Beyond the baconeggncheese (with salt, pepper, ketchup), a New York breakfast stirs up images of the classic 24-hour diner with its spinning stools, packed tables, and, if it’s a good one, jukebox playing tunes in the corner.
But New York is also home to a diner that goes against everything we’ve come to know and expect, and you can’t get any becs here.
Located a 4.5 hour drive from NYC in Watkins Glen (one of the most picturesque small towns near NYC) is World’s Smallest Diner–the world’s smallest diner which is also appropriately named “World’s Smallest Diner.”
According to World Record Academy and MyTwinTiers, the diner was opened in August 2017 by Gerry Collins, who was 76 at the time. Collins says that while most people call it crazy, “When you get older you get crazy, so you do nutty things.”
The diner measures 34-square-feet, only holds four people, and has three stools. And while Collins was reportedly in the food service business his whole life and the diner has a functioning kitchen, the menu isn’t that expansive. In fact, for a while there was only one thing on it–hot dogs priced at $3.50.
The Coney Island Hot Dog is topped with meat sauce, raw onions, mustard, and a few secret ingredients, while the Red Onion Romance incorporate meat sauce, cheese, sauerkraut, and red onion sauce. There’s also the Poncho Villa, topped with meat sauce, cheese, and hot peppers.
According to photos, the diner now also serves Chicago Pork Chop Sandwiches.
As one would expect, people get enjoyment out of stumbling upon the diner. “It causes a lot of smiles, and people stopping to see what it is all about,” Collins stated according to MyTwinTiers.
It’s not about the money, it’s about meeting people. I like to meet people from all over, doing different things, and Watkins is a place you get people from all over world. They all have a story to tell.
If you’re looking to pay a visit to the diner bear in mind that, due to not having heat, they close for a few months during the winter.
📍 473 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
🚗 ~4.5 hour drive from NYC