Carpenter's Diner

Waterloo, IA · Restaurant

Rating
4.8/5
★★★★★ 4.8
Reviews
20
Rank in Waterloo
#8
of 163 restaurants
City Percentile
86%
rating percentile
Address
Carpenter's Diner, 518 Jefferson St, Waterloo, IA 50701
Phone
(319) 252-4386
Website
order.toasttab.com/online/carpenters-diner-waterloo
Status
Closed · Opens 6 AM

Carpenter's Diner is a restaurant located in Waterloo, IA. It is one of 163 restaurants listed in Waterloo. Its 4.8-star rating is above the Waterloo city average of 4.2 stars. It ranks #8 of 163 restaurants in Waterloo. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Carpenter's Diner

A GREAT LOCAL DINER!! With Delicious breakfast and an excellent lunch menu. Family owned and Operated. Originating in 1972.

Hours

Saturday6 AM–2 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Brianna Yttri · Mar 2026

Carpenter’s diner is a great family owned place to visit, no matter the day! They have great service, good portion sizes (their pancakes are huge!), and good pricing. My favorite things to get here are their omelets, hash-browns, and french toast.

★★★★★ 5.0 Brenden · Jan 2026

I recently visited this small, family-run restaurant that’s a great place to hang out with friends. They serve bloody marys and beers, and the food is fantastic. I had an everything omelette, which was delicious.

★★★★★ 5.0 Roxanne Molskness · Apr 2024

Perfect. Classic diner. Family run business. Loved the food! Good value. My husband said, “best sausage gravy I’ve ever had!” My daughter had a pancake and sausage. Her quote was “thick, fluffy and absolutely massive!” I had a vegetarian omelette and it was tasty and well cooked. Raisin toast and English muffin were well buttered and delicious. The servers and cook were friendly and checked on how we were doing. Clean restrooms. Well worth the stop!

★★★★☆ 4.0 Courtney Kuhagen · Feb 2026

Went there for lunch and it was ok. It was State Pool, so it was busy. My mom ordered a tenderloin and wanted mayo but it was miracle whip (odd). My sausage gravy didn't give that sausage gravy flavor. My omelet was good. Will definitely give this another shot.

★★★★★ 5.0 Debra Shoopman · Jun 2025

Retro Lunch Counter vibe. I arrived shortly before closing (at 2:00pm) for a late lunch, but the full menu was available. Service was prompt, friendly and efficient. My fish sandwich with a side of potato salad was delicious. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and hadn't finished it. My waitress offered a to go cup, which I really appreciated.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Services

Restaurant

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.