This location used to be a Pancake Cottage and I went there once. It was nothing special and I don't really remember my visit. The shopping center is not in a great part of town and they are sandwiched between a couple of very popular diners - Cookroom in Middle Island and Coram Pond Diner. Cookroom is only opened limited hours for some reason, so maybe Diamandi will get their overflow.
I went Saturday morning for breakfast and ordered scrambled eggs soft, crispy bacon and french fries. My girlfriend ordered eggs over medium and well-done corned beef hash. Their breakfast specials come with a (very small) orange juice, which is a nice touch compared to other diners who act like orange juice is a fine imported wine.
The food came in a reasonable time and we were both surprised with its quality and quantity. I remember the menu saying "large eggs" and they were not kidding. The bacon was actually cooked perfectly crispy, which is very rare. I usually end up with rubbery bacon even after specifying I wanted it crispy. The corned beef hash was well done on the outside but pink inside. My girlfriend would have preferred it cooked more thoroughly. The toast, fresh fries and hash browns were all great. No complaints there.
Total damage for a very hearty breakfast was about $18 + tip.
They advertise lunch specials for $6.95 and dinner specials for $9.95. They include salad and dessert.
The next day I went for lunch and ordered the Philly cheese steak. This was good, but not great. It seemed to be missing some zest. The roll, fries, and cole slaw were good though.
The service both days was good, but not great. The waitresses were friendly, if a little dry. They tended to be a little slow with the check.
The place was not very busy at all during either visit. I bet most people have no idea they are there. They are as good as the local competition and I hope they can survive. I recommend you give them a try.
Diamandi Diner
9920 Middle Country Rd.
Coram, NY 11727
P. (631) 320-1293
Coram, NY 11727
P. (631) 320-1293
Read more about Diamandi Diner here: http://www.idine.com/details.htm?merchantId=104208
UPDATE NOV 13, 2010:
I tried to go here for breakfast this morning and they are closed. There is a for sale sign up and no signs of life. I ended up going to the Coram Diner and it wasn't as good. I wonder if they were a victim of a lousy economy, bad area, or something else. I will miss Diamandi.
I tried to go here for breakfast this morning and they are closed. There is a for sale sign up and no signs of life. I ended up going to the Coram Diner and it wasn't as good. I wonder if they were a victim of a lousy economy, bad area, or something else. I will miss Diamandi.
