History
John Moustaka first opened the Riverhead Diner & Grill on Main Street during the Great Depression on October 29, 1932. It had a slogan that the diner still uses today: “A Good Place to Meet, The Best Place to Eat.” It was an instant success.
Joseph Strebel and his brother Frank bought the diner in January 1961. Joseph’s daughter Elizabeth “Liz” Strebel purchased the diner with her husband in 1973, and became the sole owner in 1985 after a divorce.
Liz sold the business in 1999. For a decade, she watched as the new owner deviated from the tried-and-true formula that made the Grill one of downtown’s most popular eateries for generations. The business declined and eventually closed, but Liz still owned the building and was determined to reopen the Grill and bring it back to its former glory. She repurchased the business in 2010, determined to get the diner back up and running.
Liz and her son, Erik Williams, worked for four months replacing the short order box, kitchen, bathrooms and the original dining area. It opened in December 2010
“The diner is spotless and the wait staff is friendly and professional,” Liz said. “It’s a hometown diner and the ladies who work there now have their regulars just like years ago.”
The diner went through many changes over the years. After it opened in 1932, the business grew along with Main Street — the Suffolk Theatre opened the following year — and Moustaka expanded, purchasing the current shiny steel structure that houses the dining area from a manufacturer in New Jersey in 1937. The original dining area was turned into the kitchen. In 1981, the kitchen was moved back even further, and the back room was transformed into a dining area for additional seating.
The diner’s classic porcelain ceiling, stainless steel back counter and tile floor have lasted many years. Many tourists take pictures inside the diner because of its unique, old-timey look and feel.
Description
The diner’s menu has always consisted of home-style soups, entrees, and desserts. Its soups are homemade and puddings and pies are created from scratch.
“I am very proud of this business that has stood the test of time in downtown Riverhead,” Liz said.
Liz strives to serve good food at reasonable prices while maintaining a family-friendly, hometown atmosphere.
“All my customers are special,” said Liz. “Here, the regulars are known by name and what they want to eat before they sit down.”
The Riverhead Diner & Grill
87 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
631 727 8001
Mon – Thurs: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.,
Fri – Sat: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.,
Sun: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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