Super chill diner environment, love the vibe and food. Owners are real friendly and fun to chat with. I came here all the time to get their Grilled chicken sandwich, the chicken is so juicy and tender, plus the fries are amazing. Definitely my favorite diner in town♥️Kid-friendliness: My girls love coming here for Sunday brunch, cause the pancakes are amazing! And it’s really neat and clean. Owners are also super sweet with kids.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sauce, Fries, Sandwich, Half Order of Buttermilk Pancakes with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon on the Side, Philly Cheesesteak Sub
Jackie Kay
This place is AWESOME! It’s one thing to have a GREAT meal, but icing on the cake to have such a wonderful experience!!! The service was INCREDIBLE!! The owner and the chef were very friendly and even though they were busy, took the time to chat with every customer that came in. Very clean restaurant (even the bathroom). Looking forward to our next visit, hopefully soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
erick lewis
Great food and experience. Walked in and was greeted by the owner (and staff). Warm environment (especially since it’s snowing out). I had the everything omelette with hash browns and orange juice. I’ve been wanting a good omelette for a couple of weeks and this meal hit the spot. Good portions, I could barely finish the meal, good thing I passed on the toast lol. I highly recommend that the next time you’re in Dinkytown try Tony’s Diner Great spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily
Really disappointing food, service, and atmosphere here. As soon as you walk into Tony’s Diner, you get a big whiff of stale food and grime, layered with the smell of bleach. Cooking areas are not well kept. Everything is served on disposable plates and there is minimal-to-bad service. I guess Tony is trying to cut down on operational costs at the expense of the environment and customer experience. Some dishes come out really fast and some come out really slow, even if you’re in the same party. Nobody in our party finished over half their food. The half we choked down we managed to do so with a heavy dose of hot sauce and salt to cover the taste. Value is meh for any breakfast place, and outrageously bad for the quality of food you get at Tony’s. I walk by here every day; it’s not a surprise they’re never busy.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Stella Kim
We enjoyed our usual Sunday brunch at Tony's diner today. The food was fantastic, especially the French toast and Rancheros. The customer service was excellent as always. See u next Sunday!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tony's Classic Breakfast, Sauce, Fries, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Steak, Juevos Rancheros Weekly Special, French Toast Half Order, Philly Cheesesteak Sub
Rocco
(EDIT) Response to manager: I’ve read your most recent health inspection report, which anyone can search for online. The inspector notes the same problems I did of employees not switching gloves between tasks and wet wiping cloths left on the counters. Additionally, I found that your restaurant has issues with mice droppings, no prep sink (you don’t wash your vegetables), and, importantly, no certified food protection manager on site (which confirms my suspicions that the personnel aren’t certified). You claim I had eaten most of my food but I had only eaten one of three chicken tenders, one fry, and one bite of toast. You know that because you saw my plate. Wish I had taken a picture before I threw the food away. Again, I did not ask for a refund and do not care to dine there again so your gift certificate offer did not do anything for me. As for your assertion that you guys have been in business in the Dinkytown area for 20+ years, maybe it’s because the transient nature of a college campus means you guys always have a revolving door of new customers, and thus, you don’t have an incentive to improve your food or business practices. I really don’t have a definitive answer, though. All I know is that nobody goes to Tony’s as their first choice, and often, people don’t return after their first visit.(Also, I never said your fries were salty? They aren’t? They just taste like dirty rag water and not fresh.)For those reading the review below, please note that my primary concerns are 1. the lack of sanitary food practices at this establishment, 2. the poor value of the food, and 3. the manager’s poor response to my feedback, in which I did not even demand a refund. I would encourage those who are curious to go and check out the place for yourself—wouldn’t recommend buying anything, though.(ORIGINAL) I always have a very bad experience at Tony’s Diner and today was the last straw. I went with a big group of people and ordered the chicken tender basket. $15.25 + tax + tip (paid before sitting down because it’s counter service) = over $18 for 3 chicken tenders that look like that came from a value pack of Tyson’s frozen chicken tenders, a half plate of fries that tasted dirty (you’ll see why in a second), and a flimsy piece of toast. I’ve worked food service before, have multiple family members with ServSafe certification, etc. so I know what’s right and what’s wrong and I can tell you 100% multiple food safety violations are being committed at Tony’s Diner. They use the same rag to wipe their food prep areas and the dining tables and chairs (!!) and then leave that rag sitting out on a random countertop until grabbing it again to wipe out their frying pan to use it to cook people’s food. People will handle the register and then directly touch your food. I saw someone rearrange a piece of toast on a plate, lick their fingers, and then continue cooking. Most egregious of all (in my opinion) is the fact that they put receipt paper directly ON every order to keep track of it, so if you’re eating here you’re definitely consuming lots of carcinogens (which aren’t completely avoidable, but not going to Tony’s Diner sounds like a fine start). I tried talking to the manager, not even for a refund, just to express my concerns, and all he seemed concerned with was making sure I knew I couldn’t get a refund. He asked if I really didn’t think I was getting $18 worth of food, and if I thought I could really do better elsewhere. To which I say, Raising Cane’s a block away has a 3-finger combo for $9.89, Shuang Cheng across the street has a lunch combo that gets you a full serving of one of their entrees, chicken fried rice, wontons, and a full pot of tea for $10.25, etc. This is a college campus. Cheap-ish food is abundant. Good food is easy to find. Tony’s Diner is neither, and they should really be getting closed down for health violations. Also, I can definitively say most students I’ve talked to dislike Tony’s Diner, so I’m really not sure what all these positive reviews are about.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
James Lauer
Food used to be fine but has gone wayyyyy downhill since the pandemic. If you want a diner go elsewhere you won’t be satisfied here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Adam Glen
Food was excellent. Served on paper plates. Environment was a bit worn down. Nice alternative to waiting in line at Al's. Honestly would return.Huevos Rancheros were very good and the blueberry pancakes were delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Juevos Rancheros Weekly Special
Steve H.
Best hot breakfast in Dinkeytown! I want to try other dishes but the Huevos Rancheros is so damn good! I ordered the cinnamon French toast one time and that was damn good too.
Great value for the food you get and it tastes damn good. Pancakes are
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Keith DauSchmidt
Good food, fast service, and generous portions. I ate too much.Kid-friendliness: Fast service always helps with small kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Very Veggie Omelet, Hash Browns, Half Order of Buttermilk Pancakes with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon on the Side, Mediterranean Omelette with Gyro, Tony's Classic Breakfast
Brian Darling
Pretty good breakfast. Quick and the prices were responsible. Biscuits sausage gravy was decent, but not the best.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Kassie BK
This place is great! Delicious food, casual atmosphere, and excellent service. College kid portions at a reasonable price.The menu is huge. They have all day breakfast, so if you are a brunch fan but your date wants a burger: this is the perfect plate to go any time of day.I got a big waffle. Most of the time waffles are mostly air. Not the case here! The waffle is a meal on its own. it will fill you up. I can't say that about most places.
Super chill diner environment, love the vibe and food. Owners are real friendly and fun to chat with. I came here all the time to get their Grilled chicken sandwich, the chicken is so juicy and tender, plus the fries are amazing. Definitely my favorite diner in town♥️Kid-friendliness: My girls love coming here for Sunday brunch, cause the pancakes are amazing! And it’s really neat and clean. Owners are also super sweet with kids.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sauce, Fries, Sandwich, Half Order of Buttermilk Pancakes with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon on the Side, Philly Cheesesteak Sub
This place is AWESOME! It’s one thing to have a GREAT meal, but icing on the cake to have such a wonderful experience!!! The service was INCREDIBLE!! The owner and the chef were very friendly and even though they were busy, took the time to chat with every customer that came in. Very clean restaurant (even the bathroom). Looking forward to our next visit, hopefully soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and experience. Walked in and was greeted by the owner (and staff). Warm environment (especially since it’s snowing out). I had the everything omelette with hash browns and orange juice. I’ve been wanting a good omelette for a couple of weeks and this meal hit the spot. Good portions, I could barely finish the meal, good thing I passed on the toast lol. I highly recommend that the next time you’re in Dinkytown try Tony’s Diner Great spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really disappointing food, service, and atmosphere here. As soon as you walk into Tony’s Diner, you get a big whiff of stale food and grime, layered with the smell of bleach. Cooking areas are not well kept. Everything is served on disposable plates and there is minimal-to-bad service. I guess Tony is trying to cut down on operational costs at the expense of the environment and customer experience. Some dishes come out really fast and some come out really slow, even if you’re in the same party. Nobody in our party finished over half their food. The half we choked down we managed to do so with a heavy dose of hot sauce and salt to cover the taste. Value is meh for any breakfast place, and outrageously bad for the quality of food you get at Tony’s. I walk by here every day; it’s not a surprise they’re never busy.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We enjoyed our usual Sunday brunch at Tony's diner today. The food was fantastic, especially the French toast and Rancheros. The customer service was excellent as always. See u next Sunday!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tony's Classic Breakfast, Sauce, Fries, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Steak, Juevos Rancheros Weekly Special, French Toast Half Order, Philly Cheesesteak Sub
(EDIT) Response to manager: I’ve read your most recent health inspection report, which anyone can search for online. The inspector notes the same problems I did of employees not switching gloves between tasks and wet wiping cloths left on the counters. Additionally, I found that your restaurant has issues with mice droppings, no prep sink (you don’t wash your vegetables), and, importantly, no certified food protection manager on site (which confirms my suspicions that the personnel aren’t certified). You claim I had eaten most of my food but I had only eaten one of three chicken tenders, one fry, and one bite of toast. You know that because you saw my plate. Wish I had taken a picture before I threw the food away. Again, I did not ask for a refund and do not care to dine there again so your gift certificate offer did not do anything for me. As for your assertion that you guys have been in business in the Dinkytown area for 20+ years, maybe it’s because the transient nature of a college campus means you guys always have a revolving door of new customers, and thus, you don’t have an incentive to improve your food or business practices. I really don’t have a definitive answer, though. All I know is that nobody goes to Tony’s as their first choice, and often, people don’t return after their first visit.(Also, I never said your fries were salty? They aren’t? They just taste like dirty rag water and not fresh.)For those reading the review below, please note that my primary concerns are 1. the lack of sanitary food practices at this establishment, 2. the poor value of the food, and 3. the manager’s poor response to my feedback, in which I did not even demand a refund. I would encourage those who are curious to go and check out the place for yourself—wouldn’t recommend buying anything, though.(ORIGINAL) I always have a very bad experience at Tony’s Diner and today was the last straw. I went with a big group of people and ordered the chicken tender basket. $15.25 + tax + tip (paid before sitting down because it’s counter service) = over $18 for 3 chicken tenders that look like that came from a value pack of Tyson’s frozen chicken tenders, a half plate of fries that tasted dirty (you’ll see why in a second), and a flimsy piece of toast. I’ve worked food service before, have multiple family members with ServSafe certification, etc. so I know what’s right and what’s wrong and I can tell you 100% multiple food safety violations are being committed at Tony’s Diner. They use the same rag to wipe their food prep areas and the dining tables and chairs (!!) and then leave that rag sitting out on a random countertop until grabbing it again to wipe out their frying pan to use it to cook people’s food. People will handle the register and then directly touch your food. I saw someone rearrange a piece of toast on a plate, lick their fingers, and then continue cooking. Most egregious of all (in my opinion) is the fact that they put receipt paper directly ON every order to keep track of it, so if you’re eating here you’re definitely consuming lots of carcinogens (which aren’t completely avoidable, but not going to Tony’s Diner sounds like a fine start). I tried talking to the manager, not even for a refund, just to express my concerns, and all he seemed concerned with was making sure I knew I couldn’t get a refund. He asked if I really didn’t think I was getting $18 worth of food, and if I thought I could really do better elsewhere. To which I say, Raising Cane’s a block away has a 3-finger combo for $9.89, Shuang Cheng across the street has a lunch combo that gets you a full serving of one of their entrees, chicken fried rice, wontons, and a full pot of tea for $10.25, etc. This is a college campus. Cheap-ish food is abundant. Good food is easy to find. Tony’s Diner is neither, and they should really be getting closed down for health violations. Also, I can definitively say most students I’ve talked to dislike Tony’s Diner, so I’m really not sure what all these positive reviews are about.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food used to be fine but has gone wayyyyy downhill since the pandemic. If you want a diner go elsewhere you won’t be satisfied here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food was excellent. Served on paper plates. Environment was a bit worn down. Nice alternative to waiting in line at Al's. Honestly would return.Huevos Rancheros were very good and the blueberry pancakes were delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Juevos Rancheros Weekly Special
Best hot breakfast in Dinkeytown! I want to try other dishes but the Huevos Rancheros is so damn good! I ordered the cinnamon French toast one time and that was damn good too.
Fast and affordable, plus never busy.
Restaurantji Recommends
Good for a quick breakfast with your college student.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Hash Browns, Juevos Rancheros Weekly Special, Tony's Classic Breakfast
Great value for the food you get and it tastes damn good. Pancakes are
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, fast service, and generous portions. I ate too much.Kid-friendliness: Fast service always helps with small kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Very Veggie Omelet, Hash Browns, Half Order of Buttermilk Pancakes with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon on the Side, Mediterranean Omelette with Gyro, Tony's Classic Breakfast
Pretty good breakfast. Quick and the prices were responsible. Biscuits sausage gravy was decent, but not the best.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
This place is great! Delicious food, casual atmosphere, and excellent service. College kid portions at a reasonable price.The menu is huge. They have all day breakfast, so if you are a brunch fan but your date wants a burger: this is the perfect plate to go any time of day.I got a big waffle. Most of the time waffles are mostly air. Not the case here! The waffle is a meal on its own. it will fill you up. I can't say that about most places.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5