Gerald S.

After early morning runs down Elk Mountain, I decided to leave the confines of the ski resort to find a place to stoke my fires with some hot coffee and hearty breakfast. Yelp wasn't a big help as it appeared that the internet has bypassed this piece of the Poconos, leave little information available as a guide. As I drove down the road in the direction we had come the night before I saw a green barn-like building with a sign out front that said, "Elk Diner.' There were a few cars parked by the door, so I quickly made a right into their muddy snow parking lot. I did not get a strong WiFi signal and could not check in. Wondered how many people had found this to be so, as there were no tips nor reviews for the place. I couldn't believe no one had stopped in before me. Still, I managed to take a few photos and wait for a stronger signal down the road before successfully uploading them. The effort was worth it. Inside, local folks were holding sway. They sat in the 4 booths, 6 tables or 7 counter stools, socializing with each other, drinking coffee or eating their morning meal. My entrance made them all look up and stare at me for a few seconds too long for my comfort, but I was the outsider and made a point to smile, comment on the falling snow, and ask if I could sit at the counter. The owner, chef and hostess agreed and handed me a menu with the first mug of java. The physical facility was in serious need of repair and freshening, but it was part of the back country charm of the place. There was a chalk board on the wall with the breakfast specials, so when I saw French Toast and Bacon @ $4.95, I knew what I wanted. The 3 slices of French Toast were adequately egged and moist throughout. The grilling was enough to leave its brown marks in the right places, and the 3 slices of Bacon were cooked to crunchiness without oiliness. The Coffee kept coming with a little stainless pitcher of milk available, rather than Mini-Moos. The local newspaper reported on what was happening as far away as Scranton, and as near as the Australian Open Finals. I had a short chat with the woman who prepared the food and served me, and found her enjoyable and knowledgeable. We agreed that the diner had been in operation for at least 50 years, and when a 1948 nickel was given me as change, I thought that might have been the real answer provided by the hand of Providence. You have to be in the right mood to get off on the Elk Diner. If years past their prime furniture, and dusty corners offend you, better not to stop here. But, if those things are no bother, and you can have fun with the full time warp sensation that goes with a good breakfast, this may be just what you needed. It worked for me.