Vernon Diner

Vernon Diner brings a broad, comfort-food–forward menu to Vernon with a retro-casual dining room and a prominent bakery case that draws regulars.

Portions are consistently large, and guests praise both savory plates and the dessert selection.

Breakfast and brunch items—French toast variations, pancakes and eggs benedict—sit alongside sandwiches, paninis and seafood plates.

Service is generally friendly and attentive, and the kitchen is noted for handling allergies carefully, though waits can grow during busy times.

The menu leans toward classic diner comfort with a bakery-heavy sweet side.

Reviewers flag cannoli French toast, stuffed French toast, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, and an array of bakery cakes and pies as highlights.

Savory wins include burgers, tuna melts, New Orleans panini, waffle fries, seafood platters and breakfast staples like omelettes and Eggs Florentine.

Coffee and fresh fruit garnishes are also mentioned favorably.

As the 19th century rolled in, breakfast became a symbol of social status for the affluent in Connecticut and beyond. Inspired by the full English breakfast, wealthy families began to indulge in extravagant spreads featuring everything from sausages and bacon to fresh fruits and pastries. This shift highlighted the connection between wealth and food, as lavish breakfasts became a way to showcase both abundance and refinement. It was during this time that health reformers began to advocate for lighter meals, resulting in a fascinating tug-of-war between hearty and health-conscious choices that continues to influence breakfast trends today.

Vernon Diner has established itself as a go-to spot in Vernon for diners who want generous portions and a long list of American comfort options.

The bakery case is a visual centerpiece, and multiple reviewers note desserts that look as good as they taste.

Morning dishes and brunch standouts—thick French toast, stuffed versions and pancakes—are consistently praised alongside heartier lunch and dinner plates such as burgers, paninis and seafood platters.

Patrons point to both variety and quantity: menu items run from matzo ball soup and omelettes to chicken and waffles and lobster ravioli, which shows the breadth of the kitchen.

One reviewer sums up the local sentiment succinctly, calling it “The best diner in the area hands down.” — Glenn Stewart.

Staff and kitchen care are also part of the story.

A regular noted that an allergy was handled responsibly, saying the kitchen “has never once had a contamination issue here as they take care in the kitchen.” That said, the place fills up and waits can stretch at peak times, which many locals accept because the portions, baked goods and dependable coffee make the visit worthwhile.

The rise of diners in the mid-20th century transformed the breakfast landscape in Connecticut. These establishments offered a sense of community along with their comforting meals. Diners typically served classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, eggs, and toast, but with a unique twist — think fluffy omelets and crispy home fries. The format of diners allowed for a casual atmosphere where families and friends could gather, fueling conversations over steaming cups of coffee. By the 1950s, diners had become a staple of American life, and in Connecticut, they grew to symbolize a warm, welcoming space for the early risers and night owls alike.