This New Diner In Cheektowaga Is A Hidden Gem

You may remember the 35-year legacy of Frank’s Drive-In on Harlem Rd., and that building has now been revamped and reopened to be your new favorite diner. 

This diner in Western New York has only been open for a few months, yet it’s still considered to be one of Cheektowaga’s best-kept secrets. 

Cruisers Diner opens every day, Monday - Sunday, at 5:30 am, and one of the biggest reasons for this is to give our hard-working construction crews a place to go for breakfast.

The diner may be open under a new name, but there are parts that remain as tribute to what the building once was, including bits and pieces from the original Franks Drive-In, a table dedicated to Frank and his wife Marian, and a street sign to honor the previous owners of the building.

One of the top selling items on the menu is the Famous “Helicopter” Sandwich, the original sandwich from Frank’s Drive-In. This sandwich is topped with thick-cut fried bologna, with sautéed onions and peppers, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted seeded roll. 

If you don’t eat meat, do not worry; there are plenty of vegetarian options and the restaurant even offers gluten-free pancakes. 

I opted for their homemade swirl cinnamon bun during my first visit. 

You can take a video tour below of Cheektowaga’s newest diner. 

You can see that the diner has a 50s-60s vibe to it to match its old-school car theme.

What is your favorite locally-owned diner? Email kadie@wyrk.com. 

Dining Dayes is a new online segment via TikTok, featuring a different diner in Western New York every other week. If you have any ideas on the next diner destination, feel free to reach out to Kadie Daye directly.