Craving that classic diner experience with homestyle cooking that warms the soul? Look no further than Lincoln Street Diner, a beloved Ithaca institution serving up breakfast and lunch favorites in the Fall Creek neighborhood. This charming eatery, located on Lincoln Street, boasts a rich history, having first opened its doors in 1964 as Mae’s Diner. Through the years, it has evolved, becoming Bud’s Diner and then Ziffy’s, each era leaving its mark on the menu and the diner’s character. Today, Lincoln Street Diner stands as a testament to timeless diner traditions, offering a comforting and delicious escape for locals and visitors alike.
Start Your Day the Diner Way: Breakfast at Lincoln Street Diner
Breakfast at Lincoln Street Diner is an experience in itself, offering incredible value and a menu packed with all your morning cravings. For budget-friendly yet satisfying options, their breakfast sandwiches start at just five or six dollars and come complete with crispy home fries. Indulge in classic French toast or fluffy pancakes, or go for the quintessential diner breakfast combo: blueberry pancakes paired with perfectly cooked bacon and eggs made just the way you like them. We challenge you to find a more satisfying start to your day!
Okay, we admit, there might be one contender: the corned beef hash. Lincoln Street Diner’s version is a hearty and flavorful delight, especially when served with eggs over easy and a side of pancakes for the truly dedicated breakfast enthusiast.
A bacon cheeseburger on a plate with ridged potato chips and a Lincoln Street Diner coffee mug in the background, showcasing the diner's classic offerings.
Omelets for Every Craving and Daily Breakfast Specials
No diner menu is complete without a wide array of omelets, and Lincoln Street Diner delivers. Choose from classic cheese omelets, veggie-packed western omelets, savory hot sausage omelets, or hearty Philly omelets. For a truly loaded experience, try the Ziffy omelet, named in honor of a former owner and generously filled with ham, bacon, onions, peppers, cheese, and home fries. Pro tip: elevate your Ziffy omelet by adding a generous helping of sausage gravy.
Don’t miss the “daily breakfast special,” a comforting plate of home fries and cornbread smothered in sausage gravy. And for a weekend treat, Saturdays feature homemade Cajun sausage gravy, adding a spicy kick to your morning. Consider adding a fried egg or two to any gravy dish for extra richness. To complement your meal, Lincoln Street Diner offers a rotating selection of fresh muffins and coffee cake alongside their reliably good diner coffee, ensuring your morning is off to a perfect start.
Lunchtime at Lincoln Street Diner: Burgers, Sandwiches, and Ithaca Favorites
When lunchtime rolls around, Lincoln Street Diner shines with its satisfying and flavorful options. Their 1/3 pound burgers are a must-try, crafted with handmade beef patties and customizable with a wide range of toppings. For a taste of Ithaca tradition, opt for the Tullyburger, a local specialty featuring raw onion, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. For the adventurous eater, the Bo-Burger is a decadent choice: a cheeseburger taken to the next level with a fried egg and sautéed onions.
Beyond burgers, the menu boasts classic sandwiches like the BLT, grilled cheese, egg salad, and turkey club. The turkey club is particularly noteworthy, made with hand-carved turkey roasted right in the diner, ensuring fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Homestyle Comfort Food and the Friday Fish Fry Phenomenon
Lincoln Street Diner truly excels at homestyle comfort food, offering daily specials that evoke the warmth of home cooking. Look for dishes like comforting chicken and biscuits, classic roast turkey sandwiches, or full turkey platters complete with all the traditional fixings. Meatloaf, country fried steak, and freshly made soup are also regular features, providing hearty and satisfying meals.
Friday nights at Lincoln Street Diner are legendary for their outstanding macaroni and cheese and one of the best fish fries in Ithaca. Enjoy crispy, hand-battered haddock, or explore other Friday seafood options like fried clam strips or shrimp. Lincoln Street Diner stands out as one of the few places in the area offering fried clams, making it a destination for seafood lovers.
Lincoln Street Diner: Evolving with Time, Rooted in Tradition
Lincoln Street Diner has adapted and thrived through the years. During the challenges of March 2020, they expanded their takeout service and briefly experimented with delivery. They even added outdoor seating during warmer months. Despite changes in ownership of the building last year, Lincoln Street Diner secured a long-term lease, allowing owner Chris O’Brien and his team to invest in renovations. Recent upgrades include the counter and restrooms, and plans are underway to replace the tile floor this spring, ensuring a comfortable and updated dining environment while preserving the diner’s classic charm.
Currently, Lincoln Street Diner is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 7am to 1pm, serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays and breakfast only on Saturdays. Takeout remains readily available for those on the go. Visit them at 309 East Lincoln Street, conveniently located near the north end of North Aurora Street and just a short distance from the scenic Ithaca Falls. For takeout orders, call 607-216-1616. Experience the enduring appeal of Lincoln Street Diner – your Ithaca hometown comfort food haven.
