Chef Darrell’s Diner in Blue Mountain Lake
Great food in an authentic American diner in the Central Adirondacks.
Photos courtesy Chef Darrell
We love diners. We love the movie “Diner.” And we really love Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake.
First, let’s start with the food. It’s really good, it’s homemade, and what you’d expect from a classic American diner. We love the Philly Cheese Steak Wrap, the Tuna Melt, and the mouth-watering Blue Cheeseburger. And then there are homemade desserts and ice cream. There were so many tempting items on the menu it’s hard to choose, so we are always looking forward to our next visit.
Deserving equal billing is the diner itself. It’s a step back in time, but one that’s been completely refurbished, spiffed up and made delightfully sparkling new while retaining all the original charm.
According to Chef Darrell’s website, Silk City Diner #57 rolled off the assembly line in Paterson, NJ in 1946 and landed in Conowingo, Maryland. The 42-seat restaurant, with stainless steel and cream enamel exterior, served customers for years before traveling to PA and OH.
Then, in 2017, #57’s current owners, Tom Warrington and Betsy Folwell, moved the diner to Blue Mountain Lake in the middle of a blizzard (we believe that’s a good omen). At that time, there was no restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in the area.
Work then began on restoring the diner to meet modern health codes. Numerous local contractors, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, landscapers, painters, and tile installers played a part in retooling #57. The pandemic slowed work, but they were finally ready to open in 2021.
So, who the heck is Chef Darrell? Chef Darrell Spencer leases the restaurant. A native of Connecticut, he is both a Navy and Army Veteran (we thank him for his service) and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He brings the skills of a great chef and the grit to survive the brutal ADK business scene.
Chef Darrell has a real passion for his endeavor. “I am so very positive about the diner. I want to make Blue Mountain Lake my home and serve not just traditional diner fare but great dinners, apps and desserts. My team and I are working to create a real destination.”
He’s also always present at the diner, ensuring everything is right, encouraging his staff, and greeting guests. You might see his beautiful purple HOG (slang for Harley-Davidson) parked out front if you're lucky.
We can’t wait to see you again, Chef Darrell.
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner in Blue Mountain Lake in the Central Adirondacks.
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