Eating in a small dining car used to be a normal event in America—not so much anymore. Luckily, Penn Yan Diner in Penn Yan, New York exists to keep that tradition alive. It’s a tiny lunch counter with big flavors, and it’s quite possibly the best small diner in New York. If you are in the Finger Lakes region of New York, it’s a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch.

Penn Yan Diner was manufactured by the Gallon Diner Company out of Gallon, Ohio and is a textbook illustration of the kind of prefabricated restaurants that were being made after World War I. Its current location dates all the way back to 1925. That’s almost 100 years!
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Since 1925, the diner has gone through plenty of owners and changes, but is still going strong today.
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The trolly-shaped diner style is seldom seen in America today. It is simply a row of seats, which is tiny by many current standards.
Mark Goho Google Reviews

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The breakfast menu at Penn Yan is full of staples done just right. Every meal can be supplemented with home fries or loaded tots, and many options can be tailored to be gluten-free or plant-based at the diner’s request. We recommend The Diner Classic, which is two pancakes or pieces of French toast with two eggs and either bacon ham, or sausage—your call. If that’s not enough, it even comes with home fries and toast.
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Penn Yan is open between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., seven days a week.
Darryl Clark Google Reviews
The diner's lunch menu is just as good as its breakfast menu. You can't go wrong with Penn Yan's reuben, which comes with diner-made corned beef.
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Don't leave without trying one of Penn Yan's diner-made pie slices or a chocolate milkshake!
David Rea Google Reviews

For a great meal in the Finger Lakes region of New York, you only have to look to Penn Yann Diner. It might be tiny, but it’s full of heart—and great food. It’s a perfect place to step back in time, and eat good while you do it. While you are in the town, consider checking out the Windmall Farm and Craft Market.

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Penn Yan Diner, 131 E Elm St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA