An historic diner on a beautiful quarry lake in the heart of Elizaville, NY.

The Elizaville Diner – built in 1956 and the last Kullman Dutchess model diner in existence – was moved across three state lines and the many highways and bridges between its original location in Lebanon, PA and its current home in Elizaville NY, in 2005. It was originally known as the Eatwell Diner and over the years had been built over and mostly enclosed to modernize the building in order to compete with the chain restaurants that lined the highway.

Former owners Dale Strong and Brian Pitcher had scoured neighboring states for the perfect diner to bring to Elizaville and place next to the existing Deli, overlooking the water. The Eat Well Diner was the most original, unique and perfectly sized diner they came across, kept intact and protected underneath more modern additions. The two purchased the building three days before its scheduled demolition for a new car dealership, and proceeded to detach the original diner from what had been added around it. The Eat Well served coffee throughout the demolition process, only stopping when the power was disconnected.

People gathered across the highway to watch as the original 1956 exterior became visible again. The diner was disassembled into three pieces and loaded onto trucks to begin its journey to its present location – along with the original kitchen equipment, jukeboxes, booths, table tops and 22 counter stools (which Dale and Brian had to dig out from the dirt basement!) and the Jefferson Golden Hour Mystery Clock.

After the diner arrived and was set on its new foundation in Elizaville, the restorative work began. Dale and Brian had assumed the original interior had a green tone with brass trim, but once they carefully removed the years of nicotine and cooking grease, they found the interior was a blue and stainless steel, to match the exterior.

The two repaired and reinstalled the original counter stools, and all the upholstery was redone. The side door, which had been bolted shut and had vines growing through it into the diner, was restored. The plexiglass and duct tape was removed from the original dessert cases and replaced with glass. Like-original doors made with retro handles and restored interior lighting made the dessert cases and back counter stand out. The original terrazzo floors, still in excellent condition, were stripped and waxed, as well as all of the Formica panels. It was all in amazingly good shape, it just needed some TLC!

Beautifully restored, the Elizaville Diner has been the set for several films and television shows, including Jim Jarmusch’s 2019 film The Dead Don’t Die. It also graces the cover of the book Diners of New York. The diner can be rented for private parties and events. We’re proud to be building on the tradition of comfort food, community and a memorable atmosphere begun by Elizaville Diner & Deli’s previous owners!