Water street cafe was the perfect place for breakfast! Delicious food and excellent service, we recommend the omelets and French toast. Locally owned- we were traveling to NY for a girls trip and they have us some excellent recommendations for the area.

Stopped by on our way home to NC and I will return one day. Great people, service and food. Even bought a shirt.

Typical diner food, but still delicious! I had an omelette and it was really good. Service was good, nothing that stood out. I would come back if in town again, but I wouldn’t go out of my way.

1950s style diner with very good food. Large portions and friendly staff.

My wife and I went for lunch and shared their garbage plate. It was top-notch. We had home fries instead of ff. The homefries could have been browned a bit more, but their hot meat sauce was some of the best I've had. After sharing the plate, we had enough leftovers to have another meal for us both. The service was prompt and very friendly. Overall, it was a five-star lunch.

I’ve gone for breakfast a handful of times, and each time it was delicious. Our server was friendly. Definitely try and sit outside at least once if you can, the food and the atmosphere makes for a great experience!

Came in with a party of 9 and was seated right away. It was 23 degrees outside but the warmth that the associates of Water St showed my family was like we were one of their family. They were very accommodating two my two grandchildren as well as the rest of the table. Then comes the food……… it was phenomenal! I had a dish called the garbage plate ( that’s the real name of it ) it’s kinda like a SOS but the recipe must of come from Paula Dean herself. That gravy was nothing like I’ve had before. The rest of the group had various items of the menu and all were outstanding. My grandchildren had pancakes shaped like the Micky Mouse and love it. The server was quick with our refills of coffee as well as any of our other needs. All the food came out together. These cooks and servers worked seamless together and it was no surprise as management was working right there with them. This was a 10 out of 10 visit for us. Customer service is alive and well at Water Street in Geneva, New York. I was lucky enough to come across this place while visiting from Florida.

We were greeted immediately upon walking in and our expectations were set regarding a wait, which was very reasonable. The staff were all amazing, energetic, kind, conversational and knowledgeable on the menu. Everything was clean, the food was great and so much of the service rivaled that of top establishments. It is a must try!

Teresa runs a staff of great cooks, efficient servers, with a delightfully varied menu. Hooray for all the GF options. We loved the cafe.

Stopped here for a quick breakfast while in the area for a few days. Walked in and was sat quickly. We were treated like regulars and had the luck of sitting next to one of their actual regulars, I think her name was Frida, and her husband, who were a delight. Staff was great, so was the food. Thanks WS!

I absolutely loved this restaurant for breakfast! The food was delicious. Do not pass up the opportunity to eat here.

Very friendly waitress and excellent cooks. Not a single complaint. Trash plate is deceptively good. As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Great cafe/diner! The staff were all friendly, the atmosphere was pleasant, and the food was great. Large menu and gluten free options for almost everything.

The service was great in the restaurant was clean. The food was absolutely amazing and was all cooked as ordered. The home fries are shredded and absolutely out of this world.

First off Ms Teresa, you and your husband have created a breakfast spot that is travel worthy! Everything that was ordered and delivered to our table was perfect, including your conversation. It's not often that you find somewhere as welcoming as Water Street, and somewhere that puts that much love into everything they deliver. This has made our list for destinations worth the 500 mile journey.

We love this diner. The staff is always friendly!

We went there both days that we were in town. The service was extremely friendly. The food was sensational.

Food was great. Staff was friendly and professional. Wish there was one in my town! Don't miss this one!

Good place for breakfast!!

Great breakfast, the servers and workers in general were a delight, went with my girlfriend and felt at home instantly!! And talk about the food!! Yumyumyum

Typical local cafe with diner options before 10 AM the breakfast specials include coffee. The homemade raisin toast was phenomenal and flaky/crispy. I loved it. The coffee was decent. Was not a huge fan of the type of home fries they served, but that’s just personal preference and did not reflect my overall score. Service was friendly and fast. They also gave out candies upon leaving - butterscotch- my favorite!

Delicious. That’s all I can say. Our breakfast was excellent. The raisin bread is homemade and sooo damn good. This is a must stop if you’re in Geneva. We come here every time we are in the area.

Stopped here coming back from Niagra falls. Food and friendliness were second to none. My father forgot his jacket and they ran down the road to give it back to him. Very kind people

What a wonderful experience. Food was awesome and the service was just as amazing.

My family and I have been coming here for years. I’d give it a 10/5 if I could! Best staff, greatest breakfast food in the Fingerlakes! Do not sleep on this spot! Thank you always!!!

Came before 9am and was served free coffee, 2 poached eggs, bacon, toast, potatoes, american sized portions. $9.83 with tax. Great value to money

Most amazing pumpkin pancakes with homemade maple butter and fresh ground sausage. The french toast with sourdough and cinnamon raisin bread was amazing.

I’m here nearly weekly, and have been since I moved into town in 2020. One of the best places to eat and they just expanded to have more seating. If you’re in the Geneva area, you need to come in at least once.

The food was priced well and the service was fantastic! It's a little tight when it's full but overall it's a fantastic place to snag breakfast Get the garbage plate, you won't be hungry or disappointed!

Excellent food, great service, and a whole lot of community. He had the sausage biscuits and gravy with two eggs on top. He ate every bite. I had a sausage, cheddar, and mushroom omelette with hash browns. The sourdough bread is made in house. Everything was excellent. We’ll be back the next time we’re in Geneva. 🩷

I have had best roasted red pepper chicken soup I've ever had in my life....... Not to mention the rest of the menu. But this soup is too shelf

I’ve recently eaten in several Michelin star restaurants in Europe came here today and all I could think of is a Fried egg and a good old-fashioned hamburger I got their breakfast burger and got the most delicious meal I’ve had in months their homemade onion rings to die for

Food was fantastic, the staff was quick and very friendly. I had The Statesman Breakfast. You get bacon, eggs, potatoes, and French toast and it was really good. The best part of all is that it was extremely cheap. Definitely recommend.

First time and really enjoyed this place. Nice menu and the food was great. Will be back again. Had the whiskey burger and a breakfast.

I had the pleasure of enjoying the most memorable hometown meal in Geneva, New York! The pancake was so large that it covered my entire plate. The Southwestern omelette was perfect, and the banana pancakes were delicious. I even saved some for later! The hospitality was outstanding! Felt like I was on the show "Cheers" because they remembered my name! It was such a great experience that I had to eat there twice! 😄

Best home cooked food. Friendly, fun atmosphere. Friendly service. When you’re there, your family. Love Water St. Cafe

In today's age of poor service everywhere you go, Water St. Cafe was a refreshing change. From the moment we arrived, we were quickly seated and served. The breakfast was delicious. If you find yourself in Geneva, you want to add a stop here to your agenda.

The food was great and the service was good even though the place was really busy. Come here to soak in the vibes of Geneva's Exchange Street.

+3

Always love a good diner! Service was great, food was delicious and their coffee was great (freshly ground). Will definitely go back next time I am in the area!

Great place! My husband and I both got the “garbage plate breakfast” it was fantastic! We highly recommend this place. Great service,people , and food. Didn’t catch anyone’s names but the staff was so nice. We were inquiring about the delicious sausage gravy and the one staff lady said it’s homemade by her husband! He grinds and seasons it perfectly. Next time I was that sausage too! 5 stars to everyone thank the cook for perfect poached eggs! Too bad I was too hungry that I never took a picture! We’ll be back

What a great way to start the day! Food was delicious, staff were friendly, coffee hit the spot. Will definitely be returning.

Wife and I were on vacation near the Geneva area and wanted to go for breakfast and was not disappointed. Great food nice wait staff

Love this diner, loved the food and will definitely be back when traveling through this town. It's a perfectly classic greasy spoon!! (that's a good thing kids)

We had breakfast which was absolutely spectacular. Get home town cafe vibe with great food awesome menu b

Came for the Garbage Plate Breakfast Platter alone, and omg was I satisfied. I’m still trying to figure out what they put on their homefries. Honest to god the best seasoned and perfectly crispy home fries that I have ever had. My fiancé got the Eclipse Pancakes (it was eclipse day afterall!!) and the pancakes were deliciously huge and fluffy. Will definitely return on our next trip to the finger lakes. This is the perfect place to “Carb Up” before a day of wine tasting.

We arrived in town and were looking for a place to grab a quick lunch. They serve breakfast and lunch only, so plan to get there before 2pm. We chose a tuna salad melt and the club sandwich. Both were well made and tasted great. Their battered fries are the bomb. The service was super friendly. Definitely a great place to stop in.

Had the #2 breakfast and everything was great. Server was quick and polite, and the food was cooked fast and tasted great. We were able to get in and out super fast. And their prices are incredibly reasonable. We will definitely be back in the future.

The food was good but the bread was GREAAT. I ordered sourdough and it was so soft and fresh ,I had to ask where they get it.. they make it in house! The bread alone is enough to go back for. The prices are decent, the people are nice, the seats are comfortable. Definitely a place I'd go back to.

+6

Was right downtown and walking distance from the hotel. breakfast was great and they had gluten free options like pancakes, French toast etc. regular pancakes were delicious and they are giant!

Classic busy diner - they always have a wait, but worth it! Nice seating inside and out, nothing fancy. Good food, good coffee. Perfect for a quick breakfast with friends.

Amazing food. Friendly staff, that treat you like family. Homey atmosphere. A great place to come whether it's for a cup of coffee, or to catch up with friends. Love Water St. Cafe

Great place to eat a hot & hearty breakfast. The Western omelette was delicious. My wife appreciated the gluten-free bread option. Great tasting coffee, too.

Great local diner for well priced delicious breakfasts. Love the gluten free options/substitutions. Popular so be prepared to wait and don't linger using up table space!

I ALWAYS get breakfast but decided to try lunch (it was lunch time) sooooo good!! They have cool mugs that you can buy! Corned beef hamburger I substituted onion rings (I can not have FF) also unfortunately I can not have lettuce, tomatoes so I had mine with mayo but I’m sure with lettuce and tomatoes would have been a bit better but just as I had it was AWSOME!!

This is my first time being here 😀😀😀💗💗💗 Good home cooked breakfast. I definitely will be back in here. Faster service than MacDonald's

Classic dinner with delicious food and great, friendly service. The early bird breakfast is a deal. Plus you can order single pancakes and slices of French toast. Ask for the homemade sausage patties too. Highly recommend!

Great people and great food. They’ve taken care of us almost everyday and always are welcoming and food is great. Love this place and Teressa and team do an amazing job!

Just had the veggie omelette special this morning, great food and great people running this place! My first time here and will definitely be back….

Can’t say enough good things about our breakfast here!! I have a gluten allergy and had an amazing gluten free meal! They take special precautions and make sure they clean the surfaces and the grill before making a gluten allergy meal! My kids and husband who do not have a gluten allergy loved their meals as well! My kids said they were the best pancakes ever

Amanda

This is a great little diner! I have celiac disease and they were very aware of all the protocols needed. There is a very small $3 separate charge for celiac style prep with separate pans and everything! Well worth it! I haven't been able to safely have french toast in a restaurant in years. I'm very sensitive and I didn't get sick. My friend and I are planning to make this our monthly meeting spot 4 years to come.

mara titus

Food was good. Service was the same. Prices were very reasonable! Everything you would ever want in a local diner. Locally sourced ingredients to boot. Recommend calling ahead 15 minutes to avoid potential waiting.

Jen

We were in town for a few days from Houston and stopped at Water Street Café for a quick lunch — so glad we did! The roasted pepper and chicken soup was amazing, and the grilled cheese was the perfect combo for snowy 33° weather. Super clean place, friendly service, and everything was delicious. Highly recommend!

CJ P

So this is a great little hole in the wall spot. It is a little tight inside with space but overall it comfortable. The portions are large and very reasonably priced. I made the mistake of getting the half portion of the biscuits and gravy along with half a fritata and it was an immense meal. My wife went with the omelet and it didnt disappoint either. The sausage gravy was delicious and the biscuits were a nice consistency, not too dense. They were very diligent on their coffee service sport some very nice mugs for sale. All in all a very family friendly spot to grab a good breakfast in the area.

Bill Borst

I found this place looking for somewhere to eat to set down when in there fell in love, remind me back when I was young. The atmosphere people. The employees, the food the building I can go on and on. I go there every day now, even though it's quite a trip from Interlaken. Don't mind, it's worth it. Great people bend over backwards for you.\n Love you guys bill.

Jane Dough

Visiting area with friends we were looking for a good breakfast place early. Found this one open and since we like diner style restaurants, we took a chance. They were very busy but we got seated quickly and also waited on quickly. Great value for the breakfast options and so delicious! Found out we could purchase the breads so since we enjoyed the raisin bread we both bought a loaf to take home. We loved the good size coffee mugs and the frequent refills. Highly recommend this place if you're in Geneva.

Nikki Bond

My husband and I come to this cafe every year for our anniversary. The best breakfast around! There’s never really a wait for two people. The proportions are huge! My eyes are always bigger than my stomach! Service is always amazing as well. Everyone is so friendly. Great team! Can’t wait for next year!

Charles Hayward

I've only had breakfast here but it was great! The service was fast and friendly and the coffee was fresh and hot. I hear it gets a little busy but I highly recommend it.

D S

Amazing breakfast with friends. Sat outside on a perfect morning. Great selection of food with fair prices. Staff were amazing and accommodating with our group of 8. Food was very fresh and tasty. Service is top notch. Be sure to buy a few of their hand made coffee mugs.

+6

Willow

If I could give this place 6/5 stars I would! The food was tasty and the portions were large. You won't find a good breakfast priced this fairly anywhere else. Quick and easy service, no wait time on a Saturday late-morning. I'm not a Geneva local but if I was this would be my go-to breakfast place.

Allen Mowery

We briefly saw Water St. Cafe on Google Maps while passing through town and stopped in thinking we would grab some coffees, not realizing it’s not an actual coffee shop. The place was very busy on a Sunday morning, but we loved the classic diner vibe and decided to grab a late breakfast before moving on. The service was pretty good, considering the volume of customers, the food was decent, especially for the unbelievable pricing, and the ambience and atmosphere was a very refreshing respite from so many other modern cafes and restaurants. Highly recommend the Water St. Cafe, whether you’re a local or just passing through. We’ll definitely be stopping in again the next time we’re in town!

Titus

As with some downtown diners, walking in around 11:23 on Sunday morning you expect it to be busy. For me, that's a fun part of the dining experience. A select few restaurants standout to me while sitting at the counter seeing it all happen. This place is extremely well operated, including every team and individual, and I think I saw them all. To boot, they provided delicious food.

Elsa C Lorenzo

Having had a highly satisfactory lunch here, the six of us understood why Water Street Cafe was full of diners. Luckily, we spotted it on the map in Geneva. During our five-day Finger Lakes vacation, my roasted pepper chicken soup in this Cafe is the one that stands out! Their balsamic vinaigrette dressing on their green salad with chicken, avocado, cucumber and tomatoes was equally delicious. Our friends were all happy about their chosen lunch. Their staff are attentive, pleasant and accommodating of our request for three separate checks. To give you an idea how reasonable lunch is here, my bowl of creamy, tasty, tender chicken soup and my hubby’s salad described above cost us $17. Our friends’ checks were a bit more or less than ours. All of us were full.

+2

Gary Wurstner

Very popular diner in downtown Geneva. The food we have ordered has been consistently good. They have a large breakfast/lunch menu, and usually some daily specials. They do not take reservations, but will reserve a table or booth if you call 10-15 minutes before you get there.

+1

Johanna Houseknecht

Stopped in during a staycation after reading some great reviews. My husband is leary of new places due to dietary restrictions. Water St Cafe was spot on,not only were they able to accommodate gluten free but also asked if it was due to celiac. The waitress reviewed the order and it was clearly marked for the kitchen. I ordered the farmers omlette..the gravy is peppery and delicious. Be aware there will be a wait for the food..but as the tshirt states it's worth the wait. Thank you to the staff for giving us a safe space for a great meal.

Really cute little family owned diner. Service was great…everyone was so friendly. Many locals eating breakfast which usually means it’s a good spot. Had a delicious omelette but fruit cup was just okay…tons of blueberries that were obviously previously frozen.

Diner, diner, diner. Great breakfast dishes all day long plus many other options. Can't go wrong, food is good, tastes like home, priced right. Staff is friendly and helpful. A must visit.

Busy little local breakfast spot. Wait times can get a little long due to being a local staple. Food is on par and you will only see your server to place an order or to drop off your food. Other than that, you are on your own. Portions are hefty and we ate what we could before heading out for a day of shopping. Nice to see the big bottle of hot sauce on the table. Not many diners accommodate that little detail.

Jason S

The service was stellar and a great vibe with a happy crowd. Home fries are a bit odd in that it's a pile of steamed potatoes. No crunch. Omelette was decent and the coffee was good. French toast small stack was two pieces of sliced French bread.

Lindsay T

Fantastic French toast! If you can snag a table outside, definitely do it… otherwise, consider getting your order to go, as the indoor atmosphere and seating are pretty underwhelming. That said, the food was excellent and a great value!

We had breakfast here. The scrambled eggs were runny. The home made sausage was terrible. The home fries were hardly cooked. I would definitely skip this restaurant for breakfast.

The service was great, the staff was friendly, and the food inexpensive. I had statesman and hubby had avocado toast and cheddar omelet. The coffee was weak and hubby said his omelet was cold but tasty. My statesman was fine though the French toast was slightly chewy!

Been here a few times and the food is okay. The service is pretty good but it's not amazing. Very typical diner food at a reasonable price point.

Sooz

Had a terrible experience here. Ordered gluten-free pancakes and French toast. Waited almost 45 minutes for our food. Watched the “chef” handle toast and other food items with no gloves on. Kitchen staff seemed to care only about to-go orders and counter orders for “regular” customers. Gluten-free pancakes were NOT good. Husband said his French toast was ok. Will never return here and do not recommend this place.

Erick Webb

Service was not good. Four at the table ... two breakfast were delivered and then nothing. Had to hunt down where the food was. How does a server not notice two people do not have their food ... and that server took the orders. No apologies given . Some food good (farmer omelet) others not (BLT etc). Can not recommend this place.

Woman at front counter in charge of seating was the rudest person I've ever met! Talked down to not only me, but at least one other customer who just asked a simple question. If you really hate people that much, you shouldn't work there- who knows she may have been the owner! Will never go there again and don't recommend it.

We went to this place a couple of years ago and loved it. Good food, service and friendly staff. That has changed. We had a party of 4, went to have breakfast on Friday morning; we were seated, took our coats off and were handed menus.Then, a group of 6 people walked in and the staff didn't know what to do, there were no tables open for 6, so they turned to the hostess(?) who told us to get up, take our menus, coats and silverware and move to a table she pointed at with her finger. She was rude and treated us like we worked for her. No "please..could you do us a favor?" Just: "You need to move so we can seat this group! Take your silverware, coats and menus and sit over there." Our chins hit the floor and the group of 6 felt awful. They apologized and the whole scene was horrible and unnecessary . I HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH MORE COURTESY AT DMV. The food was ok. Note also new...they do not butter your toast for breakfast, it comes dry with an on-site prepared little cup of orange margarine - this is also new. Also attached and new is a picture of a sign they have at each table. Kind of like "Our rules for customers." See bullet point #2. What does: "Please be Courteous with Your Time(sic)'' mean? This is followed by a rule where you need to wait outside for your table. I'm done, I do not go out to eat to be treated this way.....the people that own and run this place are taking things too far with the signs and attitude.

Got in early, once we got our food we were pretty much forgotten about, food was soggy and no taste, waited for coffee refills for 20 minutes never got any refills, waited half hour after we finished our food for the check. Will not be returning.

We walked in to the diner as I love diners and the place was filled to capacity. It was raining outside. The waitress asked how many (2) and said it'll be 30-40 min wait and took my phone number. We thought we'd wait in the door way with no room at all. We would obviously move out of way for people coming in and out. The waitress stated firmly, you can't wait inside here, you have to go outside it's a fire safety hazard. She was not nice. So we left and drove to Denny's not far from the diner. When she called almost an hour later we were seated in Denny's with our food. I told her no thank you. She stated that's fine.

Ordered Steak & Eggs and asked for well done, no pink at all. It was raw! When I squeezed it, blood came out. Couldn’t even eat it.

Justin Kuhns

I hate to even have to do this. We’ve been coming here for years but the last 2 times it just didn’t have it. The tall guy with the beard cooking never has any gloves on and touches all the food bare handed. Then to have to sit there and smell cigarette smoke coming from the back the entire meal was just awful. Pretty certain it’s the same guy who doesn’t wear any gloves because every time he’s not visible you can smell him. The place is going down hill quickly!