Great place, great food friendly staff. Definitely coming back.

Ruston’s is awesome! Love to go there for breakfast, but get there early and pack your patience. Fish fry Friday’s are excellent too - make sure you save room for pie or cake! Great food, good coffee, nice people - what more could you want?

You know it’s a great diner when the parking lot is full! The staff were very friendly and helpful. The portions were large and tasty.

First time at this diner. Very friendly staff! My husband had the bacon cheeseburger, cooked exactly as he requested. He said it was a really good burger. I had the Rueben sandwich and it was delicious! Very reasonably priced. We will go back, and soon I'm sure!

My new favorite. Food was wonderful and cooked to order. Low prices and wonderful staff. Half Fretta took up entire plate. Italian toast was the real deal. Haven't tried lunch yet but I will definitely be going back. Diner atmosphere which I love . Counter or table service with a smile.

My favorite diner! Super old house, classic diner food made to perfection, hasn't been updated in years - I say all this is a positive light. It was my favorite diner to come as a kid and still is to this day. 100% nostalgic goodness. Excellent staff too!

I don't do reviews -ever- for a few reasons, but I am giving Ruston's 5 stars. This was the best breakfast experience I have had in years and it is not all about the food. A good diner is like a piece of pop art: it's standard, familiar, repeatable. Many are good, but I wouldn't review them. Ruston's is the Andy Warhol of diners. I would give this place 6 stars if I could. I can't say enough.

Found a cute little Diner on the way home from the Canine Carnival with my hubby! The staff was sooooo amazing and friendly. The food was good and the coffee was EXCELLENT! *suggestion Ruston Diner-My husband said his only minor disappointment (which was more of a, well, constructive criticism) was that you need some bigger, heartier burger buns to withstand your killer to die for loaded burgers!!! We just happened to have a kid free morning & you ladies helped us experience something we LOVE to do together in very rare times, by being your genuine selves!!! We throughly enjoyed the atmosphere and hearing the locals and the regulars speak with the sweetest staff as some joined them for a quick moment off their feet to take their orders & catch up- ON A FIRST NAME BASIS!! ❤️ We will return!!! 10/10 hands down!

Quant little place. Service and food was awesome. Only downfall was the bathroom size.

Best old-school diner around. Food is always good and plentiful, wait staff is super nice and it just has that perfect "greasy-spoon" vibe, but it's not greasy. Rustons is just a great neighborhood diner and you can't go wrong with anything from the menu.

A true treasure in Jamesville !! Like a blast from the past this diner delivers great service and excellent food !! They have a vast menu and homemade pies for dessert. I've had numerous meals here and all were delivered in a timely manner and tasted exceptionally well !! Gotta give this place a try 😉

Never disappoints!!! Always so friendly, quick and delicious meals; always offer substituons for food items, chill environment, so many ppl know so many others. It's never too cold or too hot.

The food was so good! I was unfortunately in there before attending a funeral, but the staff was really nice. I had a great view of the kitchen which was just as clean as the counter and dining area. Make sure you get home fries with onion!

Been going here regularly for about 10 years. You walk in and are immediately hit by the hometown/community vibes. Food is great and well priced. The servers have been there for a long time which leads me to believe that they are treated well.

Can't say enough good things about Ruston's! Others must agree because the place was packed for breakfast: as soon as one party left their table was immediately taken. Exceptional food and staff. Great portions and very reasonable prices! A++++++++ 👍👍👍

Great breakfast, great coffee, but the service was even better! Super nice, attentive, and so friendly! Bonus for following me out to my car with my leftovers box that I left behind!! Thank you!

My meal was very good. This place is near and dear to me. My mother was the cook there for many years. When ever I make a trip out to visit my sister we go there for breakfast or lunch. Always great service and great food

This is our go to spot for a good old fashion diner BREAKFAST! Great food excellent service. Ruston is not the revamped up to date new diner but its clean,comfortable and feels like home.. highly suggest if you are a breakfast loving person that you check out Ruston’s...

I’ve been going there with my dad once a week for the last 20+ years. The staff is professional and friendly. It’s a tradition to go and I look forward to it every week. Also the food is top notch classic diner food

Rating based on it being a local Diner. Great home cooked food and Friendly caring service, all at a good price. Same for both breakfast and luch. Ruston's is a repeater for us.

A wayback machine to the time when you loved diners.

I've had breakfast at Ruston's probably once every few months for a while before Covid hit, and it's always been a nice inexpensive breakfast. I was in for the first time since they opened back up and wanted to report that the waitresses were fully compliant with keeping their masks on properly, unlike the only other diner I revisited for the first time two weeks earlier. Bacon and eggs are always good at Ruston's and it was very reassuring that the staff takes the Covid-19 threat seriously. During my visit, none of the other patrons moved around without being fully masked up either, which I know Ruston's or any establishment, can't be fully responsible for customers who are purposely irresponsible.

Delicious texas French toast and sausage patties. My wife had her eggs basted perfectly. Great service as well.

Friendy and busy diner, breakfast and lunch

My favorite diner in CNY. The fodd is many levels above typical diner fair and the service is absolutely perfect. Highly recommend the muffins, they are buttered and griddled and the perfect end to whatever meal you have.

Stopped in on the way to Empire Farm Days, and I'm glad I did. Good selection, coffee was hot and bottomless, and food was delicious. Definitely going to keep this place in mind if/when I come back again to the area.

I prefer a pan made omelet. But, this diner flat top prepared one never fails. Not cooked too hard, always hot and tender. Great staff!

Love..love..love this place. It's like a Mom & Pop type of atmosphere. A neighborhood place where everyone knows everyone. The whole staff is a amazing and the food...well...it's like GRANDMAs cooking!!! A taste of home!!!

Really great local staple! Great coffee, delicious food and attentive and upbeat service!

Friendly, cozy, and local. It's Americana at its best. Waitresses are efficient and super nice. Whatever you order, it's freshly made and excellent. (Don't think about who or what flies into that third floor window that lost its glass a few years back.)

Fantastic food Excellent service Highly recommended

Excellent food, generous portions, and outstanding service.

Friday morning, parking lot and restaurant packed...one would wonder if they would ever get served. WRONG! Within minutes of sitting, a lovely lady greeted us with a big smile, poured us coffee and five minutes later, took our orders. Before we knew it,food was delivered to our table, hot, made to order and delicious. Morale of the story, if the parking lot is full, go in and enjoy a great meal.

We had a wonderful breakfast here today! The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. I highly recommend the grilled muffin, we read about it in another review and it was definitely worth it! The food came quickly and to order, and the portions were generous. The price was very reasonable as well.

What looks like a basement entry to an old boarded up building that might have been a saloon and hotel in the days of horse transportation, you will find a hidden gem among dinners. I had driven by this place for years, a bit weary to go in until my late mother (who was a regular at the place) took me there for breakfast. The place is cozy, clean, and friendly. The food is amongst some of the best dinner breakfast food I have eaten in the Syracuse Area. The prices are extremely reasonable. Even as my mother has passed on, I will now and then stop in Ruston's and think of her and how see introduced to this fine diner. So don't be afraid, like me, and try this place out for yourself and don't wait for your mom to invite you.

Best food you could ever want at very reasonable prices. Hot turkey sandwich with fries and gravy is awesome!!! Fish fry is even better. Waitress are fast friendly and they make you feel at home. Thursday spaghetti and mb is better than any Italian Restaurant and only $10.95. Super good!!!!

Staff most helpful and friendly. Food very good especially the pies

food was really good! service was sooo nice and friendly. cute little homey diner!! prices are good

When I visit family in Jamesville, the diner to hit is Ruston's. Looming over the hill like some kind of breakfast monolith, this place is great! While you won't be blown away by the decor or atmosphere, this is a popular family spot and where regulars converge daily. The menu is cluttered but full of every kind of dietary need and contains the usual breakfast fare you expect from a diner. Service is exceptionally fast and the good quality is great. You'll walk in and seat yourself anywhere, so be aware of that. Don't come here expecting a revolution in breakfast. Instead, come here for what a diner should strive to be.

I had a meatlovers omelet with homefries and Italian toast with butter. Excellent quality and value for your money. I will be back.

A classic down home Diner. Warm friendly atmosphere, good selection of breakfast vittles, generous portions while maintaining reasonable prices. What more could you ask for. I had the Eggs Benedict and walked out a very satisfied customer. I would recommend this spot if you are in the area. Two thumbs up!!

Best diner. Staff is so amazing and friendly. We make a point to stop whenever we are in town. Don’t expect fancy. Expect quality home style service with delicious food off the griddle. Make sure to get their home fries!!

Loved the food and how they do the sausage at breakfast! biscuits are homemade and incredible...sausage gravy is great. And get some baked goods to take home (best peanut butter cookie in greater Syracuse area imho). And as great as the food is, the people are better. Go here now.

Fun diner atmosphere with great breakfast and comfort food. Large portions, very reasonable prices. Great service.

Tremendous. Wonderful staff. Food is fresh and delicious.

This is a fantastic diner. The service is great, and employees are extremely welcoming. The food is delicious. We love coming here for breakfast. The eggs Benedict are a must have!

Excellent service provided by the very diligent waitstaff. Becky attended to our needs, got our orders in and on the table promptly with a smile. She really went above and beyond to make our experience enjoyable. The food was inexpensive, massive portions, and above all delicious. Highly highly recommend.

My friend and I travel around central New York discovering diners, and this was one of our very favorites. We loved the homemade soup and Reuben. The service was exceptional. It's a true country diner, warm, welcoming,and very tasty!

Stellar experience! Delicious, nutritious food at low prices. Convenient location with plenty of free parking. Friendly, hospitable staff. Debbie, Mary and Maggie are all kind and considerate. A warm, welcoming, clean, neat atmosphere. Clean restroom as well. Highly recommended!

Excellent food here. Staff is incredibly friendly. It can take a bit of time to get your food, so maybe don’t come here if you’re in a rush, but good food takes time to make and it’s well worth it. And everyone is so nice to everyone. They have their regulars who they adore but are friendly to everyone. Much awesome.

Hands down our favorite diner in the greater cny area, and we’ve tried them all. The service is fantastic, everything I want from a diner. The wait staff is so welcoming and attentive, they even recognize us now- what a dream. The food always comes out hot and exactly as ordered- and they’ve got the best homefries around by a mile. What a pleasure it is to have found a diner that feels like home.

Consistent good food,great service, Reasonable prices.

Mia Quatrone

We love Ruston’s!

A

Very cute small diner, service was fast and great! Food was yummy and the portions were good, decent variety of options. Reasonable prices as well. On Sundays they ONLY serve breakfast.

+4

Stephen F Phillips-Scott

Step into (perhaps back and into) the best of 1950s & 60s most traditional menu of meals, and side dishes primarily all the breakfasts you can either remember or imagine. Don't forget the handmade pies. Swing up to a stool in the front room L shaped counter, or be seated at '50s style table and chairs for 2-4-6 or more. It's the customers, the long time regulars (with life stories from local, world and many varied backgrounds) bearing the cherished Gift of Gab. The bottomless cup of coffee encourages both staying and returning - 5a.m. 'til 2p.m, daily. Don't forget your waitresses names.

Jon Bowen

Breakfast. Everything was fine, not much you can do to ruin eggs and toast. Good friendly service. We were on our way to Pratts falls, so don’t stop here often

Zachary Feigman

Old school diner joint. Its a bit of a hole in the wall, but that's actually the appeal and style they're going for it seems. Its good food with very good service. The locals are regulars and it's warm and inviting. I recommend this for an excellent breakfast if you are ever in this area.

Paul Cohen

Great dinner experience. Small town atmosphere where many know each other & are very accepting & friendly . Food is basic good greasy but not too greasy breakfast .

Michael Beers

We had breakfast there. We arrived about 9:45 AM. It was packed, but we got a table quickly. The food was excellent with generous portions and the service was great. Nothing fancy but a very good place to go.

Jasen Bassett

We are regulars and we absolutely love this establishment! We eat breakfast at least 1 time a week and sometimes 2 times! The staff is wonderful from the bus girl to the waitresses to the dishwasher and the cooks of course. And last but not least management! IMHO the best diner in Syracuse hands down! It’s a little busy but that means it’s great food! It’s worth 10 minutes waiting I promise!

Misha Bassi

It was our first time at Ruston's Diner yesterday and we absolutely loved it, very warm, cozy welcoming place with great food, perfect portions and great service.

Thomas Fiscoe

OK SO this place has been around for as long as I can remember. The food has always been great, the prices are very affordable, and the service is great. I moved out of the area about 7 years ago, but I come back almost every time I’m in town to visit family and I’m never disappointed.

Dan Ortman

Great hometown style diner, the food is amazing here at great prices. Would absolutely recommend this place to anyone in the area. Tucked away just off 481 so great for anyone traveling through.

Wayne Ennis

Good food, large selection on the menu, and great portions. My only complaint is this place is too popular and very crowded at times. Almost forgot to mention that the staff here is amazing.

Ruston's is consistently a friendly and welcoming place to eat. The half fretta is fantastic. Pancakes are the size of your plate! A very enjoyable diner experience.

Good food, very reasonable prices .... they never let you coffee cup go empty!

I think the staff is awesome and friendly. Food is always good. I also think it being located in the basement of an empty house is really kinda cool! I like the painted murals on the stone walls.

Friendly, good food and the lowest prices around. Doesn't look like much but I will keep comming back.

Enjoyed the rustic charm of where my father had breakfasts before going fishing. Very pleasant. Easy parking, entering and walking with a cane.

A local place to enjoy homestyle American breakfast.

Waitress stated the wait would be long as the normal chef was out - but the food came out in great timing. I had a burger and it was a classic good ole diner burger. Cute diner atmosphere.

We love this diner, it has a hometown feel and the food is always served fresh, hot and delicious. The wait staff are friendly, keep the coffee topped off and the tables are clean. We love a good dive but Ruston's is ready for a little freshening of the decor.

Only get to go to rustin's occasionally due to the fact that I don't live in the area. I just go when I'm visiting but every time I am up there with my wife we definitely stop in ruston's because the people are so nice. The portions are big and the food is good and the prices are fair. I will continue to go back anytime. I'm in that area.

This place is great! The service certainly was stellar. They were really nice to my daughter. Several staff even took time to say hello and to make her feel welcome. They made her an amazing pancake, my husband's frittata was delicious, and my eggs were perfectly done. The only thing is steak was a bit over cooked. I should have asked for medium rare instead of just medium because it came really well done. It's cool though I'll know in the future.

Great food!! With only two chefs there sure is a whole lot of love in the food here. Omelettes are massive and the Italian toast might as well be a whole loaf of bread. Make sure to call ahead, with some staffing issues as of late, you might drive up and expect it to be open, but sadly it’s not. The staff are old timers who have been doing this for a long time and we love becoming regulars and seeing familiar faces. Truly a gem in Central New York.

Our family ate breakfast at Ruston's for the first time. Although crowded at 10am, we were seated and waited on quickly. I ordered the Philly omelet, my wife had the special Mediterranean omelet, and our son had the eggs Benedict. We were all happy with our meals. Also, the service was excellent. We would recommend this diner, and will eat here again.

The food was good and reasonably priced. They had a banana bread French toast that was absolutely delicious as a special. If you want a spot at this diner make sure to get there early!

Jon Eighmey

Stopped at the Diner for breakfast. The pictures on Google are pre covid prices. Everything has gone up since those photos. Quite a bit. The diner is quaint but pretty tight spaced. The food was good but nothing special. I asked twice for apple juice and didn't receive it. No biggie though I had water. 4 people for breakfast and coffee ran us 68$. Would try again but also wouldnt go out of my way to eat here again only because its over a half hour drive for us.

decor315

Great food, fast friendly service, and a good value.

Joe L

This little diner was good. Little pricey for portion size but the food is great. The eggs Benedict was great and tasted good. Home fries are extra but were also good, I also tried the kielbasa which is pretty much hot dog style and was good.

Rose Duffey

This is what I expected when I went to a previous diner in this area and didn't get it, I was super happy to find it here. They were a cozy place with friendly faces and fresh food. They had a huge selection and we all tried something different. As some other reviews on here stated, the bathroom was very small, but nice and clean. As for the food, I had the pizza omelet. I was very happy with this; I normally don't eat a lot of pizza due to the bread and grease. Both of these weren't a problem with my breakfast. I was hoping to try the eggs benedict, but keep in mind they only do this until a certain time. I would love to come back and try more items. But if you do go, do yourself a favor and get a muffin toasted on the griddle. Something I wouldn't have gotten if not for my friend, if I come back, I certainly won't leave without one!

+8

N Schoon

The French toast and pancakes were amazing. The eggs and bacon were lacking, but not terrible. It was busy so the staff was a little short for the Friday morning.

Bacon was burned .. eggs over cooked, homefries where rushed.. if who ever cook slowed down just a little food would have been good

The food is a bit below the average diner. The biscuits were on the dry side, and I don't personally care for sausage gravy that includes Italian sausage bits. The service was friendly and fast, and the price is about average.

The breakfast I got to eat there was nothing special eggs and sausage. However the omellette i got to take home was very good. Waitress was attentive and funny. All of the staff were polite and attentive. A little tight of a squeeze but the dinner has the feel of a ma and pap establishment

I love Rustons food. Only want this business to succeed which is why I feel inclined to make a review. I love to order food to go from rustons(usually because I’m in a time crunch). Is there any options to expedite the payment process? I’ve seen the ability to pay on the receipts and such before. It’s just not feasible for some people to order to go and still have to wait 20-30 minutes just to cash out. Thanks!

Haley Bohmer

Servers were lovely, but we waited 45 minutes for eggs, toast, pancakes, and burnt potatoes. The waitress made it right after we complained and quickly replaced it, but they shouldn't have left the kitchen black. Food was okay, but I don't think we'll be back.

I'm sure it's fine, but it was way too packed and crowded for my tastes, I'm not kidding, the men's room was two by two... Airplane bathrooms are bigger, and I was afraid to use it because all the people outside the door would have heard me

Trey Romano

Used to be one of my favorite spots growing up, recently went and was never served after 40min for two omelettes. Shrugged at when walking out the door

laura moss

Watched an entire crowd come and go before getting my food - the table next to us ordered and ate pancakes and got a second round of burgers before our 2 omelettes were ready. Had to leave an hour after still not receiving anything. Also was told a specialty omelette couldn’t be made with one less ingredient… even though its made to order… ive come here several times with no service issues today i brought my daughter who was the only nonwhite person in the establishment and received horrible service.