Nice diner. The food is excellent. The service is fast and friendly.

This is a terrific breakfast spot! Homemade Corned Beef Hash! The staff are extremely kind and attentive. Looking forward to trying some of their new dinner menu items (Mexican & Salvadorian). Thank you to Jenny(?) and all of the other workers at Jack's!! Keep up the great work. And no, I didn't write this only so I could get some free Churro's for writing a review, but maybe just a little ;)

Had a delicious breakfast from a friendly staff

This place was fantastic! Breakfast all day and true diner food. As a Jersey girl, I appreciate a good old-fashioned diner!

This is an old style diner from 1949 that has been beautifully preserved and continues to deliver. Service was quick, pleasant, and accurate. Food was delicious. Will definitely return!

1st time having Huevos Rancheros, and OMG! The chili was so good with sunny side eggs!

I love old dinners. The people are very friendly and the food was very good

Took my 4 year old great grandson for lunch after church. Very pleasant staff. The waitresses treated him like a king, made him so happy. The food was well prepared. Definitely going back again!

The food was delicious 😋 I recommend this place the pupusas 🫓 are delicious

My favorite place in Albany for breakfast. Great for lunch too. All the traditional diner options as well as Mexican and Ecuadorian dishes. Good food and great service.

Loved the food and experience here! Anywhere we can find good Salvadorian food we'll be there! The service was excellent as well!

We didn’t realize that the “diner menu” ended at 4PM. We were pleasantly surprised! The Ecuadorian/Mexican menu is delicious. I got a chicken chimichanga - for only about $12, I was surprised by the sheer volume of food that came out. It was plated beautifully and was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend checking out the dinner menu.

Fast amazing service! And look at this waffle!

A few days ago I had some tests at Saint Peter’s Hospital and I needed something to eat before going into work in Schenectady. Since I’m not from Albany, I googled ‘diner near me’ and several names popped up, including Jack’s, which was not closest but had the best rating. I picked Jacks and it was awesome. I ordered the usual: 2 over easy with HF and dry rye. Ready in 5 minutes and cooked perfectly. The women running the place were super friendly with all the customers going in and out including a young family with small energetic kids. You could tell there were several regulars. I just felt like I was home and felt comforted with a big surgery coming up. This will be my “go to” spot in Albany from now on.

I stopped in twice while visiting with my family who lives in the area. What a warm, little diner! I was amazed as the waitress, Karen, remembered my drink order from the day before! The food was AMAZING! It’s nice to find a great place to have breakfast, especially one with wonderful, quick service! I wish we had a Jack’s Diner in South Florida. I can’t wait to come back for a short stack of pancakes!

Omg this place is a hidden Gem . Breakfast was so yummy! Home made corned beef hash was a highlight. I had ham steak n eggs n home fries. Eggs cook perfectly to my order. Potatoes, so buttery n cooked light but crispy! Staff is on point n fast service. Will be visiting again with friends n family. Yum!

Awesome diner that serves a variety of breakfast food and Mexican/ Salvadoran food. Must try if in Albany!

First time I’ve ever visited this place. Delicious and quick. Would go back.

Old school diner, a historic landmark as it is one of the few left of it's kind. Great breakfast spot.

Delightful little diner. Great food, try the Philly Cheesesteak. Owner is vey welcoming and a great host!

Great food, waitress was very nice

Classic diner food with an extended Latin/Caribbean menu. Staff is friendly and efficient. All the food is excellent.

Wonderful small diner with some of the best food I've ever eaten in a restaurant. I really liked how quick but delicious the food came and the nostalgic setting it was in. The temperature inside is just perfect and allows you to either sit alone and watch TV or as a group. The food options were plentiful and gave you alot of different things to try all for a good price. The staff inside were very nice

Food was very diverse, loved all the options they had. I tried tacos, tamales and pupas, they’re all good. But loved the mango drink! Definitely making another trip.

Such a cute little diner, with AMAZING prices. It’s like inflation never hit this place. It’s so nice and quiet, the food is literally incredible. Super quick and easy service amazing

Small place but excellent food and service. Loved the guacamole breakfast sandwich! They also were happy to add or make substitutions to menu items for my husband's order. Coffee was excellent, and overall great flavor to the food. 10/10 for a unique and delicious food spot in the area 👍🏽 If note - the parking lot is very small/right

Fantastic meals, we met very nice people serving. This was a very cool and helpful moment driving from NY to Montréal.

Super delicious and yummy everything was great and service is really kind and wonderful. Like the music and vibe in here too. Really great

Love this little diner! Staff is attentive, and food comes out hot and delicious every time. It's also great for takeout. Parking is scarce on site but it's doable if not too busy. Word of caution that the entrance is tight - up a few steps and through two doors, and it is not wheelchair accessible. It's our go to neighborhood diner!

Love the pupusas 🫓 and the chicken tamale 🫔🤤 so good. Definitely recommend this place.

The food it’s so good. They have two menus one with diner meals and another for Hispanic dishes. Everything is amazing and the waitresses are very friendly. Love the pupusas!

Fantastic traditional, old school diner. Great food and service with reasonable prices. Very limited parking lot but can find spots on street.

Love it! I travel around for VukGripz Grip Tape and always explore breakfast places! Food was solid! Service was great! Love the old time diner atmosphere!

Coolest neighborhood spot. My bf grandparents used to come here years ago, as did his aunt and uncle when they moved to the area, and now us with his aunt and uncle. Jack’s still gets the diner seal of approval all these years later.

Excellent diner fare reasonably priced. French toast, eggs, and bacon were all delicious. Quick service in a classic diner space.

First time at this diner. Old style diner- love it. The food was excellent. The service was great. We will be back.

Food was delicious 😍 If I ever came back to Albany I would definitely come here again. 10/10 would recommend it to anyone in the area looking for a nice place to eat either breakfast or dinner!!

Omg Jenny is the best! She is so kind! The food amazing! You get the great flavor and the feeling of home at Jack’s.

Nice, clean diner. Waitresses were exceptional and friendly. The breakfast was delicious. Location was 10 minutes from the capital 👍

+1

Awesome little spit. Great old school dinner vide. Staff were great well priced.

Awesome local place with a classic diner feel, both in the aesthetics of the building and in the diner food they serve. Plus, the prices are very affordable for the quality meal you will receive! Highly recommend a visit here!

Great food. Family, friendly environment.

This dinner is a great place for food , bit pricey . I ALWAYS get Eggs beny and it's is the only place that doesn't include any potato side .

Great little diner that lived up to the online review ratings. Hot fresh food & to top it off they have the 1970s version of cinnamon toast. Fabulous 👌

Will waited on us. Wonderful experience great food. The portion size was wonderful. Outstanding Customer Service. The menu prices were great as well. Well worth it

A great litttle old school diner that serves all your favorites: pancakes, omelettes, hash browns. Come for dinner time and experience the Latin menu, including great chicken tacos and birria tacos ! Highly recommend

I was here a few months ago with my family and had a great experience. The waitress was prompt and although it was quite busy, she got us a table rather quickly. The food was great. Healthy portions and you could taste the fresh in it. The coffee was great too and we had around 3 cups each!! The crowd was the best. Young but very considerate! It’s a tight space so even 3 persons at a table, next to a group of 5, can get hectic!! They students were all but selfless and moved about to accommodate US than themselves.. 🥰 All in all, will return and definitely recommend. Remember it’s BUSY and a small space so try to be patient. 😬

We were so happy to find this place. The food was outstanding and the service remarkable. Also the price is reasonable. The menu is very diverse ranging from classic American to breakfast and lunch. Also outside of the menu there is Mexican food and it is traditional and delicious. Lastly, the coffee was great.

Great little gem ! Food was good served with a kind waitress !

I come here for 15 years. They have American breakfast, Mexican food, and El Salvadoran food. Excellent food and service. Jenny is the best! Habla ingles y español ! Best bacon egg and cheese in Albany!

great dive diner with Central American foods as well as classic diner items. Friendly staff and reasonably priced

Authentic, delicious and affordable. The inside is clean retro diner style, the service was friendly and efficient, the food was delicious, and the price was more than reasonable. We will definitely be going back. The outside appearance of the building doesn't do it justice. Definitely a hidden gem.

Excellent chili. And more variety than your usual American diner with an additional menu with Mexican fare and San Salvador fare that my wife said was excellent.

Emma Boyce

I came here years ago when it was a different owner and wasn’t really too impressed. Had no idea it was now re owned and has the best Salvadorian and Mexican food! Has become my weekly spot.

Saxaphn Jones

Maria Ela was a delete, Paposas and US breakfast killed it. Tornados were first class! Mex items perfect, English items too.

+1

AmyB PhD

A South Albany treasure. Effortlessly charming. Full coverage diner menu. My Athenian burger was perfection. I am fussy about my coffee. I was astonished by how good Jack's was. Committed medium roast South American.

Chelsea Griffin

I went on a Wednesday morning, so it wasn’t busy. It’s a tiny diner in the middle of Albany, don’t be intimidated by the exterior and the location. The service was friendly, food was awesome. I loved their home fries!! Glad I tried it!

Oleksandra Narytnyk

My one and only diner in the Capital Region — I take all my friends here when they visit! The food never fails, the service is always fast, and they’ve upgraded their interior and menu while keeping that classic diner charm. I’ve come here with big groups and by myself, and it’s always great. Even before I lived in Albany, I had to stop by whenever I was in the Capital. Their Mexican quesadillas are to die for!

Jessica O'Connell

Stopped here on our way back to NYC from Quebec. Really stellar el Salvadoran tacos carnitas, with crispy pork and fresh green salsa. Husband had the el Salvadoran chicken enchiladas, which are almost like tostadas with plenty of fresh slaw and pickled veg on top, and hard boiled egg garnish. Our picky 9 year old was able to enjoy a grilled cheese off the kids menu. A nice place to go if you have adventurous and nonadventurous eaters in your party. We saw other diners eating American style diner food, which looked good. But honestly, try the el Salvadoran food, soooo good. Would eat here all the time if we lived in Albany!

Zac Caputo

What an absolute treat. Stopped here on the way to a wedding simply because it was the first diner that came up on Google. I actually browsed Google Reviews before I ordered, which is how I got the tip to order the pupusas, since they’re not on the regular diner menu. Good lord, am I pleased with my choice. I ordered the pork and cheese, and they were the sleeper MVP of the meal. Not far behind was the scratch-made corned beef hash which outshines your typical diner corned beef by far. If I’m ever back in Albany, I’m coming to Jack’s. And I’ll be a better man for it.

Walter Schaefer

Stopped in earlier today while driving through Albany. First time customers, my wife and I loved this place. Neighborhood and outside appearance may deter you from going, but go there, you won’t be sorry. Historic place, first opened in 1948. Food was great, service was wonderful, people were friendly.

Debbie Bisner

First time here and found by searching Google for nearby diners. Is definitely someplace I would eat at again when in Albany. Beef gyro was good and had enough tzatziki sauce to make it messy (a good gyro should be). Food came fast and hot. Service very good!

Angel Gutierrez

As a Salvi, I cannot stress how good and surprised I am that this place exists! Super sad that Mama Julia's doesn't exist anymore... but it's worth the trip for the service, people, and atmosphere! Note though: it is a bit small and we came at a low time (which is a plus for my family) so be aware when this place gets packed. No doubt in my mind they'll get food out quick!!!

Simron Bhatti

Super cute diner with great service and a lot of options in terms of food. I’ve come here a couple of times already and I’ve never had a bad experience! :))

Brad Wilson

What a DELIGHT this place was. Jack’s Diner is owned by Wilfredo Ruiz, an immigrant from El Salvador. That guy is the best! The Albany Times Union did an excellent write-up on him in 2018; it’s worth a read. Wilfredo started a Mexican and El Salvadorian menu in addition to the standard American diner fare. My wife and I got Mexican dishes (chicken nachos and steak quesadilla), but Wilfredo brought us some Pupusas while we waited. He described them as El Salvador’s signature dish, much like tacos are considered Mexico’s signature dish. Y’all… they were SO good. Like two flatbreads with cheese and pork. First El Salvadorian dish either of us has ever had. He was incredibly nice and knowledgeable about the history of his restaurant. It was a PERFECT start to this trip. That article says regulars refer to it as the “Cheers” of Albany. Salud, Wilfredo. Excellent meal!

+1

Kiana J

🥰 Old school charm and a hidden gem on central Ave. Reasonable prices. The corned beef hash is homemade and has a very unique yet flavorful taste. I love anything potato Soo I also tried the hash browns which were great! Large portions I had to bring the rest home, along with the most Amazing churros I've ever tasted. 10/10⭐️ I highly recommend🥰

Gina M

Such a fantastic little gem. We stopped here after a doctors appointment for breakfast. The staff was super friendly and the service was very quick. On top of that they had amazing food. We ordered their homemade corn beef hash and it was absolutely one of the best parts of our meal. Their eggs, sausage, bacon and home style potatoes were cooked perfectly. As soon as they brought out the Belgian waffle you could smell the vanilla. It was such a wonderful meal for a very affordable price.

Nice, cozy, good service.

The Eggs Florentine were good. But I was disappointed that they don’t have real maple syrup, and my over-easy eggs were quite overdone.

Great dinner, found this place by accident but if I am in the area I will. stop by again for breakfast.

What a cute place! We stopped here for a late breakfast/early lunch. They have tons of choices. The service was fabulous and friendly. The food was served within minutes. We loved our meals. We will definitely be back!

Joe L

Great old school comac diner, the omelette food was decent but was just missing some flavor. The waffle was great. Great friendly service.

Dahlia Watson

Me and my boyfriend came here for a very late brunch and it was good. French toast reminded me of going to any old retro diner, nice and fluffy. Sausage was giant and had an amazing crunch when you bit into it. Only issues we had were the eggs were lacking a bit of seasoning and the home fries definitely needed more crisp, slightly soggy. All in all both of the main parts of our meal were delicious and we’d come back if we were in the area

Jake Papas

Had a great time here. Definitely go for the specials, they are awesome. The regular food is good diner food as well.

Garrick

We stopped by Jack's Diner today for the first and were quickly greeted and seated in a corner booth. While the nostalgic diner is showing its age, it is comfortable and looks to be clean. They offer a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items; since we were there for breakfast, we chose the huevos rancheros, french toast, and a side of sausage. The huevos came with two eggs, a pinto bean chili, rice with peas and bay leaves, tortilla chips, and a side of sour cream and salsa. It wasn't fancy but it was good and the eggs were cooked to my liking: over medium. The side of sausage was two large, plump links and tasted good. The menu states it's made from homemade challah bread; it definitely is not. While good, it lacked any spices such as sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Our server was extremely pleasant and helpful and checked on us a couple of times during our meal. While we had a primary server, the staff works as a team as they check on each other's tables. Good food at a reasonable price. Prices have increased based on other menu photos posted on Google; these pictures reflect the updated prices. I saw a review here where someone said the restaurant is racist. While I did not experience what that reviewer did, during my visit I observed all customers were treated equally despite varying races and ethnicities.

+5

Margaret McLaughlin

The egg salad was just good, not great. The flavor was great, good level of mustard, but it was too Mayo-y, making it too loose. Also no diced onion or celery. Everything else we ate (French fries, home fries, waffle, sunny-side up eggs) were all 5 stars but I only review egg salad.

I used to like this place. Today I was asked to leave because the owner didn't like a negative review I left in regard to African Americans and the way we are serviced compared to others. Instead of coming to and understanding of why I felt the way I stated. I was asked not to come there. I will no longer be spending my money there or referring others. It's 2022 and we should be able to have a understanding regarding race relations in America.

The food was good but not great. The building is showing it age.

It's a nice diner and the food is good. The burger patty was very generously sized. All that said dropping in for an afternoon lunch getting a burger and one cup of coffee came to 15 bucks and with tax and tip it cost me $20. I guess I wasn't paying attention when the $8 hamburger disappeared from the world.

Wish I’d ordered the Rueben. My husband did. We shared and it was absolutely delicious. I let the menu intice me to the jumbo burger. The menu stated it was the “Best You’ve ever had”. It wasn’t. Toasted roll was nice. Cheese would have helped. When the waitress asked how I’d like it prepared I said Medium. It wasn’t. It came back way overdone. But the fries were ample and hot. And I had half my husband’s Rueben to enjoy. Now I worked a summer at a Denny’s in Chicago. The diner was not that busy and when our meals came I requested a refill on my water. After five minutes I had to go to the counter with my glass to have it refilled by our waitress. The hamburger was just a little bit dry. Atmosphere was a big plus. Eclectic clientele and robust music. I’d actually try Jack’s again. But no way Jose on the burger.

The Mexican food was really really good here. Maybe the best chimmichanga I had in my life! My brother however, ordered a waffle and wings and got just a Belgian waffle and we had to bother the servers about the wings. When the wings did come out, they were good, but my brother only received four when he ordered 8. Gauge the atmosphere and order accordingly is a lesson learned while we were here. Might as well be a Mexican restaurant because the rest of the food was just ok.

Big portions and food is good for when you're hungry.

Reed B

While you expect a true Diner to be a bit rough around the edges and need a little TLC, Jack’s Diner in Albany just felt a bit gross. Everything was sticky and seemed in poor repair, taped up signs, servers that just weren’t interested in serving and food which was pretty bland. Was it passable for what it was? Sure. But I couldn’t see myself returning.

So this morning 10/27/24 I called jacks diner. By the way a loyal customer before the new owner took over no problem with owner but his staff is rude and unpleasant. So I called to place a pick up order was on hold for 4-5mins then the phone disconnect. I called back explaining i was put on hold and the phone disconnected - like if someone came back on a say please hold again I would have with no problem. She explained their busy and I said you can't leave customers on hold and forget about them your still preforming a service and last I checked I'm a paying customer and proceed to hang up. And I know the phone on the person. So much for supporting our local small business. They should also know we are the ones who keep them in business. They should train their staff on good phone etiquette. Not sure how loyal I can be now.

Great server. We stopped by during slower hours. I’m not sure how you can screw up a BLT but here we are.. burnt toast with the burnt sides facing inwards, a single [not large] slice of tomato for the entire sandwich, a spot of mayo in the center of the bread only, and shredded lettuce falling all over the place. Bacon was so dry it was crumbling out of the sandwich. Come ON.

Jacks diner used to be the number #1 place to go for breakfast and lunch. we went for breakfast the other day and lunch a week ago, the place has gone down hill bad. the Ruben sandwich was burnt, had one piece corn beef that didn’t even look like corn beef, they don’t sell Mac or potato salad anymore. the waffle my husband said didn’t even taste like a waffle and was on the dark side, eggs were cold, the coffee was lukewarm. Place was dirty. Never will get my money again.

Love this old diner! Been many times, its located very close to work. I ordered 2 over easy eggs, rye toast, home fries and corned beef hash + coffee. What arrived to me was corned beef hash with bell peppers in it. I am highly allergic to bell peppers. No where on their menu did it say there were bell peppers in this meal. I've ordered corned beef hash in many greasy spoons from PA to NJ to RI to MA and I never ever had bell pepper in my corned beef hash. I explained to the waitperson that this is a food allergy they said sorry and walked away. I asked for a replacement and they said that it would take a while due to it being busy. I got up to leave without eating the meal and was told I had to pay. I will never come back here again. I suppose I'll just go to one of the many fast food places on central instead of supporting local if this is how they treat customers.

After waiting over 50 minutes for soup and a sandwich, while others who came in after me had their food brought to them, ate and left I had enough and left. Worst experience imaginable. Also, their prices on their website are approximately 30% lower than what they charge. I believe this is illegal

Tough Couldn’t even chew it horrible dried out. The only thing I could eat was the fries.

We walked in and sat down, but after about five minutes of the waitress seemingly preoccupied, she finally came over and handed us our menus before walking away. A few minutes later, she returned to take our drink orders but then went off to help other customers instead of getting our drinks. Frustrated, I ended up leaving. I will never go back there again, even though I try to support local businesses.