pudding texture. Pudding is pudding and, however it's made (but especially from scratch), it should resemble pudding, not gray eggnog. She didn't offer to refund me for it, and didn't seem to care that it was gross, so I had the charge removed at the register. They had charged me $4.59 for this small glass of loose, sweet goop. read more

This has become my go-to place for Saturday breakfast. The eggs are always fresh and poached perfectly to my liking. The service is friendly, and most of the time, fast and efficient. The recent reupholstering of the booths has added a fresh touch. They clearly have a loyal, local following. Count me in! read more

I have eaten here twice last month and both times I felt sick all day. Service was very poor both times. I think I will take a break from this restaurant for a while. read more