Allston Diner

We went on a Saturday morning and didn’t wait more than 5 – 10 minutes to be seated. It was rainy out and the diner had a very cozy vibe. Our group really enjoyed the friendly service and delicious food. The menu had a wide selection and included lots of options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, which was a bonus! I also loved the Calvin and Hobbes covered tables and random coffee mugs. I think this will be my new breakfast staple in the neighborhood!

A nice neighborhood place with prompt and friendly service. Blueberry pancakes were delicious. Fluffy and moist. The home fries were an unusual twist, coming out closer to potato chips than the traditional chunks. Coffee was good. Will be coming back.

I love the location off Cambridge Street with easy parking on Cambridge or Harvard. I had the yummy waffle with sweet fresh blueberries strawberries raspberries blackberries (seasonal berries. Awesome coffee perfectly prepared potatoes the red breakfast potatoes sliced and fried Home Fries and Ham.
Open until 3 for Breakfast. I didn’t try the chicken and waffles but they look extremely satisfying. I’ll try ‘em next time
Oh the 3 servers and cooks are Lovely!

The chicken and waffles here are spectacular. First off the waffle is made with corn bread (points for that). Then I got bacon gravy on the side, which was just as delicious. It was the perfect compliment for the chicken and waffles. Everything came out fresh and hot, the chicken was huge. The bacon gravy, hot sauce, and maple syrup on top of everything made for the perfect bite.
I also had the «home fries» which be prepared isn’t your typical home fries. It came out like potato chips, I personally enjoyed them a lot but it could deter some people when they see that it isn’t like regular home fries.
Finally, inside is small. Probably about 10 tables or some that can fit 4 people max. Another nice touch this place has are the tables themselves. They’re all decorated with comics, the table we sat at was Calvin and Hobbes themed. If you come here, I definitely recommend the chicken and waffles with bacon gravy.

Fried chicken and waffles… or corn beef hash… or basically anything they make.
It’s all pretty baller, and the owner is super friendly, and one of the best servers I’ve ever met.

Allston Diner reinstated my faith in believing that I could find at least ONE vegan meal on the east coast that was SO good that I couldn’t find anything like it on the west coast. Needless to say, I had breakfast here back to back the last two days of my very first east coast trip, and it was the only restaurant I was impressed with the entire trip (this includes various restaurants in NY & MA). I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that I’ve resided in three of California’s largest cities, where a delicious vegan meal is so easily obtainable that you’re bound to gain weight if you don’t watch yourself and/​or workout on a regular basis. Which, to be honest, were my thoughts as I departed my beloved City of Angels for the east coast… I expected to return 10 lbs. heavier but instead returned 10 lbs. lighter. Weird to be complaining about that, right?!
But back to my review on Allston Diner! Cute little establishment with adorable and friendly workers and a damn AMAZING vegan breakfast. Each table has a different print on it (we sat at a table with vintage Peanuts comic strips!) and each table is also adorned with different salt and pepper shakers. TOO CUTE. My best friend and I ordered 1) breakfast plate that included tofu scramble, Texas toast, potatoes, a saus*ge patty, 2) pancakes, and 3) sweet potato fries… and every last bite of everything we ordered was truly and absolutely scrumptious. Both of us agreed that we hadn’t had a vegan breakfast (at a restaurant, at least) such as this one in years (and we’ve both been vegan for over 10 years). Oh, and the coffee is damn fine, also ;-)
Thanks for serving up a mighty vegan breakfast, Allston Diner. Will definitely be visiting again soon.

Good diner food. Great for breakfast. Even though it’s a small place, it wasn’t crowded on weekdays. Friendly quick service too. I’ll be back.

What a find! It is a little place not on the main drag but still on a busy street. I took a friend’s son the first time and we split a bunch of things like the bacon gravy biscuits, pancakes, and eggs. We loved the bacon gravy biscuits so much we had to order another biscuit to sop up the rest of the gravy. The last few times I have gone, I have gotten the Litchfield — brisket, cheddar cheese, collard greens, bbq sauce — minus the greens and it was amazing. The sauce works so well with the brisket and the cheese. It was so large, I have to take it home every time. It comes with bread and breakfast potatoes. I am not a fan of home fries or breakfast potatoes (would usually prefer fruit) but these potatoes are thinly sliced — almost like potato chips but not that thin — and roasted to perfection. My mouth is watering just thinking about it but I am out of town as I write this and will have to wait until I get back.

We’ve been coming to this place forever and at this point it’s atleast once a week now. Their tofu scramble is awesome, which is what I often get. Their vegan flapjacks with bananas is also amazing!
The service from the ladies working is always top notch. Heard a rumor they might try out opening for dinner soon?! Let’s hope so!!!

Came here for the first morning and got my regular diner food meal– 2 eggs over easy with bacon, wheat toast and home fries. I was delightfully surprised when it came out and the home fries were more like chips than potato chunks. They were seasoned well and crunchy.
The seating didn’t take too long but they can’t seat parties greater than four so I would probably just go with only one other person.

Hidden gem. Place is always packed when I come here! Don’t come here with more than 4 people because they cant really accommodate for you.
I’ve been here a bunch of times and the chicken and cornbread waffles is the one reason why I come here. It’s a MUST HAVE. And the sausage gravy is a must try that you have to have with the chicken and waffles. They have bacon gravy now too (haven’t tried it, but sounds good). You won’t regret getting the chicken and waffles! I promise.
I also order the cornbeef hash when I’m there. Their home fries are delicious, very seasoned and super crispy! They’re like little chips.
Service is sometimes a little slow, but worth waiting for! Staff are friendly. Can’t do take out on weekends!

There are many Dinners here in Allston, but not many or any come close to providing an amazing full experience as Allston Diner does. I come here as often as I can, and I am never disappointed. The décor and the service is great. Having Calvin and Hobbes or Spiderman Comic Strips painted on the table is soo clever. They food here is cleaver and not out of a box. Their homemade corn beef hash is not out of a can, neither is their regular corn beef hash. Their collard greens is vegan (no pig fat or anything else along those lines). Their pancakes and muffins are soo well done, moist and delicious. you just want to get one to go .
I always enjoy coming back here, In fact I may even go this week. I’m craving it just by talking about it.

Wow, this is what all i have to say, diners are to die for because of the comfort every place offer and allston diner really offers that. looking at Unilocal,it was either here or union, and allston diner beat it by half a star so i took a gander myself.
Nice homey type of place, just looking at it, it’s clear that it is a comfort joint that doesnt have up to date appliances, which isnt a bad thing. It’s exactly what I look for when I want to feel lm at a place where I can get a warm hug from just eating.
I had the chicken and waffles. In its description, it said the waffle is made of corn bread. I dont hate the idea, but I had a slight slight disappointment that it wasnt buttermilk. Maybe if i ask for it to be buttermilk instead, they would. but it really wasnt bad, it was definitely something new to try and its very unique for adding in that creativity. The chicken though, WOW. it was 3 large strips, putting it together can look as huge as a chicken breast really made the comfort eating it with the waffle. and their gravy? it says its an extra $ 2 and i was very hesitant because it would have to taste crazy good for it to be worth $ 2. and it was! maybe id be more comfortable paying just a dollar but you really cant eat it without the gravy. it really makes a nice kick to it.
why I had to take away a star, the price seem pretty steep. just like any other diners, they can fool you with seeing an item cheap (chicken and waffles were $ 11) plus adding a coffee and the side of gravy, it’s $ 18 with tip. kinda burnt a hole through my wallet. but I dont regret it. just giving a heads up if you like the full experience like i did. I would definitely come back and see if i can have buttermilk waffle instead

I’m from Connecticut. You think it’s the Nutmeg State, but it’s really Home of the Diner. The place is chock-​a-​block with them — Greek diners, Italian diners, Irish diners, retro diners — we got ‘em all, and some of them have been there so long they’ve become landmarks. My people know diners.
Allston Diner is not a diner.
Really that’s the only reason for two stars. They would have gotten three, with encouragement to try for four with some needed improvements, had they called themselves Allston Café.
Before you get all riled up over my opinion of the name, let me explain. In 2011 or so when a banner went up on the side of the building where Grain and Salt had been, all in turquoise and comic book font, advertising the coming of the Allston Diner, we were so happy. Allston didn’t have a proper diner! We used to have something close on Harvard Ave, but it burned down, and the Breakfast Club is fantastic but a further walk. So imagine our excitement to be getting a local diner. It was a bit odd that the banner proclaimed it voted «the best diner» in Allston, given that it hadn’t yet even opened for business, but we didn’t tug too hard on that thread. Eventually it opened, I want to say a year or so later, in 2012.
You know what a diner is for? A diner is where you and the cast go for midnight pancakes after the show. A diner is where you meet your friends for burgers & fries & milkshakes. You can get a patty melt at 6am or an omelette at 6pm. The coffee is strong, hot and always flowing. There’s pie & ice cream sundaes. There’s doggie bags.
You know when you’re not a diner?
When you’re open for 7 hours a day, 8am to 3pm.
When you have posted a strict rule limiting customers to groups of four or less.
When you run out of coffee and people need to wait for a new pot.
When you don’t have the stuff on hand to make the most classic of diner fare, a Reuben.
When you don’t do burgers. And when we asked about it we were told «too many people were ordering them and they got tired of making them.»
When you just don’t feel like packing food to go.
No pie.
No ice cream.
No milkshakes.
Sorry guys, protest all you want, but given all of that, this is no diner. The hours? Who is this place for? I’m looking at all these reviews and wonder why people have so much free time during the day. Are there really enough unemployed vegans for Allston Diner to make rent? 8am is much too late for the construction guys who breakfast at 5am to be on the job by 7am. Too late even for office workers who’re already on the road if not at work already. And closing by 3pm in a town like this, that really comes alive at night, is so weird. For a diner…
…if it were called the Allston Café, I might be saying this is an odd but charming little place that looks like it was decorated from the books and toys found in someone’s childhood bedroom, that serves breakfast and lunch only, and has a decent menu with a few standouts. The biscuit, the Autumn Salad and the Grilled Portobello Caprese Wrap are great. The eclectic menu includes some southern fare (brisket, chicken & waffles), loads of omelette options, and plenty of vegan choices such as seitan, vegan flapjacks and tofu scrambles.
That’s all true.
So go, if your schedule happens to line up with their brief day, and if you do not set your expectations for a real diner.

My wife and I have been coming to this place for the past three and yes I am now writing a review lol. This place is the best breakfast in Mass. I’ve been to a few other places and nothing compares.
The food here is phenomenal. Everything I have ordered has been superb. Even my wife who is now adventurous when it comes to food didn’t understand the chicken and waffle combination and the very first time we came here she not only just steal a bite from me but she stole my plate. I enjoy their potato hash very much. It’s very well seasoned and the hint of rosemary makes it even more delicoius.
All in all if you want a bomb ass breakfast or brunch joint this is the place to come. Parking sucks though because it’s a busy area it is hard to find street parking.

Great place with a different southern inspired menu. Had the omelette with braised brisket and collard greens. Terrific!
If you feeling like doing something different for breakfast this is a great option. We’ll definitely be going back

The food here is not too shabby. We ordered the chicken and waffles and the corn beef hash. Both were good but not mind blowing. Cheap though, so pretty worth it. The service was so so… But it wasn’t the fault of our waitress… She was the only one working all the tables. I would come back if I was ever in the area.

In the last couple of months, Allston Diner has become a part of my a Saturday routine. It’s everything I need from breakfast.
My two favorite dishes here are the 10 Dighton omelette and the Nutella garden pancakes. Both are a godsend — I mean it.
To try to get the best of both worlds (sweet and savory), Payton (one of the most friendly people you’ll meet) suggested I order the 10 Dighton with a side pancake and Nutella. This has become my default order. I prefer when the side of homefries are thicker/​juicier (instead of crunchy); and I skip the side bread because I don’t ever end up eating it.
A note to disgruntled customers:
The wait can be longer on weekends, but this isn’t IHOP, kids (no disrespect to IHOP).
Allston Diner a neighborhood establishment. The food is great, the staff is easygoing, and it has a naturally longer wait given its popularity and size. I strongly recommend knowing that you’re in for a wait when you show up on weekends at the busiest hours. Try not to be a jerk about it. Sit back, watch whatever ABC movie is on, and keep the door closed for the love of God — it’s cold outside.
The hostess has generally been very reasonable and kind, which I imagine is a tremendous feat of its own given the rudeness of some of customers.
/​end rant.
All in all, a great experience for the not-​so-​high-​strung. Who can resist great food and a table covered in X-​Men/​Spiderman comic strips?

I came here on a Friday morning at 9am and it was pretty empty. Sat down and ordered corned beef hash with two eggs, home fries and a homemade biscuit with a friend.
The absolutely love love love their home fries! I would come back and order a gigantic plate of home fries to eat as a snack. They are sliced thinly like potato chips, fried and tossed with lots of rosemary. It’s not too fragrant and deliciously seasoned for the perfect herb touch. The corned beef hash had the right amount of saltiness that went well with my eggs.
If you’re picking between the bread or toast options, just get the biscuit. Hands down. They are HOMEMADE! And why would you turn down a biscuit for whole wheat bread, something you can pick up at CVS. They make their biscuits fresh in the morning and they are super soft and buttery. It’s the best to eat them right when they come out for that warm biscuit effect.
The place is also really cute and I can’t wait to come back for their HOME FRIES!!!

I’m shocked that I haven’t written a review for this spot yet. Seriously. It’s outrageous.
Everything about Allston Diner is just RIGHT.
Don’t go on a Sunday morning at 10AM, you’ll probably have to wait. Aside from that:
— all the ladies who work here are so nice, and in a very sincere way. They care about the place, the food, and you and me, the customers, and it always shows. Bonus: they are stylish too. Double bonus: they refill coffee super fast and offer soy milk which they bring in a cute tiny cup.
— Unilocal check-​in offers frequently, and they accept level up which is a plus for me, because now I have a 6 $ credit there from that app. Not too shabby.
— oh right, the food… everyone I bring here falls in love with their plate. Be it the remarkably lovely chicken & cornbread waffles or the exquisite omelettes and vegan scrambles with tofu and/​or homemade seitan… everything I have had here just rocks. Plus I usually have extra to take home so really I’m fed for the whole day. The homefries are not the best, but they are still tasty with some ketchup.
I absolutely love this place and if you go at the right time it’s a very good place for a date — with beautiful natural light and a peaceful atmosphere. This remains my favorite breakfast spot in Boston.