This place was definitely a must-go! Great service, clean and lively atmosphere, and the food was delicious. We couldn't believe the prices--we actually had to ask if the bill was correct! Went back today to dine in and once again, top-notch food. We'll definitely be back soon! read more

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The Rebel Chef says: Among America's best diners. Take that to the bank! First off, the name 'Chuck Wagon' is a nod to the Old West; where cowmen and cowboys used to pull along a wood wagon, which had many covers and a hatch in the back, where the cook would cut stuff, prepare meals & drink and prepare meat. This is a genuine name - do not ever get rid of this diner! Anything you could possibly want or look for in diner atmosphere: is right here. The atmosphere is professional and bright. The elder gentleman, quickly stopped at my table to say "hello". We spoke a few minutes about where we were both from and sports. I made a promise, to return - which I so far did not have time to. Now I will. And this is my review! My breakfast was epically badass! Truly. Totally and utterly and perfectly prepared. No burns. I ordered a poached egg, and that chef in the kitchen did it better than I would have. Better than me. So cool! Not only that, but my entire dish was flavorful beyond belief (see delicious pics). The eggs were 'country' eggs - they tasted soo much better. The sausage was also very unique and tasty - it was nicely roasted and had a nice sear. The casing was a throwback to when real butchers made real meats! Not the tofu, cardboard-meat that J-Lo, little starving millennials and Taylor try to put in our manly bodies. Real flavor! Real meat! Strong coffee! The service too, was so genuine, so happy and polite it was a breath of fresh air when compared to many places where waitresses have just blank stares and that 'deer in the headlight' ('got to pay my kids' bills because I married a dummy')-type brainlessness. It doesn't matter how you look, where you're from; if you are a biker in leather or a guy in a tie: you will get positive country vibes only and warm friendliness. Chris' Chuck Wagon Diner is awesome! I am thinking about going back tomorrow. The food is craftily made, eclectic in variation and tasty. Please order what is on the menu!! Epic place. Doing it right! Farmhands, workers and cowboys everywhere, love this place! Review: 5++ read more

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Everything we ordered was tasteless and not memorable. The girl serving us was attentive and polite. I don't think we will come here again

Good atmosphere, food and service. Reasonable prices. Doesn't get much better than that.

My old friend and I had breakfast at Chris's Chuck Wagon diner yesterday morning. I had the omelet with meat/cheese/and mushrooms. Also included was coffee...fried potatoes...toast. It was...very good and VERY reasonably priced. I think it was cheaper that going to McDonalds and getting something similar...if that would be possible. Service was great and plenty of coffee refills. If you are out in the area you might want to treat yourself to a good meal. Mr. Pete aging hippie read more

Wow! What a find. We stopped here shortly before noon for a late breakfast and were delighted to learn that other than waffles, breakfast is served all day. We absolutely loved the Meat Lovers Omelette with Cheese and the Sausage Patties. Very yummy. The service was quite friendly and prompt. And it's an authentic diner with a fascinating history written up on the front of the menu. We loved the decor and the tableside jukeboxes. If we lived nearby we'd be regulars but we're sure we'll be stopping by whenever we drive this route. read more

Perfect lunch spot when you're driving thru town. We enjoyed this step back in time complete with oldies hits and the solid aluminum exterior. The staff is very friendly and the all-American food is really good. Holy we stopped! read more

Chris's Chuck Wagon Diner - Corned beef Reuben w/fries and also a cup of Chicken Florentine soup! - Diners Near Me - Duanesburg, New York

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Love these old fashioned diners! Fun looking from the outside, colorful on the inside. The food was mediocre: edible but not anything amazing. We went for breakfast. Coffee was very strong and bitter (be prepared to put a lot of cream and sugar in it) and the home fries were mostly soft but the eggs and pancakes were great. I'm glad that we tried it but most likely won't be back anytime soon. read more

Chris's Chuck Wagon Diner - a green cup with a spoon in it - Diners Near Me - Duanesburg, New York

The Howdy Folks Chuck Wagon Diner is the gem of Princetown. We drive past multiple diners to go here because we love it so much. Food and service is top notch. I also love the charming atmosphere. read more

I had an excellent pulled pork sandwich, nicely spiced, timely served, pleasant atmosphere

Howdy!! The Chuck Wagon Diner has finally opened for business in Princetown, near the Route 20/Route 406 intersection. This classic diner was built in 1956 and originally located in Champaign, IL until it closed and sold in 1976. Over the years, this diner has been moved around to several locations in IL and MI. The current owners (the Ketchums) purchased this diner 3 years ago in MI and transported it to their property in Princetown, NY where it was renovated and restored. Also, the original Chuck Wagon Diner "sign" was sold in 1976 separately and the Ketchums purchased the "sign", reuniting with its original diner. The location of this diner is on the outskirts of Guilderland and Rotterdam on US Route 20, which WAS a pretty popular travel route back in the day, across Upstate NY and cross country across the USA (3,365 miles) between Kenmore Square in Boston to Newport, OR, the longest US route in America (I've driven to both ends-see my Yelp profile photo). US Route 20 bustled with restaurants, gas stations, motels, shops, and tourist destinations back in its heyday, but after the Interstate Highway System and NYS Thruway were constructed and opened, the traffic on US Route 20 sharply took a decline and became a very lonely and quiet road, some sections 4-lanes with no traffic. A lot of businesses closed and now look abandoned. I still drive US Route 20 between Albany and Syracuse (via Route 92) as my scenic and nostalgic "toll-free" route, lost in the 1950s. Okay onto the review! The Chuck Wagon Diner is open daily 6AM-9PM, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The interior of the diner is a flashback to the 1950s with classic decor including Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, colorful retro tile floors, a restored Seeburg 100 Selectomatic jukebox playing 45's (oldies) and an old telephone. The layout is cozy and comfortable with long lunch counter with stool seating and booths along the front windows. Each table and counter also has its own mini jukebox which plays oldies. There's also a back dining room with several booths. The menu offerings include the standard American diner fare including the typical breakfast items, soups, crisp salads, sandwiches, burgers, fried seafood, and diner classics (pork chops, Yankee pot roast, beef liver, roasted & chargrilled chicken, spaghetti & meatballs, chicken parm), and desserts (pies, cakes, jello, pudding, ice cream). Pepsi fountain drinks and Chris's Coffee served here. The prices for diner fare are pretty reasonable, most items under $11. On Thursdays, they have Corned Beef & Cabbage ($9.99). I stopped in here on the first day of breakfast service (they opened the night before). I was greeted by the owner and I could sit anywhere I'd like. I was offered coffee, which was very good. I ordered Breakfast Special No. 4 ($6.99): Our Own Homemade Corned Beef Hash, 2 Eggs, Homefries, and Toast. The portion of food was piled onto a good sized plate. The homefries were very good, fresh cut potatoes seasoned and grilled/browned with a good texture and flavor. The scrambled eggs were firm and fluffy. The wheat toast was very firm and chewy and not the typical generic bread loaf. The corned beef hash was alright and had a mushy texture with small diced potatoes like the canned hash, but it was not salty tasting like the canned hash. Real good homemade corned beef hash would not be mushy and have tender corned beef (sliced, shredded, or diced), fresh cut potatoes, and onions in some recipes. Anywho, the food was very standard breakfast fare, good tasty portion for the money. I needed a box to take the extra food home. I was not charged for the coffee on this visit. The service was attentive and efficient. I was given topoffs on the coffee and offered and given a cup of ice water before I enjoyed my breakfast, very much appreciated. The staff was very friendly. A gentleman who is documenting his cross country travels along the entire US Route 20, was also here enjoying breakfast, taking pictures, and interviewing the owner. Good luck! It's indeed a very long haul (over 3,000 miles) to US Hwy 101 in Newport, OR. I will have to return to the Chuck Wagon Diner of Princetown for dinner! I love nostalgia! read more

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My daughter said we should try this diner. She said breakfast was great. We'll we had lunch there and we were not impressed. We thought the ambience was better than food ! Very friendly service and seemed like a diner the locals patronized. Booths were not comfortable with cracked material on the seats. Lunch specials with reasonable priced menu. We ordered the fried haddock special, and a burger with fries. The fried haddock was somewhat burnt, the Manhattan chowder tasty that came with the lunch special. Also side of mac and cheese very good which also came with lunch special. My burger was dry and overcooked, fries tasty but not crunchy. I asked for mayo on the side and whatever brand they used, it was awful. Waitress brought us both dessert which we didn't order, wasn't sure if it was included with the meals. Some kind of coconut pineapple rice pudding which did not taste great, artificial flavor taste. Would try breakfast here another time. A friendly place which in my opinion needs to be spruced up in decor as well as food. Update: just had breakfast there, coffee is good, my omelette good and hubby's eggs up with home fries and a hard roll which hubby said tasted like a dinner roll. Said homefries were good . Breakfast was better than our lunch but actually nothing out of the ordinary. read more

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Loved the atmosphere. Service was great---always had a hot cup of coffee. We'll be back. read more

Chris's Chuck Wagon Diner - Diners Near Me - Duanesburg, New York

Have very recently begun to visit this lovely diner a lot. Staff and owner are so very friendly. Food is pefect and atmosphere is calm and relaxed with nostalgic photos of elvis and John Wayne in back dining area. Wherever you sit is great as it is a nice quant home style diner. Worth the stop read more

I stopped by here on St. Patricks day and picked up 2 dinners.the service is great and all the people are very friendly, But The Food was the best ever. This will be a regular stop for me for sure. If Dinners are this great.I wouls assume Breakfast will be awesome!!! read more

Chuck Wagon Diner is our favorite place to stop for lunch when in the Albany area. Besides hearty homemade soups and great sandwiches, the diner is family friendly, with a changing table in the women's restroom, and a Crapmaster 3000 in the men's restroom. The owners are very friendly and will often give kids a chance to play a song on their retro jukebox or even a toy or coloring book on your way out. If you're passing through, skip the crowded and overpriced Thruway rest stops and give Chuck Wagon Diner a try. You'll save yourself a headache and some cash in the process. read more

The food in this wonderful place is very well done and served by a very friendly professional staff! It really has a lot of character. It's like stepping back into the 50s. The wait staff is very attentive and really have a great sense of Humor. read more

Inexpensive quality food, daily breakfast specials and a amazingly friendly staff always coming around for coffee refills.

Chris and her staff know how to make great home cooked food. Try all the Belgium waffles, and lunch options. read more

Chris's Chuck Wagon Diner - Diners Near Me - Duanesburg, New York

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Old school diner with very friendly staff and delicious food! Loved the grilled bun that my tasty burger was served on. Some of the best sweet potato fries. My husband had the chicken club and it was fantastic. If they have it, try the hodgepodge soup! read more

THE CHUCK WAGON, on Route 20 in Duanesburg, NY, presents a bright, clean and colorful, 50's era decor. The seats are comfortable even for one with a back problem (such as myself). From there the experience takes a 'mostly' downward turn. Yes, the amiable owner is likely to greet you when you enter. And may also do so during your meal. And may also do so as you settle the bill. In between all these greetings, he remains in the dining room. Because the amiable owner is also the talkative owner, seemingly to the complete exclusion of managing the quality of the food. At 7:45 AM in the morning (they open at 6 AM, 7 days) you will be choosing from a two-page, slightly crowded, slightly over-sized menu selection. Of course, I realize this is not fine dining, it is comfort food. Unfortunately, the only comfort I took was a marginal one, from the "sausage gravy over biscuits", which is what I would order if I had to return the Chuck Wagon, which with luck I will not. The "sunny side up eggs" were overcooked, resulting in half the yolks congealed, and half the whites fried to a plastic hardness that stubbornly refuses a bite. When our second selection arrived, albeit both identical omelets (with mushrooms and cheddar cheese), my partner & I were given each other's plates. Okay, so all we had to do was swap his rye toast, for her wheat toast. And the mushrooms may have tasted of a number ten can, okay, this isn't fine dining. But in my opinion, there is no excuse, in the state of New York, NOT to use real cheddar cheese. It did not have to be New York cheddar cheese, but it definitely should have been more than cheddar-flavored processed cheese food, considering that the menu did advertise "cheddar cheese". I can (and do) make better at home, merely with real American cheese (two slices). I'll end with the home fries, and my second main disappointment. The potato cubes made for a marvelous, dare I say perfectly browned, presentation. Sadly, they were bland, with no seasoning whatsoever. 'Comfort food' is when one season one's own, I guess. I would much have preferred a flavorful spin. Owner, get off your dining room perch, and raise the standards in your kitchen. Put "New York Cheddar" on your menu. And ride your fry cook (like a donkey). With those two changes alone, you might have customers waiting in line for breakfast. Or, you could just continue to use the customers as your personal support group. read more

I have been here before in years past and I was not impressed with my last visit. It seemed like the service was off and the food looked to be heat and serve vs. home cooked. Was there a change in management?? It may have been an off night, so I am willing to go back and give it another shot. read more

First, to my friends in Champaign and Urbana, YES, this is the old Chuck Wagon from Champaign and the old Elite Diner of Urbana. The back room from Urbana is not there, obviously, but the place is still quite recognizable and in wonderful condition. In the 70's, 80's and 90's we spent much time at the Chuck Wagon and Elite Diners, and most of the changes are small enough that it still evoked strong (and good) memories of friends and food. It appears that today it remains a place where friends meet, It closes at 8pm, so it is no longer the place for late night "recovery food" before driving home, but it remains a place where one goes for good, cheap food. And, one more memory, the diner and the Chuck Wagon sign have been recently reunited. The building is a bit hidden from the road, between a garage and gas station, but stands out if you are looking for the shiny aluminum building. Parking is plentiful. The interior is clean, polished, and much as I remember. We took one of the seats along the front windows and felt right at home. We were greeted promptly and our order taken cheerfully and quickly. The food itself was wonderful given that it was diner food. (Please Note: I rate restaurants on a relative scale; this gets five stars as a diner, it isn't some haute cuisine place in downtown and anyone going there won't expect that, so I don't rate them against one another.) I was there for breakfast. It was a large but standard breakfast of eggs, potatoes, pancakes, sausage, and coffee. There was a ton to eat and it was all perfectly cooked. Granted, we could have given it a harder test, but we were just happy to be here so we had something similar to our old breakfasts when it sat outside the Courthouse in Urbana. Anyway, it is worth noting that the over easy eggs were actually and truly over easy. They had runny yolks and cooked whites. The potatoes were in small cubes ranging from one-half to one centimeter cubed. They had a nice brown crust and, for me, just the right amount of grease to make them flavorful and hold the pepper in place but not so much as to make me feel I was eating in a jiffy-lube. The pancakes were light and fluffy and served with whipped butter and syrup. The sausages were basic pork sausages, neither under nor over cooked, quite tasty and again, not too greasy. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to a relocated old haunt. I hope New Yorkers appreciate this gem.A blast from my own past, but also a great place to show kids and grand-kids the kind of places that used to be commonplace in America but are rapidly disappearing. I'll definitely return again if I am in the area. read more

Friendly, great service and great food. I understand the previous owner was a bit rough but Chris the new owner is a DOLL.

Nice people, great food for a good price. A nice old fashioned diner.

Well, the water was good. Other than that, it was the worst dining experience I've ever had in my life. To start, I had chicken soup with a salad. The soup was full of bones, and the chicken tasted like it was the lowest grade chicken possible. With the salad, you could tell the lettuce was old, because it was soft and didn't taste right. It only got worse with the Turkey Dinner. The stuffing was Stove Top, and the Turkey itself, you could tell was just prepacked sliced meat that was heated up. You could also tell that it was the cheapest canned gravy that you can buy. This place should be called "Up Chuck," not Chuck Wagon. read more

Wow! Our favorite diner, food wonderful, you get a ton, never greasy, food is cooked perfect and delicious. The prices are so reasonably, great for family on a budget. Staff is great, fast and friendly. You don't find places like this anymore. read more

Great food that I've always enjoyed! The atmosphere is very retro which makes a fantastic dining environment. You must try the burgers

Horrible. Absolute garbage. This is the worst food... you can tell that it's all cheap microwaved crap. The chicken I got was obviously sliced pre-packed chicken just heated up. HORRIBLE. Don't waste yout time. read more

I really like the Chuckwagon Diner! The food is very good, prices are very reasonable and everyone is so friendly there!

well after reading fayes review I must say how wonderful the chuckwagon is I went there thish morning. Upon entering I was greeted professionally and seated promptly. Menu is nicely aranged, and. Well varied like most diners. I vhad a mushroom and cheddar omlete( reall cheddar was used not proceesed u could tell by the way the chees was melted because if it was processed it would have been mushy but this omlete was not. It Had nice texture not dry by any means)also there was definately more than one slice of cheese homefries were seasoned well nor were they cubed you could tell they were from fresh hand cut not bought faye is a complete moron and doesn't know what is going on in the kitchen obviously. The person I was with ordered a chuck wagon breakfast. Their pancakes were nicely sized and fluffy and you got two! It also came with 5wo sunny up which were perfect not rubbery. Bottom line is I will be back the person above is definately misinformed nor is anything proccesed or pre bagged. Definately go to the chuckwagon for Sunday breakfast read more

This is as traditional as diners get! Tom and Sally Ketchum are warm, welcoming and so is their food! We are regulars and go there rain, wind and snow - and are never dissappointed! read more

We had breakfast here this morning. What a change from the previous owners. Very good food and service was amasing.

The Chuck Wagon Diner on Route 20 in Duanesburg, Has a 50's design. The seats were comfortable and the Diner is not busy with a wait to get in. The menu offers a lot of comfort style foods. My wife likes the Eggs Benedict, I'm a fan of the open face Turkey Sandwich. I'd recommend this Diner when looking for a new place to go, or travelling through Guilderland - Rt 20 area.. read more

When we walked into this diner, it was like taking a step back into the 50"s. The owners gathered the parts of this diner from all across the country and restored it to its original appearance. It was a labor of love. I ordered a fish sandwich that came with fries, a pickle, and cole slaw. It was $7.99! The fish was overflowing off the plate and I had to take home half. My husband ordered a meatloaf platter and also took home half his meal. Keep in mind that this is a diner, not a 4 star restaurant in NYC. That being said, this is the place to go if you're really hungry and looking for a bargain. read more

my wife and i have been there many times. the food is out of this world. i must say you have to try the bisquts and saugage gravey for breakfast. wowwwww.i copare it to down south and it is on the money. we were therelast sunday for dinner. tom greats you at the door and is very friendly. we watched him and his waitress help a elderly gentalmen out to his van and help him in. this man was ina a wheel chair. go ahead and go to the city and get this service. tha prices are fantastic and if you go home hungry there is something wrong. tom also has car cruizins in the summer on saturday nights. the place is usually packed. he goes out of his way for people. every one must try it. so check it out you won"t be sorry. bob and vickie read more

Well, I don't know what diner that second lady was talking about but she was not at the Chuck Wagon.. Me and my wife had moved up here a year ago and being new to the area we did not know where the good people and good food was..so we took a drive not to far from our new home and there it was the CHUCK WAGON DINER ..what a sight the Old Sign,the chrome trim around the diner just the whole look takes you back to the 50's an era I wish I was born in...So we walked in for the first time and was greeted by the owners Tom And Sally very nice . Me and my wife sat down and Paula the waitress came up to the table and asked us what we would like to drink and if we know what we wanted to eat I saw the hi ho silver burger that sounded great and my wife asked Paula about the Tuna Melt and Paula said it was one of her favorites among all the other great food on the menu ..I like a menu where its hard to decide unlike oh its to full ..So as we were waiting for our food ,Sally came over and asked us how are we and showed pictures and told us a little history about the area..what beats that when your new to the area..So then we get the food and boy it was GREAT !! So I noticed the jukebox and played some good music ...then I found out they have a CRUISE IN of old hot rods every Saturday 4-9pm and being a gear head myself I said moving here was the best thing we did ..So being near Great People , Great food and Hot Rods this is the GO TO DINER , So now when we have family and friends come up we take them right to THE CHUCK WAGON DINER!!! And guess what they wish they had one near them!!!! read more