We went to the Watertown Garage Sale which evidently is a HUGE event of the year. Luckily, Shorty's wasn't too busy! I was afraid it would be packed before others also went to the garage sale. The sampler breakfast plate had a little of everything, and the pancake was huge and fluffy! Honestly my favorite part. The old-time diner feel is great, with little jukeboxes at each table. Love this place! read more

We were visiting the area, and were appealed to this restaurant due to its old time diner look and the vintage car out front. Once we were inside, that vibe continued. The vintage diner feel was cozy, and the Coca-Cola light fixtures were unique. Each table also had its own vintage jukebox. We came on a busy Sunday morning, but got lucky and were sat right away. From the beginning, and throughout our experience, the staff were very friendly. Our sever brought us drinks within minutes, and we were able to put in our orders pretty quick. Like I said, it was a busy Sunday, so it took awhile for us to receive our food. But this gave my wife and I time to talk, and enjoy the ambiance. I ordered the breakfast lasagna (had never seen this before) with white toast and a side of corned beef hash. When the food came out, it was warm and fresh. The breakfast lasagna had a nice flavor from the peppers and onions and meats that were baked inside. The base was made from what seemed like mashed potatoes which threw me off a little, but wasn't bad. The toast had a good toast to it, and was nicely buttered. I am a corned beef hash lover, and Shorty's was pretty good! The flavors meshed well together and the texture was great. My wife ordered the sausage gravy and biscuits which was not great. The sausage gravy was lacking flavor, with the main taste being cream. The sausage within the gravy was cut up sausage links, and for myself and my wife at least, we prefer ground sausage. Lastly, the biscuits were nothing to write home about. They were not bad but they didn't wow. Overall, I gave Shorty's a three because the food didn't wow me. There was not anything wrong with the food we had at all, and we will probably be back in the future to try some of their other food. Otherwise, my wife and I also loved the feel of the diner itself. read more

Shorty's Place - Breakfast lasagna, white toast, and a side of corned beef hash. - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

I can't enough good things about this place. The staff is incredible, the food comes super fast, but it doesn't taste like it was made fast, it's tastes home-cooked. The waitresses are all personable and kind. Definitely stop here if you're in the area :-) read more

As a former resident of Watertown Area now a GA resident, this is the very first time I've ever had a member of Shorty's treat us with such disrespect. After we initially enter, a lady initially told us all the rules about service dogs. I informed her that we both know the rules, and what she was speaking wasn't exactly the truth, whereas she informed me she had read something. When I quoted the 1970 ADA rules for service dogs, she said she quoted the NYS law.. I informed her that NYS law does not supersede Federal law. My service animal was already under the table, sitting up, she told me that my service animal is required by law to lay down, which is a blatant lie. And my wife's service animal is required by law to sit under the table, so it wouldn't be a tripping hazard, and that also is a blatant lie. He was laying down next to her seat. We obliged her request, and put him under the table. But because of his size, it's difficult for him to fit, and because of the lack of space under the table, my service animal had to stand. Please inform this person the actual laws on service animals. NYS Law: NY Civil Rights Law § 47 Federal Law: ADA.gov https://www.ada.gov Service Animals On the other side, the food was excellent and the waitress did an excellent job. I'm sure this would've been an enjoyable dinner, except when this employee automatically disrespected us from the second we walked in the door. I highly doubt we'll ever come back! Billy Greene 315-767-6486 read more

This place is amazing ! I can't believe all the times we have eaten in Watertown we didn't eat here ! The menu has everything you'd think a classic diner would. Food Service was super fast and the server was very nice as well. The old decor along the walls and coin operated juke boxes at each booth top off the ambiance here. Highly recommend! PS I had the best New England clam chowder I've ever had here. read more

This is a very cute place! My husband and I came here for breakfast. Upon arrival, we were greeted immediately and seated. We loved the Coca Cola decor. Our waitress was over in under a minute and offered drinks. She was very friendly. I ordered the sausage and biscuits with a side of scrambled egg and vegetable and my husband ordered the breakfast lasagna. We did have a little bit of a wait for food, however, we did overhear that they were short staffed in the kitchen that morning. When the food came out it was hot. Overall, the food was average. The sausage gravy was good, however was lacking flavor. The eggs were also a little bland, but overall it was a filling meal and enjoyable experience. My husband and I would like to return to try some lunch options! read more

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Don't miss this place! The food is outstanding, staff the most pleasant ever and enormous food portions served piping hot. It's the perfect old time diner atmosphere & even had the old small jukeboxes in each booth... it's a true blast from the past. Exit interstate 81 north at Coffeen street and turn right. Diner is on left. Can't miss it. Even the silver metal on the outside like the old days. This made up for the disappointment in Clayton! read more

Shorty's Place - Shorty's Diner Watertown NY - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

I stopped here for breakfast with my wife on the way home from Alex Bay. It's near 81 and I was pretty sure the food was going to be good based on the cars in the parking lot. We had about a 5 min wait to get a table. The staff were efficient seating, waiting and great service. My wife ordered an egg sandwich with a xcrispy bacon and egg on the side instead of on the sandwich, I ordered the breakfast lasagna. The food came out in about 5 min. considering the amount of customers this is impressive. The diner is super clean and has an old Coca Cola theme. Prices are very reasonable and we enjoyed the experience. . read more

Shorty's Place - Breakfast lasagna - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

If I go to breakfast it's to shortys to get a biscuit and gravy. The biscuits are so soft I LOVE. Breakfast is the best time to go. The menu does seem a bit hefty. I imagine a lot of the food is frozen but I love it anyways. 10/10 would go back read more

Overall reaction -- food was decent diner fare, but nothing special. The Breakfast Burrito was the biggest disappointment (and, yes, getting a Breakfast Burrito in an upstate NY diner is sort of asking for trouble, but it was on the menu, and it was remarkably bland). Might try the place again some time when in town, as options in Watertown are kind of limited. But not feeling enthusiastic about the prospect. read more

Shorty's Place - Menu cover - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

The food was so good and the service was amazing and the ambiance was amazing it was like I was in a diner from the 1950s

Sooooo delicious! The biscuits and gravy was AMAZING! My fiance had the breakfast lasagna and LOVED it! Too bad we don't live nearby otherwise we'd be here every week! 10/10 would come back and the service is great too! read more

Good morning at Shorty's! Notes right out of the gate... there's a Cracker Barrel right across the street. This place is busy every time I drive by. If you are a fan of Coke and Coke memorabilia, this is your place. Definitely has that old diner feel. Staff was friendly. I was looking for Alice and Flo but no luck with that. Not sure about what I really want to say about the food. My pancake was tough and hard to cut. That was weird to me but everything else especially their potatoes were fantastic. Hopefully another trip or two will add star number 5. read more

Shorty's Place - Shorty's big breakfast. - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

Shorty's is the classic Coca Cola Themed Americana Diner staffed with a great group of people. Today we stopped for brunch and it was bustling with the locals. I had the 3 egg omelette with home fries and some raisin bread toast. Great presentation and I liked the outer crunch yet soft inside of the home fries. A nice balance. Our waitress was attentive to this legendary coffee drinker. I always appreciate the frequent warmups. read more

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The service at Shorty's is welcoming and friendly. The food on the other hand is basic. I think I am a diner snob since I grew up in New Jersey. When we return to the Garden State, there's nothing I enjoy more than a good diner. I haven't seen anything match up in this area to a good old fashion, New Jersey diner. I ordered the special which was a cup of clam chowder and a tuna sandwich. The clam chowder, New England type, was full of potatoes with very little clams. It was very thick, most likely with flour. The tuna sandwich was unremarkable and didn't come with anything else. I ordered a side of coleslaw, which was pretty good. since we were hungry, on our way back from the Adirondacks, this diner did the trick. read more

Shorty's Place - Tuna sandwich, special with New England style clam chowder - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

Hit Shorty's on the way back to 'Cuse from the ADKs and it was such a good experience. The lot was packed, and we still managed to get a table for 6 adults 3 kids in 10 minutes. The service was quick, and there Coca Cola decor and vintage toy trucks gave a real, old-school diner vibe that's hard to find these days. The bbq burger was charbroiled and it added a nice flavor to the beef- definitely add cheese if you're into that sorta thing (I certainly am). The buffalo tender wrap was also great, albeit, a bit messy with the ranch and hot sauce combo. Worth the stop if you're ever in Watertown! read more

Shorty's Place - Bbq burger - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

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10.04.24 / Friday Three of us stopped by this charming diner on a mid Friday afternoon. We were seated immediately by a smiling hostess and met shortly thereafter by our enthusiastic and super nice server, Danielle. A great start! Two of us ordered the fish fry ($11.99) and one ordered a Reuben, with turkey instead of corned beef ($9.99). We also had two orders of chili ($3.29 for a cup and $4.49 for a bowl), topped with a healthy dose of cheese and onions. All of us had fountain Coke ($3.29). Everything was delicious, topped with amazing service. Zero complaints. Shorty's is right across the street from Cracker Barrel, right off of Rt 81. In my quest to support non chains, I'll pick Shorty's every time I'm in town. Sorry CB. Love your nostalgic store though. The next time you're in the Watertown and Fort Drum (NY) area, jump 30 seconds off highway 81 and grab a bite at Shorty's. Then run across the street and pick up some delicious nostalgia type candy (and merch) from Cracker Barrel. Kudos on amazing service by Danielle! read more

The place is a 60s throw back with 60s tunes. It's a I've been to many diners through out America and this place is top 5. The service was extremely quick, I sat down for the first time looked at the menu for 50 seconds, ordered and had my food within 5 minutes if not shorter. The waitress was a sweet heart! They all deserve a raise. read more

Cute red & white Coke diner decor. Service is prompt. Have to say, their chicken parm is on par with the best local old-family Italian restaurants in town; the sauce is that good & the chicken is always top quality; nothing mass produced. We often get omelettes for breakfast as they're very good. Good place for liver & onions with bacon if you like that; we do and theirs is done right with a good portion. Plenty of parking & the staff are very hard working. read more

Decided to eat at Shortys Saturday evening for their prime rib dinner. It was over cooked , had no flavor and was thin cut. Very disappointed and will never order it again. read more

Pulled off 81 to stop at a corporate owned big box and saw Shorty's. Immediately wife said, we need to spend our money on a locally owned business. So we did and were not disappointed. Eggs Benedict was perfection. That's all I got. Place was spotless everywhere, servers were awesome! Eat Local/Spend Local!!! read more

Shorty's Place - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

First time I ever stopped there. Got it to go. I couldn't eat the buffalo chicken wrap. It was all soggy, I don't know why. The chicken chunks were large! The lettuce was almost all core, big hard chunks. It was completely gross. I get buffalo chicken wraps everywhere. Never again. Threw it out. Service was good, so I gave the one star for the service. I'd really like a credit on my card. read more

Very unhappy with our meals hot beef and hot turkey sandwiches were not hot - green beans did not even melt the butter. The Philly cheese was over cooked and cold - the onions were caramelized black. It was not able to be eaten. When the issues with the Philly Cheese were brought to the servers attention - we were told that was how it was supposed to be. We will not return. read more

Great breakfast Coca-Cola products everywhere for a coke lover like myself ideal bc I can have a glass of coke not Pepsi . Home fries eggs were delicious and waitress staff were nice but eager to move our table along because there was a wait to get in . read more

Me and my wife love to try new things in the surrounding area of Fort drum. We thought we had tried everything untill we stumbled upon shortys. We decided to take our son and my mother to shortys since she just flew in. Food did not take long to come out at all which seemed nice. But the food was terrible from texture to taste. My wife described her breakfast burger as flavorless and was only edible after she dumped salt and pepper in it. I got the fridays special with was the fish fry. I've never had a tougher piece of flavorless fish in my life. Hot sauce didn't even help. My mother had the fried clam dinner which wasn't to bad but overcooked. Neither of us finished even half our dishes and sat for 10 mins waiting for the waiter to check up on us to ask for a check. She never came! I proceeded to get up and go to the front in order to check out. I personally do not recommend this place if you are used to flavorful food and care about texture. We ended up paying $70 for 3 adult meals 1 kids meal and an appetizer which isn't bad at all. Many better options to go for dinner! read more

Great Food, Fast & Helpful Service, takes you back in time to the 50's with the Coke decor and booths. Great Cherry Coke read more

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So good I went back two days in a row! My hubby and I were in town for a wedding. There aren't a ton of breakfast spots in town and even less that aren't a chain So we were thrilled the find Shorty's! Due to COVID-19 they are currently seating guests at every other booth which is limiting seating capacity. Keeping this in mind I was shocked that the first day we didn't have the wait at all and on the second we only waited about 15 min. I had the spinach omelette on the first day which I really enjoyed. It had a great ratio of spinach to feta cheese and was very tasty. On the second day we went, I went for the more traditional big breakfast platter which was so good- I devoured the entire plate! Our server was friendly and very attentive. We didn't feel rushed to vacate our table after our meal at all. This place has a fun vintage 50s vibe which was awesome. It's very conveniently located off highway 81 and very easy to get to! Support a local business and stop by today, you won't regret it! read more

Shorty's Place - Big breakfast platter - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

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Mann this place is legit filling American food loved it ! I had the meat lovers omlette, and I was stuffed very nice portions. The inside I'd very clean ,and very busy place waitress we had was overwhelmed with tables had to wait for water and coffee refills but remember folks be patient places are understaffed! read more

Shorty's Place - Meat lovers omlette with hashbrowns - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

My husband and I ate here again today and if I could rate it a 2.5 I would. There are a few redeeming qualities of this place such as they have nice and fast service. They also bring out fresh house-made chips as soon as you sit down to munch on. The Italian wedding soup was delicious as well as the chocolate cream pie. My husband thought the clam chowder soup was okay along with the coconut cream pie. The chicken and biscuits were way too salty! All I could taste was the salt! The mashed potatoes were good but I would not go back and ever have that dish. Maybe should stick to breakfast there! This is a great local diner that serves classic diner food. Have gone here for breakfast multiple times as well as lunch a few times. Their club sandwich at lunch is yummy and huge! Have had their eggs Benedict, stuffed French toast, as well as their classic two egg combo. All have been done well with good service! read more

Amazing food prepared correctly and quickly. Even when it's busy they pump the food out quick. Very relaxing environment with friendly waitstaff. read more

Shorty's Place - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

We found Shorty's Place on here. Gave it a try Amazing service, great breakfast. We are going again tomorrow morning on our way back home. I had the breakfast wrap. Egg, bacon and cheese in a tortilla. Came with salsa and sour cream. My hubby meat lovers omelette. Daughter had cheese omelette. Big, hearty serving. We found out go to breakfast place for our shopping trips to Watertown Update. We went again today on way home. Delicious and great service again! read more

We had a great experience at Shorty's! Service was great! Our waitress was so sweet and really took care of our family. We appreciate the kindness Karen! Thank you for being so sweet and you were truly endearing. The Root beer floats and strawberry shakes were delicious. Food was good and the atmosphere is fun! If you love the old fashioned diner atmosphere Shorty's is the place to go!! read more

Shorty's Place - Root Beer Float and Some Jams! - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

Very clean restaurant. Food is delicious, fast and hot. Service very good. This was exactly what we were looking for a breakfast dinner. Would highly recommend and be back next time we are in town. read more

Fish sandwich is to die for! Every time I visit Watertown I have to hit shortys for my sandwich! Great people and amazing service read more

I will start as always by saying I don't give out five stars unless It is really special. I have stopped into Shorty's Place a few times and will keep stopping in. The service is always good and pleasant. The decor is great with an old time diner feel from the old Coke memorabilia to the tabletop jukeboxes that play music through the speakers on the wall. I really like the signed Ratpack picture behind the counter. The menu has a good variety and everything I have eaten here has been good to very good. Today I got a Chicken Cobb salad with Caesar dressing. It was very good. The chicken was grilled and not dried out or chewy. There was the right amount of toppings to lettuce that makes a good salad just that "good". The food came out promptly and the the waitress was attentive. I will be stopping back next month when I am in Watertown. read more

Shorty's Place - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

Straight out of 1950, complete with the 50's tables and booths with jukeboxes comes Shorty's Place, a legit time traveling experience! From fries with gravy, to curly fries, and pizza logs, they have a plethora of apps! They had NE clam chowder, French onion and chili available for their soup options, and I'm a sucker for French onion, but on a super cold day chili had my number. The chili was a standard, not spicy, meaty chili served with crackers. It was decent, but I'm a spicy chili guy by nature. They offer plenty of salads and sandwiches and burgers, but they had something I've never tried before - the Italian Beef Dip sandwich! This generous portion of beef with hot peppers and mushrooms (0.80 more - and worth every cent) was delicious! The au jus had a spice and salt to it, and their fries were decent as well! read more

Shorty's Place - Italian dip - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

Went here every Sunday for the 4 weeks i stayed in Watertown. It was that good! My brother and I kept coming back not just for the wonderful food, though that's a huge drawl, but for how friendly the staff was. This would've been a 5-star review if the last weekend I was there the server we had actually got my order correct or brought the condiments I asked for several times. It was to the point that I got up and got it myself. That's not too big of a deal though since she seemed really busy and apologized once she noticed that she had forgotten. read more

Shorty's Place - They have jukeboxes on every table - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

Atmosphere: Shorty's Place Diner stands out. While you can't see it from Route 81, when you drive by you are drawn to the retro diner. Even though Shorty's Place doesn't have diner in the name, it's a diner. The inside of Shorty's Place is a stereotypical diner. There is a checkerboard floor, with plenty of red booths, tables, and a full-length bar. Coffee: The Shorty's Place Coffee was brewed hot and fresh. One of my favorite diner features is when a diner has a personalized mug, and Shorty's Place has just that. Food: The menu at Shorty's Place has everything a no-frills diner typically has. There are plenty of all-day breakfast options, sandwiches for lunch, and several dinner options too. I heard the cinnamon rolls at Shorty's Place were good, so I decided to order one as an appetizer. The cinnamon roll was grilled, and the frosting was melted. It tasted delicious. There weren't a lot of crunchy or crusty parts, which is always nice. For my entree, I ordered the pork chops, cajun style. My pork chops were a little dry, but they weren't bad. They were thick, which I can appreciate. I chose home fries, which was cubed. I guess I was feeling both breakfast and dinner. The home fries were good and better than most. Service: Our waitress at Shorty's Place was friendly but it took a while for the food to come out. Overall Thoughts/Would I Come back? I enjoyed Shorty's Place, and I would go back if I'm in the area again. It was fun to visit somewhere I went during college, and before documenting diners. It's a good stop if you find yourself in the area. read more

Shorty's Place - Pork Chops - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

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my husband i finally got around to trying this diner, and we were not disappointed! every time we drive by it, it looks busy and our visit was no exception. despite the bustle, we got seated promptly. the diner is clean and cute with lots of classic coca-cola memorabilia. we both opted for the biscuits and gravy, super hearty and tasty, and stuffed french toast with strawberries for a breakfast-y desert. the portion sizes are good and the food is delicious. great experience and worth a stop for sure! read more

Shorty's Place - biscuits and gravy, stuffed french toast - Diners Near Me - Watertown, New York

This place is awesome. We love the decor, the staff are friendly and personal, and the food is good. It is typical American diner for that is actually seasoned. The steak And eggs was perfect. They are uber friendly with the children. Portion sizes are excellent compared to the price. Even when busy, staff were attentive and friendly. We would recommend a million times over and this place has become our favorite local diner! read more