We Wandered Off-the-Beaten Path and Discovered This Adorable Small-Town Diner in Pennsylvania

A little bit of spontaneity sometimes leads us off the beaten path and to some of the most unforgettable gems. That’s what led us to Kim’s Waterford Diner, one of the cutest diners in Pennsylvania. I don’t like to plan day trips in too much detail. Sure, I’ll map out the tentative route and the final destination – in this case, a farm outside of Erie to catch totality during the solar eclipse – but where we’ll stop for breaks, to explore, or grab a bite is more spur-of-the-moment. 

Walking into this old-fashioned diner in Pennsylvania was like stepping back to a simpler time. Locals exchanged stories over coffee, the waitress greets you with a warm smile, and the smell of pancakes and eggs cooking reminds you that small-town America is alive and well. 

Discovering a Small-Town Gem

Driving along I-79 to Erie promises beautiful views of the landscape – we were lucky enough to catch a breathtaking sunrise with shades of pink and purple painting the sky – but there aren’t really any places, except rest stops, to pull over. While it’s easy to find chain restaurants and shops just off the highway, we tend to look for small-town diners where we can really get a feel for the area. Winding roads that meandered past farmland, Edinboro University, and small communities brought us to the tiny town of Waterford and Kim’s Waterford Diner.

There are several roundabouts in the area, with one leading to High Street, the home of Kim’s. Downtown Waterford is just like we've all seen in old movies – several blocks of storefronts with picture windows, some outlined in twinkling lights, wide sidewalks, and even a town square with a gazebo.

Why I Fell in Love With This Old-Fashioned Diner in Pennsylvania

Kim’s Waterford Diner sits at the far end of a block. If you don’t know it’s there, and even with GPS, you might pass it by. It’s easy to circle around, though. Stepping into the diner really is like walking back in time; it’s a quaint place with locals chatting over breakfast, and a waitress offering a friendly hello. Although it’s rather small, the dimly lit diner offers plenty of seating in booths, tables, and at the counter.

Just take a few minutes to soak up the ambiance and check out the décor – an oversized red M&M, a Pepsi sign, an old stoplight hanging from the ceiling. The more you look, the more you’ll discover. The menu’s chock full of breakfast classics – from scrambled eggs and toast and pancakes to breakfast sandwiches and omelettes. The portion sizes were generous (my daughter and I left with to-go boxes) and the hot chocolate, with whipped cream on top, divine.

While the diner was pretty busy, from what seemed like eclipse traffic, our food arrived within minutes. If you like to start your day on a sweet note, try the pancakes. They’re absolutely huge, and you can add blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas to your stack. Even if you’re stopping by for breakfast, check out the lunch menu, too, which is brimming with such tasty options as salads, cold and hot sandwiches, and subs.

Chicken tenders and shrimp are both offered as baskets and include a side. This adorable Waterford diner’s ambiance isn’t the only thing that’s old-school; the prices throwback to yesteryear, too. Two breakfasts and two drinks totaled less than $15, an amount that wouldn't get us much at our favorite chain coffee spot.

What to Know Before You Go

Kim's opens early (at 6 am), so it's a wonderful place to start every day. Come hungry because the portion sizes are massive; they're the kind of plates that you'll get from grandma on a Sunday morning. Come for the food but stay for the atmosphere. This cozy diner is the place where locals linger, and you will want to as well. If there is no event in town, you should have no issues finding street parking in front of or near the restaurant. And it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a quick stroll, checking out the nearby shops.

Is Kim's worth visiting? Absolutely! Not only is the food delicious (and cheap), but the service is friendly, and while you're here, you'll experience nostalgic moments. It's great for families and roadtrippers, and since it's less than 15 miles from Erie, it's an easy stop on your way to the beach. Small-town restaurants in Pennsylvania are the heart and soul of our state, and places like Kim's are a gentle reminder that we still have rare diners that feel local and authentic.

Head over to the Facebook page of Kim’s Waterford Diner to learn more. And when you visit, and you want to explore some more, Waterford is just a short drive from Presque Isle State Park in Erie, where you might want to go on a hike. Or check out the Visit Pennsylvania website to discover more local gems to fall in love with.