Dad’s Copake Diner

Just great. Stopped for breakfast on a Saturday morning with family and everyone enjoyed their meals. I ordered a simple eggs and bacon breakfast that was perfect. Good coffee. Great bacon. Excellent service. Colleen is an absolute trip. Love her to death. See you soon, ma’am. :)

Growing up in my dad’s diner/​restaurant, diners have a very special place in my heart and memory, especially the ones that are well run, with good service and where the food is several notches above the average. Dad’s, in my opinion, is one of those small hidden country gems that you stumble on when you least expect to and your experience abounds into memories of bygone days.
I started with a mushroom soup which was absolutely one of the very best I’ve encountered on the culinary trail, it had subtle nuances that belied its no frills rustic 60’s little country diner origin. Firstly, the soup had a hearty very distinct mushroom flavor from the large beefy portabello mushrooms and I’m sure it had been enhanced by a little beef stock to round out the flavor. Secondly, there was a crunchy textural component with the addition of celery which I had not had before but found it to be the perfect balance to the soft tender mushrooms. Thirdly, a roux base thickener can be overdone or not done well, either way it is a turnoff, this was the fabric that tied this masterpiece all together producing a complex well balanced memorable savory soup. The waitress recommended the chicken breast bacon cheese sandwich on grilled marble rye with fries and I, also, wanted to try the Greek salad. The chicken was tender moist and juicy, the smoked bacon came through nicely and the cheese added a distinct mellow yet nutty flavor; the fries were done crispy just the way I like. The Greek Salad was almost the equal of salads I’ve had in many Greek restaurants I’ve eaten in and the Greek dressing provided was exceptionally good. The service from beginning to end was top notch could not have been better. I’d say if you like mushroom soup, nicely prepared food and country charm, then Dad’s should be one of you hidden rural destinations.

Can’t get a better breakfast or burger anywhere. Shake Shack is a poor compromise. Dads pancakes and eggs sublime
Diner is immaculate, bright and comfy. Service fast as you want it
. A perfect diner – definitely NOT a greasy spoon.

We stay in the Copake area each year and visit Dad’s for a couple of meals each trip, usually for breakfast. The interior is decorated with loads of retro americana. The food is good standard diner fare. The prices are good as well. Two eggs with toast and potatoes runs $ 2.79.

Cute diner. Clean, retro, with standard diner fare plus lots of great wing choices.
The service was pretty bad though. People were left waiting a long time without service, people were being served without basic table setups. We had to ask for water 4 times before we got it and they seemed put out by the request. They were in the weeds the whole time and I’m not exactly sure why. Considering how small the place was, there’s no reason that 3 servers should have been struggling that hard to provide basic service. Maybe someone needs more training.

Great food, generous portion. Reasonable prices. They have a great prime rib dinner on the weekends. Soups are homemade

We were in the Copake area after hiking, big surprise there and decided to give Dad’s a try.
There were only a few patrons when we arrived at 4:30. By the time we left, 5:30ish, it was packed. It was great to sit and watch the comings and goings. When one man walked in, the wait staff called his wife to check what she wanted him to bring home. Love that kinda thing. Service was quick and friendly.
We ordered two specials, a Ruben and some soup. Everything was very good, a definite step up from standard diner fare. We took some leftovers with us for this tomorrow’s lunch. The entire place was very clean and shiny. For five of us-​$ 60.

My family and I have been going to Copake lake for 30 years and I never tried this place before. I stopped in for breakfast and it was very good and very fast. The staff was friendly and attentive and it had an old school charm in the décor. And If the omelette I ate is any indication, I’m sure you can’t go wrong with their other offerings.

There was a major void in Copake after The Hub closed that was happily filled by Dad’s Diner. We have eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner here many, many times. The food tastes like homemade comfort food and Is moderately priced. The portions are good… certainly not Long Island diner sized portions (we’re spoiled) but satisfying… never any leftovers to take home. The onion appetizer is great and the pie and ice cream are delicious. The service is efficient and always delivered with a smile. The restaurant is extremely clean. Only wish Dad’s would greet us with a bread basket (can’t be that expensive) and the pickles and cole slaw we get at Long Island diners.

We happened to stop in while out for a drive. I was looking for a simple tuna sandwich and ended up having the best tuna melt! It was done just right without too much stuff and not heavy and soggy like other places make them too often.
Also had their soup of the day, an oriental beef that was very good. Even loved the Cole slaw and that doesn’t happen often for me. Coffee was good which is hard to find in diners lately.
My husband had a foot long chili cheese dog that was also great.
This little diner off the beaten path is a gem in my book. Prices were excellent and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back when I’m in that area again.

If I had a better GPS I never would have found this little gem of a diner. We stopped mid afternoon on a Sat. There was only one customer at the time making me pause, but… first of all it is a retro diner with a 50’s theme and it is in great shape and very clean. My wife ordered shiitake fries. They came out quickly and were unbelievably good. A grilled chicken wrap followed and was equally as good. I had a grilled ham and Swiss on sourdough bread. It was absolutely delicious. The night before I ate at a fine Italian restaurant, on Long Island. I would take this food over that any time and be richer for the experience. Simple quick food, good service. What more could you ask for. Thank you Audi and Thank you Dad, s!

True, there isn’t much else around to compare to or compete with but, all in all Dad’s does a fine job with their food prep and service. Their wings have received raves and I have enjoyed many hearty breakfasts there (the Hungry Man special works best for me).
Everything else offered seems just fine but not outstanding. Dad’s is a wonderful touch of local diner experience with an extra touch of the 50’s theme.
Seasonally they offer outdoor/​take out ice cream service in the rear of the restaurant which deservingly draws a lot of business. When they run out of stock in the early fall that window is closed until spring.
If you find yourself in Copake don’t hesitate to stop in at Dad’s for a meal any time of the day. Leave room for ice cream if it is still warm out!

Good service, clean as a whistle. Great soft serve. Decent food. They dont step an inch outside of typical diner fare. No twists on classics and lots of food is probably from restaurant depot. But if you’re going for basic diner fare its much more than adequate.

Standard diner fare, friendly but rough around the edges wait staff. Nothing to see here folks! There’s not much to do in the area so it serves its purpose. The fourth star is because they are very family friendly and that is something I always appreciate.

Dad’s Copake Diner is one of my favorite places in the world. I grew up in Copake and started going there as soon as it opened. I used to take all of my friends there when they visited and they all LOVED it. No matter what you’re looking for – a milkshake, a burger, an omelette, buffalo wings – Dad’s Diner has it, and you can bet it will be GOOD.
Most of the waitresses have been there for many years and are all very sweet. They always greet me by name when I walk in. When I was a new customer there, they made a point of getting to know me, which meant a lot to me nervous, ten-​year-​old self!
If you’re ever in the area, stop by Dad’s. It’s a great place and you won’t be disappointed.

Always a winner!!!

It was a beautiful weekend so we decided to trek upstate to be in the outdoors. We got a little hungry on our way up so we decided to stop at this retro diner. I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and my boyfriend had the Taco Salad. Nothing too special about the dishes but they were tasty nonetheless. They had an ice cream stand out back which just made the overall experience completely worth it. Everything was reasonably priced and the bathrooms were spotless.

Loved their burgers, it’s the closest thing you can get to a Krabby Patty!

For years, whenever I woke up in Copake, I felt hungover. It was just that kind of town, with a certain element of people who happened to enjoy the drink. And for years, I managed to avoid Dad’s Copake diner the morning after drinking.
So, for the first time in almost a year, I found myself in Copake, completely sober and hungry. All I can say is I’m glad I never used Dad’s to cure the hangover shakes. It’s a truly below average diner experience. Let me count the ways: bland potatoes, tiptoeing the line of the pre-​frozen potato ilk. Unexciting fries. A burger cooked well done when asked for rare. Average omlettes. Weak coffee. Plus, one of my friend’s got sick immediately after eating. Maybe she has a weak stomach, maybe it was the food. Who knows.
I don’t know, I wasn’t hoping for anything spectacular whatsoever. Just something to fill me up. Next time I’ll stick with the Church St. Deli and their farmer’s breakfast. It’s delicious and a half.

This diner is just what you are looking for! If you’re in the area for skiing, hunting, antiquing… ANYTHING, Dad’s Copake Diner is a great port in the storm.
The staff is very friendly and attentive and the prices can’t be beat. They’ve got a great breakfast menu but get there early as the place is small and seating goes quickly.
Look for the sign off of Rt 22!