Connie's Diner — Restaurant in Town of Waterloo

On the night before the Wineglass Half, my partner was on the hunt for carbs. We came across Connie's and were treated to a seriously tasty breakfast that warmed our hearts and our stomachs.

The blueberry pancakes? Delightful. Each one was pillowy and bursting with the sweet, tangy blueberries. The waffles were perfect: golden and crispy outside with a warm tender inside. The sausages were flavorful and cooked just right. Nothing fancy, but it was perfect. Exactly what you hope for in a diner. My only complaint is that they don't have real maple syrup.

Now, here's where Connie's really won us over. Amidst our feast, my partner left his favorite water bottle behind. We were miles away when we realized, and figured it was a lost cause. Still, I gave the diner a call and guess what? The folks there had it and were more than willing to mail it back to us, wrapped in a Connie’s t-shirt, no less! No hassle, no extra charge, just good ol' kindness.

This place is more than its killer pancakes and waffles. It's made special by the folks who work there. They're the kind of people who make you feel right at home and go the extra mile (or 13.1) to put a smile on your face. Connie's isn’t just a diner; it’s a place where you’re treated like family, and every bite of food tastes like it’s made with a whole lot of heart. If you’re looking for a spot with good vibes and even better...

I really hate to give them two stars, but after today's meal that's all I can muster. We've been to Connie's a few times and the food has always been really good, no complaints. Today however was very different. My husband had the special of chicken parmesan, it was mediocre at best. The coating on the chicken was very bland and soggy, not because of the sauce either. It just wasn't a nice crispy coated chicken breast to begin with. It almost seamed like it was coated with bread crumbs that didn't get a chance to set, or bake or whatever. I had the fish fry. I am sorry to say it was not good at all. Two bites and that was it for me. It had the "fishy" taste to it, not the good kind of fish taste. The coating on it was not much better than what was on the chicken parm. It was not crisp, it had no flavor, it was bland. I couldn't get the macaroni and cheese with my fish fry, so I ended up with French fries, which were nothing to write home about. The cole slaw was the best part of the meal, that was actually really good. The service was very good, and I've always liked the atmosphere. But I don't think I want to go back again after that meal. It really did leave a bad taste...

We visited Connie's Diner for brunch on July 30, 2025, at 11 a.m., just before the noon rush. This was the best restaurant dining experience of our trip. Although it was a half-hour drive from Sampson State Park, where we camped, it was well worth it. I had steak and eggs with home fries, while my wife enjoyed a waffle with strawberries and a side of oatmeal. The food was delicious, and the service was quick and friendly. The prices were very reasonable. We both agreed that this was the best stop of our trip. Definitely five stars!

For local history buffs, Connie's Diner is a family-run restaurant that has been operating since 1989. Their fascinating story is featured on the front page of the extensive menu. They employ 40 people, 10 of whom are family members. What a legacy!

Highly recommended for anyone...