UPDATE: Six days after my initial review, I had to drive the 20 miles from my house to get breakfast so that I could again enjoy the crispy homemade Corned Beef Hash I've dreamed of all week? It's that good. Food quality/price (value) rating 10. The atmosphere is classic family friendly diner. I stopped here after I just happened to pass by while headed to a friends house and decided I could eat some breakfast. I'm very happy that I did. The place was bustling on a Saturday morning and I was probably lucky to get a seat at the counter. By the time I had finished breakfast, there was a waiting line out the door which is always a good sign. The owner and Griddle Master, Peter, and his wife Stephanie, have operated this diner at this location for more than thirty years! I had the breakfast special of two eggs, HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF HASH (like striking gold), homefries, and bakery fresh rye toast - incredible! Probably the best breakfast I've had in years, seriously. The corned beef hash was properly crispy, as were the homefries, which rarely occurs at most diners even when requested. There were at least five people keeping the customers happy, and the staff and customers were all friendly and talkative. That is a bonus found only in small country towns like Southbury, a small New England postcard quality town right off Interstate 84 exit 15. If you're looking for a truly old time experience that is rare these days, run here as soon as you can. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed! I will be bringing the wife back very soon. Closed Mondays. read more

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We decided to venture out a bit and landed at Laurel Diner in Southbury... The food was fantastic and the service was even better. Pete, the chef, clearly knows his way around a grill, and the whole staff was incredibly friendly and personable -- the kind of place where you feel like a regular even if it's your first visit. Great food, great people, and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend stopping in! read more

Laurel Diner - Crab Benedict - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

Great Breakfast food, clean and good service . Whole family enjoy their food. Omelette were well made with fresh ingredients home fries were cooked to perfection. Delicious pancakes, and waffle. read more

Stopped on a road trip- pre ordered w/phone call. Quick, friendly, clean and delicious! Bagel sandwiches (not pictured were also delicious!! **reminder cash only** read more

Laurel Diner - Micky pancake w/nutella - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

Small spot that the locals seem to frequent. Nice and warm inside and welcoming on these single digit days. My hubs ordered a BLT club and I got the smaller cheeseburger. Both came with fries. Both required two napkins...messy deliciousness. Hard to get out of the parking spots. Requires patience but worth the stop. read more

Laurel Diner - BLT Club - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

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Get the chicken philly....you will not regret it. It was my first time here, but you'd never know it. Every staff member greeted me with a smile and treated me like I've been coming there my whole life. Truly some of the kindest and most accommodating people. Inside you will find classic diner vibes..very cozy and clean. I cannot wait to come back! read more

Laurel Diner - Chicken Philly - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

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Great small diner (about 6 tables for 4 and 12 counter seats). Much better than typical diner food with a ton of options especially for breakfast. They make their own hash which is available in many different dishes. The guys behind the counter were very friendly and our waitress was personable and attentive. My wife gave the reuben a 10/10. read more

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I have traveled the US cross country five times. Any time I would stop at a restaurant to eat and the menu had a Rueben I would order it. I lived in Lake Tahoe California for over a decade and had the luxury of working with amazing chefs and I have had some pretty good Rueben's along the way. Nothing compares to Pete's Rueben. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Also, I have never worked for people as hardworking and kind as Pete and Stephanie Homick. You know they care about every single person that comes in and every plate that goes out. It shows. Come in and enjoy it for yourself. I have no doubt it will become an instant favorite. read more

10/10 food. It was so delicious. And as you can see hefty portions. My boyfriend asked for two extra eggs which is why he has four. Very good! Make sure to bring cash and see if you need reservations. read more

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We like to make weekend visits into Southbury for shopping dining, etc. This morning we decided to check out the breakfast and this place came recommended from a neighbor. Went about 9:00 am on. Sunday. Note it is cash only! Place is typically small diner very clean. Staff was excellent and efficient. Had a great breakfast and the homemade hash was great. read more

Laurel Diner - Hash and eggs with hash browns. - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

This was my first time here. I ordered the apple fritters French toast and my friend ordered the Irish eggs Benedict. They were definitely busy, which obviously is a good thing. We waited for seats for about 20 minutes.. not too bad for Sunday. The food was good. The coffee was good. The place was super cute. read more

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Food - Excellent; Service - Good-Very Good (server dependent); Ambiance - small/Tight but it's a classic (and I use this euphemism lovingly) greasy spoon with great breakfasts, awesome homemade hash, great hand pressed burgers and really friendly owner and staff. Love the place. read more

Origin: Laurel Diner opened in 1949 in the then rural community of Southbury. In close proximity to an interstate highway and several strip malls five decades later, Southbury community residents Pete and Stephanie Homick took on the diner's ownership. Pete has since mastered diner staples and serves as cook, while Stephanie serves as manager. Concept: Classic American diner experience: only serving breakfast and lunch, situated in an original diner car (limited seating). Experience: A long counter flanks the grill and beverage stations, with a parallel row of table seating by the window. Exposed fluorescent tubes starkly light the interior, off set by streams of natural light after dawn. Within a short period after opening, the diner is bustling in action, with many regular local customers populating the counter and chatting with the cook, servers, and fellow customers. Menu items and prices are described with markers on the glossy, white surface that encases the diner's interior. Despite being resolute in my choice, this forced me to learn about and be enticed to return to try other options as I waited to receive my order. (Chocolate chip Cannoli-stuffed French toast and banana pecan praline pancakes with sausage beckon!) I also imagined what the surroundings looked like when the diner opened and located 1952 aerial images from UConn's archive through my cell phone (see attached). Top Menu Item: Laurel Diner was recognized in 2022 by Food & Wine magazine as the best diner in the state of Connecticut. Past accolades have drawn visitors to the freshly-made corned beef hash. And that is what I came to experience at 7 AM on a winter Sunday morning... The corned beef hash arrived shortly after I ordered and steaming hot -- literally. Two over easy eggs (as requested) were draped over the hash, and crisp cubes of potatoes and the buttered rye toast were placed along side. The meal was better than anticipated, and I can attest that the accolades for this dish are valid. A cup of refillable coffee (now costing $2.95) was ordered to complement, and was served in a white glass mug speckled with local ads. Tips: Laurel Diner only accepts cash. Coffee is typical American diner coffee -- very weak in flavor, but generously refreshed. For those accustomed to (or needing) stronger coffee, pick up a cup at Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks across the street. Open until the early afternoon. Check hours. Can't get enough of their morning corned beef hash special? Try the afternoon manifestation-- the Laurel Reuben sandwich! read more

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Hot food, great prices and friendly atmosphere. Fast service is always there. We have gone to this diner since Pete opened it up. He has a large following and is very friendly. He is the owner with his wife. Can't beat their "HOT" food. read more

Wife and I had the pleasure of coming here day after Christmas and what a great time we had. There were only 2 seats available when we arrived, but what a stroke of luck, they were at the counter. Let the show begin! Watching this crew maneuver around this retro diner is like watching poetry in motion. The food is yummy, vibe is homey and relaxed. Would not suggest here if you're in hurry, but do grab that counter seat... read more

Laurel Diner - Enjoy the Show - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

We came here while we were in town for a wedding and it surpassed our expectations! Food was amazing, service was kind and friendly. Lots of coffee refills and pancakes were fluffy with a perfectly crispy bottom. Crab cake Benedict was to die for! Highly recommend. CASH ONLY no ATM. read more

Have been coming for years and cannot find a better breakfast or lunch anywhere else. The staff and owners make you feel like family. The ambiance is homey and old school- which I LOVE. I just love everything about this place. If you haven't eaten or gotten takeout from this place you are missing out! read more

Great little spot with amazing food and friendly and fun staff! We will be back! I like sitting at the counter to watch the action!

first time here. corned beef hash does not disappoint. house made & they're known for it. old school diner. cash only. read more

Laurel Diner - corned beef hash & swiss grilled cheese on rye. delicious. hash is housemade! very hard to find these days! - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

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What a great spot! Their omelettes are fantastic and the staff are super friendly - my boyfriend made several changes to his order and they didn't even blink - always a smile and always a full coffee cup!!! We are so happy we discovered them ... can't wait to go back! read more

Parking is tricky and expect a wait but to me that means it's going to be good. The smell made me want everything. I ordered the Irish Benedict which is corned beef hash on top a English muffin then topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Everything tasted so delicious. I'm very picky about my hash and this was great. I loved watching everything prepared on the griddle. The home fries always taste better on a griddle. read more

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It's not exactly local to me, but I've been there three times. The meal was very good, proportions were a good size and I sat at the bar and the chef was so very friendly. They also have a wide array of breakfast items. I went there for breakfast each time. I would highly recommend it. I would certainly go back. It's a small place so if you catch it during its busy time you would have to wait. It's worth it. read more

I went there because of the rave reviews. Sat at the counter. Not impressed. The service was ok. The food was ok. Nothing special. Kinda turned off watching the cook handle finished food with the same spatula that he had just used to place raw food on the grill. It's a local relic. I get it but it's just another hole in the wall dinner. read more

I got food poisoning from there. I was really sick. But you can make your own opinion.

Great little dinner. Attentive staff. Good coffee. The raisin French toast was amazing!

First time here! Phenomenal food and great service!! The California Eggs Benedict was amazing, with the best hollandaise sauce we ever had! The triple berry french toast was perfect. And to top it off their coffee is delicious, not too strong. Sarah is a sweetheart! A small quaint diner. You won't be disappointed! 5 Stars! read more

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Great little diner. It's always busy so be prepared to wait. I usually go on off hours during the week so wait time is minimal. Love to watch the grill chef - he is a master! read more

I feel a little guilty leaving a review for Laurel Diner. Their menu is filled with all these wonderful things that look simply delicious. Every time I go, I look upon them and consider what I might be in the mood for today. Then the time comes to order and inevitably the same words come tumbling out "Homemade Hash, please". I mean, how could I not? I didn't even think I liked corned beef hash before coming to Laurel. It's there that I learned that I don't like BAD corned beef hash and they make the best in the biz. So, go to Laurel and get the hash. Life's too short to get egg whites and spinach anyway. read more

Laurel Diner - Homemade Hash - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

The very best I look forward to every morning I can make it their for breakfast The best blueberry pancakes EVER read more

Got takeout breakfast and it hit the spot. Two eggs, potatoes hash, rye toast. Plenty of food to fill you up for the day. My ordered a waffle with strawberries and whipped cream and he enjoyed it. read more

Laurel Diner - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

Quaint little spot on Main St. 'Intimate' seating. Friendly staff and patrons. Warm country feel. read more

Laurel Diner - Soooo many options for eggs benedict!!! - Burgers Near Me - Southbury, Connecticut

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If you are looking for typical American food this is the place. Very friendly stuff, And very nice amount of tasty food read more

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Still 5 stars!! I had a day off during the work week so I visited Thursday with my brother, and Saturday with my fiancé. Its a 15 min ride each way (30 min total) but I still did the drive twice in in one week. I wish they could move to just a little bit of a bigger spot with more parking. No matter what time I visit Laurel - Thursday morning at 8am, or Saturday early afternoon at 11:30am its hopping. I so badly want to try there oreo pancakes with nutella but I cannot seem to resist the eggs. Today I had a bacon and cheese omelette with hashbrowns and toast. Plus I ordered a side of their homemade corned beef hash. Even though I had a ton of food I cleared my plate. My fiancé is a huge eggs Benedict fan and he thought it was unbelievably good. My next visit will be with my Dad because he will be talking about Laurel Diner for months after going there. Check my first review from four months ago for my details about the food and check out my pics. Laurel Diner is a must try in Southbury! read more

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Awesome little hole in the wall. It's a tiny place, so be prepared to wait if it's a busy day - it'll be worth it. I had the huge breakfast special and I didn't wind up needing to eat the rest of the day. Heads up that you'll need cash - they don't accept credit cards. read more

Came here a few years ago based on a recommendation and we enjoyed it but at the time, it was a hike for us and honestly closed too early as they serve only breakfast and lunch and wrap it all up by 2:30. Well, we have moved and finally got a flashback of this place and man, what have we been missing!!! Hands down best ever corned beef hash and the best home fries - as a matter of fact, when requested well done, they are indeed well done with incredible flavor-their english muffins are even excellent. The owner brings all the orders to fruition on his well controlled griddle and his sweet and dotting staff handle the cash carrying crowds effortlessly. Yes, this is CASH only joint and i do tend to bitch about that but this place i will never bitch about as long as they keep creating their culinary magic! And the menu-vast and so much to pick from! See you next Saturday laurel! read more

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Simple and fantastic. Always on our to-do list when we visit family. People are friendly and the food is out of this world. Highly recommend

Shame on me for not taking pictures! This place is a true gem! The owners are there doing everything on their traditional diner style open kitchen. The corned beef hash I had is made from their made on sight corned beef. It was outstanding. Served with two eggs which were a beautiful over easy as well as homemade hash browns and I opted for rye toast. My kids ordered the same thing. The patriotic cannoli pancakes. Two pancakes w blueberries and strawberries stuffed with cannoli cream. Truly delicious. Sweet yes, but not cloying, which I must admit is what I expected. The fruit helped to give a nice fresh pop. The pancakes were tender and delicious. A brunch masterpiece. It is a small place, wait can be long on weekends, but head over to the cute gift shop next door and shop while you wait. It's definitely worth a visit. read more

Restaurant is small in size but large in flavor. Known for their corned beef hash, it did not disappoint. Service was good. Just know that they only take cash. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. read more

The best in town! Go super early or after 11:30 it's usually very busy because it's so good!

A little gem in Southbury. The Lauren Diner makes some killer breakfast but expect a wait. They are very popular on the weekend. Small diner and a bit cramped but the food is really good and it is worth the wait read more