ELDRED, NY — “Small, cozy diner in the center of the small town of Eldred, attentive service, good food, served pretty fast, “ reads one review on Tripadvisor of Irene’s Eldred Diner.

On July 8, this classic local diner dished out its last breakfast and lunch plates.

Irene’s Eldred Diner, located at 555 State Rte. 55, was a staple of the Eldred community for 36 years.

While the diner lay in an unassuming brick building, flanked by a car garage and small art studio—almost camouflaged into the background—the eye might have noticed its bright pink ‘50s-styled diner sign a bit up the road. The sign featured a waitress in pink on roller skates.

If the signs didn’t capture your attention, then the menu, which featured a full breakfast of two eggs, toast and potatoes for only $4.95 in 2025, certainly would.

Other unique menu delights included kielbasa and homemade pierogies.

The interior of the diner had a traditional bar to sit at with coffee brewing behind, some wooden-benched booths lined up against the front window with light streaming in on a sunny day, wooden signs reading “Welcome Home,” and a wall-size photo of local viewpoint the Hawk’s Nest.  At 7:15 a.m. on the diner’s last day, the bar was already fully seated with its regulars.

Irene Jakubowski and her husband bought the whole building—diner and garage—36 years ago.  Jakubowski was the lead and often the only cook since then.

“Every plate has gone through my hands,” Jakubowski said.

While she said she wouldn’t miss the physical work, she said she will miss the people who come to the diner.

Jakubowski is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and attending their many sports games in her retirement.