Penny Man’s Diner

After reading several good reviews, I thought we should give this place a try. In short, the reviews were very wrong. The food was mediocre at best and the service was awful. It took a long time to get the sub-​par food and I felt as though I was an inconvenience to the waitstaff. Needless to say, I will not be back.

Definitely a dive as far as the location and ambiance… the food was good. Low prices and what you would expect for diner food. Fun place to try!

Really friendly and efficient service, delicious homestyle cooking and atmosphere. Definitely a new favorite.

This place is pretty much what you would expect. It’s sort of fun to visit because it feels a bit like going back in time. Inside you will find booths to sit in that seem to be from the 1950’s. Everything is pretty vintage looking, but clean and not off-​putting. The staff is friendly. There seem to be local types hanging out. The best advice to not seem like an outsider is to be direct, polite, to-​the-​point, and understated. Avoid eye contact with anyone except the staff, do not engage anyone.
I wasn’t thrilled with the menu or the food. I wound up spending more than I intended (over $ 10) for breakfast. The omelet I ordered was inexpensive, but didn’t come with anything except toast, so by the time I ordered a side of fries and some coffee it was approaching $ 10, and with a tip it was over $ 10. I would like if there were more combo options so I could get a better value. I would also like if there were more potato options, such as home fries.
The staff is very courteous. There is an eclectic sort of charm to the place, with funny things posted on the wall that imbibe a degree of character. Country music plays on the stereo, and biblical references adorn the walls. I find it amusing that this place, sort of being duck dynasty style, is right across from a strip club and place that sells sex toys (no judgement).
The food was on the greasy side, even for a place like this. Although it seemed fresh and decent enough. It was a little bit slow.
I would say that this place is good enough to try, but I would not make it my regular breakfast go-​to. Overall, I prefer Southern Café in Elizabethton which appeals to a similar sensitivity, but I feel executes a bit better.

The place is rundown, looks like locals eat there. We had to wait for coffee refills, the food was okay, eggs and hash browns, my bottom hurts from the torn up bench. Not too many breakfast spots in this town

I’m always looking for local places like this when I’m traveling. The food was enjoyable, service was fast, and the old school décor was spot on. Don’t pass up on this fun little diner.

This place is quintessential America. We were driving back from SC to DC, and decided we come on through Johnson City. My sister and I have a (wonderful) habit of seeking out little diners that are full of personality. We were not disappointed in this place.
There’s not much to it, y’all. But that being said, it serves good food and it serves it fast. The coffee was on point too, which is a prerequisite for an awesome diner. Like most diners, our breakfast was a steal of a deal. I think we made out with only $ 13.
Our waitress was pleasant and the decorations were quaint. Also, if you’re into this sort of thing — you definitely feel like a local going to Penny Man’s. We went extremely early in the morning and by the time we left, the place was packed with salt of the earth people. I’d recommend stopping by the next time you’re in Johnson City — supporting local business feels good!

This place gets 5 stars from me because it perfectly nailed what it was trying to be, a simple, old school country diner with simple décor, good family run service and darn good comfort southern style diner food. Although the place is old with dated Décor and yes even some duct tape on the old small booth seats it was spotless clean and great food and EXACTLY what I expected, they don’t try to pretend to be a modern place, totally cool though. I got 2 eggs over medium (that were ACTUALLY cooked over medium) with fried bologna and hash browns that were a little well done LIKE I ASKED for, my dad got the western omelet and he said it was great, low price, quick service, great food and would highly recommend, just make sure you understand it’s an old school poor mans diner, AWESOME

Penny Man’s has no curb appeal, but the adage «don’t judge a book by its’ cover» applies here. Sure, the booths are sagging and adorned with duct tape, and the hot pink walls-​with-​teal trim may damage your vision, but at least the tape is color-​matched to the upholstery!
My breakfast was decent, though the over-​easy eggs arrived over-​medium. Bacon was thin but crispy (as I prefer it) and the optional bowl of grits was swimming in better. Fresh orange juice amd whole wheat toast rounded out my meal; under $ 5 total, minus tip. If you want a good, simple breakfast this is a good place.

Great food, great people. Breakfast the way it should be done. If you look for local places that the locals go to this is it.

Great people, friendly and the way country breakfast should be!

Modest setting, but very friendly people and delicious food. Country breakfast done just right.
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