D iners are cool. Diners are cool in The Catskills. In fact, one of our local diners is 12th on a list of most Instagrammed locations in the Catskills. That’s a lot of people caring about diners! And guess what? We have not one, not two, but three diners listed for sale. Ready to start your next adventure? Take over an Upstate diner! I Dream Of A Catskills Diner I love to make muffins. I also love it when people tell me how great my muffins are (a total personality flaw I realize). I dream of opening my own diner in The Catskills where I basically serve muffins all day to people who tell me how great my muffins are. Would I tell them the secret ingredient? No way! (The secret ingredient is wheat germ.) I would wear a cute diner-lady outfit and know everything about each of my muffin-loving customers. I would serve blueberry muffins, coffee cake muffins, snickerdoodle muffins, morning glory muffins, etc, etc, and I would try NOT to burn the coffee.
Here’s what stops me; my understanding that opening a diner that only serves muffins is a really good way to FAIL! People want a sandwich at noon, a burger at six, and I don’t want to cook any of that. A muffin-only diner is a BAD business plan. And so, I go on making my muffins and giving them out for free.
I recognize, however, that some of YOU might have a better take on YOUR dream diner; one that would actually be successful! The Catskills are peppered with a few lauded diners like The Phoenicia Diner in Phoenicia, Gracie’s Luncheonette in Leeds, and Grazin’ in Hudson; but, there’s so much more room for more Diner fabulousness Upstate. If you’ve got a yen and a plan, here are three diners to choose from.
Amy Wallace , Marketing Director, R.E. Salesperson Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty
This is one of those diners that is part of the history of the town, a friendly place in the community where all the locals and tourists come for good food and good conversation. This cozy little stream-side diner has been family owned for many years and they are ready to turn the keys over to the next generation. Everything you need is here and ready to go including a pizza oven, newer kitchen equipment, and even some family recipes to go with it all! (Buy it and I’ll give you my muffin recipe!) The Greene County setting is not only highly visible, it’s also scenic. I’m thinking picnic tables and an awning out by the stream? I love the flower boxes outside, the old-school stools, and the classic kitchen passthrough. It wouldn’t take much to “funk-ify” this place if that’s your diner dream. Click below for all the details.
This is an Ulster County institution. Set in Shokan on the well-traveled stretch of Route 28 between Woodstock, Olive, and Phoenicia, it has a reputation for delicious cookies and chicken salad sandwiches. This is the first time the Pine View Bakery has been on the market in 40 years. When you buy this one, you’re not just buying the diner/bakery - there’s more! Two residences, in fact, one for you, and one to rent out. Open your dream coffee shop, bakery (again, I’ll give you the muffin recipe), luncheonette, general store, or restaurant...the possibilities are endless. Sale includes a 3 Bdrm, 1.5 bath home and a 2 Bdrm, 1 bath cottage and a barn/shed set on over 1.5 acres of landscaped property bordering a local park. Click below for more pictures and details.
For more pictures and information visit villagegreenrealty.com/3diners. If you decide to jump in on any of these - email me for the muffin recipe! Amy.wallace@ villagegreenrealty.com
My goodness, this place is adorable! I love the look of the building (those front windows!), the wraparound counter, and the fact that the kitchen is right in the middle of the action. You get a charming counter waitress and a charming cook, and you’ve got one good time going on! This diner has a great location in the midst of Catskill’s business district. With 11 off-street parking spaces, and ramp access for front entry, you’re ready for customers. Upstairs there’s a 2 bedroom apartment for you or for tenants.