About Elm Street Diner
Elm Street Diner serves hearty, bold-dosed comfort food with a playful twist.
Reviewers praise the generous portions, from breakfast stacks to inventive mashups, and note a steady stream of theatrical milkshakes and fresh donuts that make the meal feel like an event.
The staff are described as welcoming and hardworking; service can be fast and attentive but sometimes slows when the room is packed.
The room reads trendy yet cozy — a family-friendly, local hangout that blends classic diner coffee and brunch staples with social-media-ready presentations.
Location & Contact
- Address463 Elm St, Stamford, CT 06902
- Websitehttps://elmstreetdiner.com
- Phone(203) 325-1141
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
The menu leans into over-the-top diner comforts and crowd-pleasers.
Highlights called out frequently include the Short Rib Mac & Cheese Curly Fries, the Big Mac quesadilla, and massive breakfast burritos that reviewers say are “ginormous.”
Desserts and shakes steal attention: cookies-and-cream shakes, a Wow Waffle Tower, and complimentary house donuts show up in multiple reviews.
Savory choices span from chicken & waffles to hearty pastas like fettuccine Alfredo on vodka sauce with chicken cutlet.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
The Comfort of Coffee
No breakfast is complete without a comforting cup of coffee, and in Connecticut, this ritual is deeply ingrained in daily life. Coffee has become the go-to beverage for many, offering a way to awaken the senses and start the day. The rise of coffeehouses throughout the state has further elevated this morning tradition, providing cozy spaces for people to gather. This love affair with coffee reflects a broader trend of valuing moments of connection and relaxation, even in the hustle of everyday life.
Culture
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Elm Street Diner in Stamford has built a reputation for spectacle and substance.
Diners flock for oversized portions and playful combinations — from Big Mac quesadillas to Short Rib Mac & Cheese Curly Fries — and many leave raving about house desserts and a steady milkshake parade.
Regulars and first-timers both notice the portion sizes: reviewers mention split entrees still leave plentiful leftovers and repeat visits to try more of the menu.
Service is a frequent topic.
Several guests describe staff as kind and attentive; others note that busy nights can slow pacing.
One guest summed up the treat factor, saying "They gave us free donuts at the end of the night," while another praised the place outright: "this is the best diner I have ever been to ever," reflecting how the combination of flavor and hospitality wins repeat business.
Social-media buzz is real here: dishes arrive instagram-ready and reviewers called plates "instagram worthy & DELICIOUS!" which helps explain long lines during peak times.
The menu balances diner basics — coffee, classic eggs benedict, pancakes and omelets — with creative showpieces like the Wow Waffle Tower and short rib morning melt.
Families, college students, and locals frequent the spot for birthdays, weekend breakfasts, and late-night comfort food, often encouraged by complimentary donuts and generous portions that stretch to takeout boxes.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
Skylar Taylor
"Enjoyed a dinner here, and returned for breakfast the next morning. Dinner was very good, we had a burger and a southwest salad. Both tasted very good, and surpassed diner expectations. They gave us free donuts at the end of the night and we enjoyed watching them make milkshakes for other customers. For breakfast we had pancakes and the Grand Slam breakfast. Both were very good, waiter was helpful in substituting sides, as well as fast and attentive. Overall really enjoyed our experience and is a solid staple for the area!"
Ryan Hartman
"If you’re looking for a cool spot with a very creative and fun menu… This is it! Everything we ate was absolutely amazing… The service was fast and efficient.. Even the bathrooms were spotless. This dinner is definitely worth the trip down here."
Kathy D
"Very fun place for their over the top shakes. If you are looking for a fun wow factor these shakes are it. Didn’t try any of the over the top food so curious how that is. The regular food we had was marginal, not diner standard but in fairness two of the meals were kids meals. Will likely return again when looking for a crazy wild food experience. If it were food alone I would rate a 3 but this place is definitely worth visiting for an outrageous dessert."
Brandee marie
"So I travel around a lot and I do reviews on food oh my God this is the best diner I have ever been to ever and I mean that not one complaint about anything me and my husband got short rib, mac & cheese loaded fries oh my God try them. You are not going to regret it. The short ribs were the best ribs I have ever had. There was nothing dry about them. They were so tender and melted in your mouth. OK next I had the fettuccine Alfredo on top of vodka sauce chicken cutlet mad cheesy so much sauce. The chicken cutlet itself was completely tender and crispy. it was so good. They even gave us buttery garlic bread to go with it delicious. Next, we got the birria super breakfast burrito spot on ginormous you’re gonna save some for later. Trust me because it is so huge. It has a lot of flavor. Unfortunately, after trying all that stuff we were so full we couldn’t move so we didn’t order dessert but they gave us donuts complementary so nice of them . The energy when you go in OK the patience of the waiter the respect of the people inside as soon as the dish was dirty they were right on top of it Very very kind i’m going back until I try every single thing on that menu !!! They deserve recognition !!!!!"
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
The Evolution of Breakfast Eating
Breakfast eating habits have evolved significantly in Connecticut, influenced by societal changes and technological advancements. The introduction of pre-packaged cereals in the early 20th century made it easier for families to grab a quick meal, catering to busy lifestyles. As people became more health-conscious, the market shifted towards organic and nutritious options. These changes highlight how breakfast continues to adapt, reflecting broader trends in society and the way we approach food and health today.
Trends
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the milkshakes really as over-the-top as people say?
Yes. Multiple reviews point out dramatic, large milkshakes and specialty builds like an Ultimate Cookies and Cream Milk Shake. They are a showpiece, often talked about by guests who watch them being made.
What’s the most recommended savory item?
Reviewers frequently mention the Short Rib Mac & Cheese Curly Fries and short rib dishes as standouts for tenderness and flavor. Those short rib preparations come up repeatedly as a must-try.
Do they have big portions for sharing?
Yes. Many guests note enormous portions — stuff like the Wow Waffle Tower, giant breakfast burritos, and shareable apps. People often leave with leftovers because the plates are so large.
Is the Big Mac quesadilla really a thing and does it taste good?
Yes and yes. The Big Mac quesadilla appears on menus and in reviews as a crowd favorite, described as filling and Instagram-ready by diners who loved it.
Are there sweet options to end the meal?
Absolutely. Guests mention homemade donuts, cookies-and-cream shakes, and strawberry cheesecake french toast as popular dessert choices that many consider essential.
Is the breakfast burrito spicy or mild?
Not listed; call to confirm.
Do they serve coffee that pairs well with pancakes or French toast?
Yes. Several reviewers specifically praise the coffee alongside pancake stacks and breakfast bowls, saying the coffee holds up well with sweet brunch items.
Are there kid-friendly dishes on the menu?
Yes. Reviews and business info mention a kids' menu and high chairs; family and birthday groups are common, and many dishes are large and easy to share with children.
Do they have savory pasta or Italian-style dishes?
Yes. A reviewer described a fettuccine Alfredo layered over vodka sauce with a chicken cutlet and called it very cheesy and flavorful, which shows the menu includes hearty pasta options.
What simple sides pair well with a slice?
Garlic bread and a tossed salad show up alongside the pies and grinders.
Breakfast Through the Ages
Breakfast has come a long way from its humble origins. In early America, this meal often included simple foods like porridge and cider, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of the time. By the 19th century, breakfast began to evolve significantly, influenced by both social class and changing tastes. Affluent families aspired to lavish spreads, showcasing eggs, bacon, and even pastries. This shift in meal composition marked a departure from the more modest fare of earlier times, highlighting how breakfast mirrored broader societal changes in Connecticut and beyond.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
Elm Street Diner
463 Elm St, Stamford, CT 06902
★4.3
(2474 reviews)
Colonial Breakfast Traditions
In colonial Connecticut, breakfast was a practical affair, designed to fuel a long day of hard work. Farmers relied on hearty, filling meals to start their day, often featuring items like cornmeal mush or homemade bread. This meal was typically shared with family, creating a sense of community before everyone set out to tackle chores. The emphasis on sustenance over style highlights how breakfast was less about ritual and more about necessity, drawing from the local agriculture and simple living characteristic of the time.
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Industrial Influence on Breakfast
The rise of the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century brought significant changes to breakfast. As more people moved into cities and took on factory jobs, quick and convenient meals became essential. In Connecticut, this shift led to an increase in processed foods and lighter options, as health reformers advocated for meals that were easier to digest. Breakfasts began to feature lighter fare like fruits and cereals, altering the landscape of morning meals and reflecting the evolving lifestyles of a modernizing society.
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