This small little diner made a big impression on us today! We came about midmorning on a Saturday and were lucky to get a table. When we mentioned that it was our first time, the waitress offered to introduce us to everyone. We declined, but it definitely added to the "Cheers of diners" kind atmosphere. When my BIL ordered white toast, the waitress, in a friendly, motherly tone said, "Are you sure? Because whole wheat is better for you and rye doesn't taste like cardboard, I promise." My husband had a great plate of sausage gravy, biscuits and homefries, the kids split pancakes and eggs, I had french toast (very much like what I make at home...in a good way), and BIL had an omlet. The service was fast (which we love with 2 young kids in tow) and the food was great. We'll definitely be back! read more

I can't believe I have gone to school in Ithaca for 3 years and this is my first time here. This place is a gem! I had the cornbread and home fries with gravy and my mom had a single (large) blueberry pancake with 2 eggs. I had never had cornbread and sausage gravy before, so that was a new and delicious experience. Sweeter than biscuits and gravy. The pancakes and eggs were what you would expect from a classic dinner. The atmosphere is friendly and clearly a local hangout. The staff knew half the customers names, which is really nice. The restaurant is pretty small, but that defiantly adds the the very personal experience. The food came out so fast! Like the same amount of time it takes to make a pancake the food was out. And the place was full! Finally, you can not beat the price. We spent $11.45 on the whole breakfast. A great price for a great meal. I will be back! read more

In my mind, there are two type of diners. There are greek diners, which are large, sparkling and have massive menus. Then there are greasy spoons, which are essentially the opposite but strangely charming because of it. I have always been partial to a good greasy spoon, and the Lincoln Street Diner is the best I've ever been to. As an undergraduate at Cornell, the Lincoln Street Diner was my refuge when I needed to escape academia and be around normal people for a little while. I became a regular at the Lincoln Street Diner not only because the diner is run by a great group of people and because it is cheap but also because the food is damn good. Expect standard diner fare and you will be pleasantly surprised. They do staples superbly (Friday Fish Fry, Meatloaf, etc.) but the owner Chris can also get creative with the lunch specials and offer some very interesting, tasty dishes (be sure to keep an eye out for his stuffed burgers). For lunch, my recommendation is to go with whatever is on special and be sure to get a soup. You can get a soup in lieu of a side which can make for a cheaper and healthier meal. If you go on a Saturday for breakfast, expect a bit of a wait as it will be packed. In sum, there will always be a soft spot in my heart for the Lincoln Street Diner. It is the Cheers of diners. (There is even a mailman that is a regular: #CliffClavin.) My only regret is that I didn't find it sooner in my time at Cornell. read more

A true Ithaca native find: cheap eats and homestyle flair. Most of the breakfasts come with fresh coffee and homefries, the muffins are warmed, split in half and served with butter, and you can get fresh pie a la mode where the servings of ice cream are bigger than your pie slice. Patrons generally appear to be regulars. They come in groups bearing children, grandchildren, old friends and new girlfriends. They all seem to know the waiters and the cooks. Everyone discusses their personal life and passes photos around of their kids. It's intimate. But come early, because the seats fill fast and the wait can be awkward; people appear hard-pressed to leave. It probably doesn't help that a check never comes to your table; you approach the register when you're ready to deal with payment. Until then, enjoy the local fever. read more

My favorite greasy spoon serving homemade breakfast and lunch. Especially love the Cajun gravy available only on Saturdays. Expect to wait as it's small and very popular. Just wish they were open on Sundays. read more

Lincoln Street Diner - Check out the crispy edges on the home fries. YUM - Diners Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Only thing good about this place was the coffee and the nice guy that served the coffee, who wasn't even supposed to. Our waitress saw us sit down, looked us straight in the eyes a million times when we were ready to order, and decided to just ignore us for 15-20 minutes and serve the people she already knew in town, who came in after us. But even with bad service, usually the food makes up for it. Not here. If you're looking for a traditional diner, especially if you're visiting from Jersey, you'll be extremely disappointed. Never knew someone could mess up a simple omelette and home fries, but this place did. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. read more

Food was good, service was reasonable, parking was relatively easy, but unfortunately this place gave me stomach issues. SORRY for the TMI, but I liken it to my first year at college where I had constant stomach issues due to getting used to whatever they cooked the food with. So, no I won't be going back. read more

Lincoln Street Diner is the townie's answer to Cafe Dewitt for breakfast! Here you will find delicious omelets and home fries, perfectly cooked bacon, tasty coffee and the ultimate guilty breakfast pleasure: SAUSAGE GRAVY....all at totally reasonable prices. You will not find pretense or wacky upscale brunch concoctions made with obscure expensive ingredients at outrageous prices. (Don't get me wrong....I do appreciate such things at times.) The service is great...I agree with the other reviewer that Erin is a riot and makes you feel like an old friend the second you sit down. Lincoln Street Diner is definitely worth seeking out....but I wouldn't feel too bad if you didn't since it already tends to be crowded! read more

Lincoln Street Diner is a local joint. When we walked in, the only open tables were covered in dirty plates so we stood there looking around the place. There were 3 tables open but they were dirty. An obvious regular said "You better sit down before them seats get taken by someone else..." I loved it- what a riot. We sat down at the least dirtiest table and then the waitress came over and cleaned it up. (That's the way it works, once you sit down, the mess gets cleaned up, and you are offered coffee). Food was alright- nothing special for me (a vegetarian doesn't go far here) but it was very well priced and delicious all the same. I had two poached eggs, wheat toast (covered in butter, yum, but if you don't want butter you must tell them in advance), and hash browns. After (or before) a meal here, go around the corner for some sick waterfall viewing! (There are two short walks just a few blocks from the place) one up Ithaca Falls, the other up Cascadilla trail read more

This is my No. 1 favorite place to grab breakfast in Ithaca. For $4 you get coffee, toast, two eggs, and hash browns. For only a few dollars more you can order something called MAMAS WRAPPED IN BABIES, which is an omelette with diced buffalo chicken inside of it. If you are an ultra glutton for punishment and you go early enough on a Saturday you can get your Mamas Wrapped in Babies SMOTHERED IN CAJUN SAUSAGE GRAVY. Oooooh it's spicy! Additionally, the waitstaff team on Saturday is especially welcoming and funny :) This is not the place for you if if you need a place to be pristine. This is not the place for you if smelling like a diner for the rest of the day is going to ruin your day. This is not the place for you if you are allergic to bacon. Protip- They are closed on Sundays. read more

Awesome local diner in Fall Creek. Reliably good, unpretentious, and cheap eats. Loved the Cajun Special: fried potatoes and a cheddar biscuit drenched in a Cajun sausage gravy ($6.75). Best of all, Lincoln Street diner has loads of character, something​ sorely lacking in Ithaca restaurants. read more

Lincoln Street Diner - Cajun Special ($6.75) - Diners Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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This is a hidden gem in Ithaca. Had the sausage gravy home fries, with eggs, bacon and toast. Probably the best breakfast I have had. The sausage gravy home fries were especially tasty. Pancakes were pretty good as well. Will definitely be back. read more

It's because of this place that I now always try to do my laundry on Saturday mornings at Fall Creek Laundromat because I can just go next door and get a great breakfast while waiting for my clothes to wash. They are famous for their Saturday morning special, the Cajun sausage gravy over biscuits. Simply put, it lives up to the hype. You get some cheddar biscuits and some potatoes, completely smothered with their amazing gravy with chunks of sausages mixed into it. It's a bit spicy but not overwhelming. Shameless individuals would probably lick their plates clean. Not only that, but it comes out to around $6. The earlier you get there, the better. I once tried going in around 1 and the place was packed with a short line, which would have prevented me from being seated before the place closed at 2. I heard they run out of certain items by then anyway. I always go around 9-10 though and seating is easy then. The staff is very familiar with the local neighbors and you'll see them joke around with those people a lot. They're pretty nice and attentive to all the other guests as well so you'll have an enjoyable experience here with them. read more

Lovely diner, awesome food and the best service ever... Stopped by on a lazy afternoon for brunch and thoroughly enjoyed the food... The folks here were super friendly and offered us some great tips for places to go to I the vicinity... read more

Old school small local dive diner, griddle at counter. Mixed re service: We walked in w family and there was one available table that was still full of dirty dishes. As we waited to sit, some totally rude dude came in and sat at "our" table. A waiter removed him, yay! and seated us. Meanwhile, rude dudes group arrived and were seated at a newly open table. Ultimately they finished their meal before we even ordered, hmpf. As for food: nothing special, as expected, kinda. We left with our bellies as well as our hair and skin full of grease. Gimme a Tums and a shower, and I'll be fine. read more

Let's set the scene: you are walking around Ithaca way early in the morning because reasons, and you want food. Your expectations are lowered but that's okay. This is a viable option, at least until you reevaluate your life and the reasons you end up stumbling around freakin' Ithaca like that. read more

There is an unfortunate reality in the truth that places like this are on the decline. Support this place! From the music (circa 1920's through 40's jazz) to the conversations I'm overhearing as I write this, everything here simply works. The food is simple, standard diner fare, served with a kind of dedication to the craft often overlooked when the average is $10 or less for a meal. Great people, great food. I'm leaving Ithaca once again with a full belly and heart. read more

Was searching for a local diner while visiting Ithica and Watkins Glen and stumbled upon this gem. Service was excellent, as was the food. The chef knew everyone that walked in and greeted them as if they were family. Highly recommend to anyone visiting this area. read more

Came there one morning for breakfast. Had the philly omelet, which tasted very satisfying while not as oily/greasy as I thought. Portion size was large, enough for two meals. read more

So this is a small older décor diner. It is fair quality but a little out of date. I ordered the veggie omelette and wanted egg beaters or egg white substituted, they offered neither. Asked for "Dry" wheat toast, it got buttered but they promptly replaced it. Went to pay and I was unaware there was a $10 min credit card requirement, after getting the boss, they ok'd it. Tips only in cash! OK.. if I had cash I wouldn't have had to use my credit card, I was in town for work and don't carry cash usually. read more

I just moved to Ithaca a few months ago, and have quickly become a regular at Lincoln St. The staff is friendly, funny, and make it a point to remember your name and just how you like your eggs. It wasn't long before I was eating with friends, that attitude really contributes to the "diner atmosphere" you get just walking in. The food is delicious and affordable, I rarely spend more than ten bucks (tip included) By far, the best diner around imho. read more

Cajun sausage gravy over homefries and biscuits is the king of all breakfasts. Probably the king of all meals. I am vegetarian, but I make an exception for Lincoln St. Diner's gravy. Atmosphere is a major contributor to the experience. read more

Great place on a quiet street in Ithaca. Had the mac and cheese bacon omelette: incredible. Friendly service and quick, even though it was busy when we arrived. Overall a great breakfast spot and we will definitely return again!! read more

Lincoln Street Diner - Mac and Bacon With Cheese Omelet, Toast, Homefries - Diners Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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The famed biscuits and gravy ran out way before we got there, but thankfully the corned beef hash and homemade mac 'n cheese lived up to the hype. The coffee and coffee cake were a delightful end to a satisfying meal. The servers were nice, especially the girl that filled our coffees and waters, so remember to tip well. Clean, friendly, cozy local diner. *Walk through the quaint neighborhood to nearby Ithaca Falls. read more

Local favorite. Small & not where you would expect it, but our breakfast was delicious. Coffee was strong just how it was intended to be!! read more

Lincoln Street Diner - Western Veggie Omlette - Diners Near Me - Ithaca, New York

A small hole in the wall place that doesn't look like much but great food, fast service, and super cheap! They were great at accommodating our group of 7 and had huge portions. read more

Chose the Lincoln Street Diner after searching Yelp for a good Ithaca breakfast spot and reading about the Diner's sausage gravy. Sat by the window at the counter with my daughter and she was pleased to find and electric socket to charge her cell. I had the combo sausage and Cajun sausage gravies severed over biscuit and home fries - a skunk in diner-speak because the two gravies form a stripe. The combination of the two gravies was savory, spicy and delicious with perfectly cooked home fries and a max-flaky biscuit. What a breakfast! Many thanks to all the Yelp members that shared this one. And many thanks to the Lincoln Street Philly Fans - you'd have to travel south of the Mason/Dixon to get sausage gravy and biscuits anywhere near this good... but they don't have the skunk combo and it ruled?! read more

I absolutely loved this place. The pancakes were amazing, as were the eggs, bacon, home-fries, practically everything tasted great. The staff is very nice there, and the inside has a very nice, small diner aesthetic to it that is hard to describe. If you end up having to wait for a table, I would recommend it since it is definitely worth it. Overall, the food was great and I loved eating there. I would definitely eat there again. read more

Wasn't friendly when you go to a diner you want it to be welcoming, i showed up 7 min prior to when they open and multiple other patrons were inside enjoying a wonderful breakfast while we had to suffer looking through the window and we went to the door and they said we open in 5 min and then we watched 2 other people walk in ahead of us with no issue only thing we wanted to do was enjoy a lovely dining experience but no... read more

I like comfort food in a road house/greasy spoon context - for breakfast. If you don't, go to Denny's. The eggs tasted like they were fried in butter and the home fries were actually brown and crisp (again, not Denny's). Service was excellent - from an energetic and efficient tattooed young woman (Ithaca ambiance) who deserves her tips. Prices are inexpensive. Me likey. read more

This is a "hole in the wall," very small, idiosyncratic diner. We live on the outskirts of Ithaca so we don't get in here very regularly, but when we do, we've never had a bad experience. The kids and whole family enjoy the old-timey, locally-run, dive atmosphere. The food is cheap and adequate, and some of the items are truly yummy. The staff always seems friendly and down-to-earth. One of the regular waitresses is sometimes a bit "brusque," but I think she means well. They have some weird rules about when they serve certain foods because of the way they manage their griddle. Also, no tipping with cash, and a minimum $10 tab to use a credit card. I give this place 5 stars because it is a local, very small business seemingly doing right by their customers. read more

This is a friendly little diner near fall Creek school. I enjoyed breakfast there, eggs, fried potatoes, sausage and sausage gravy over cornbread, a real hit. Nothing special though. read more

Food was really good. Basic diner food. Eggs were cooked how I asked and sausage looked real not frozen round patties. Meatloaf was really good too. This is a tiny place though and not wheelchair accessible. read more

Cajun sausage gravy over cheddar buscuits! Got to go! Service is great, homey, local joint.

Very cool diner near Ithaca Falls. Food was great and service was fast. I highly recommend

Lincoln Street Diner is certainly the best diner in Ithaca. It is a bit hard to find, and the parking lot behind it should have a sign recommending several inches of ground clearance. It also isn't that big, so you should plan on waiting a little to get a booth. Finally, its a fairly local spot, so don't expect to run into all your friends from college while you're there (although if you do, that means you have really cool friends). The food is great and inexpensive. Bacon egg and cheese on an english muffin is actually made with real everything and just tastes really good. Same with omelets. The special sausage gravy is definitely worth it. it. In sum, they make diner food like it used to be made, not just sourced from Sysco. Its definitely a place worth patronizing. read more

Food was awesome and prices were cheap. Both combos make for a perfect diner! read more

Lincoln Street Diner - Diner - Diners Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Excellent place. I was in town visiting and was welcomed by everyone in the diner. The waitress, Erin, is a riot and makes for a wonderful experience. The food is top notch. I had a bruschetta omelet, which was incredible. read more

Simply put, Saturday would not be Saturday and Breakfast would not be Breakfast without the Lincoln Street Diner. If you haven't, you should. If you already have, you know. read more

Small, not well maintained. Slow turnover on tables and food service. Food was plain and boring. If you like college kids and want to see them hang out - go here read more