Lester D's Reel Diner image

Lester D's Reel Diner

Restaurant Breakfast restaurant Hamburger restaurant

One of the Top rated Hamburger restaurants in St. Catharines


Address

144 Hartzel Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2P 1G4, Canada

Website

www.lesterds.com

Contact

+1 905-641-1118

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), 9 am to 3 pm, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 3 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 3 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 3 pm
  • Sunday: (New Year's Eve), 8 am to 3 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), 9 am to 3 pm, Hours might differ

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (19) good (16) movie (14) diner (12) time (12) service (12) menu (11) eggs (9) breakfast (9) toast (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Amanda L. 2 years ago on Google
    Service was great and courteous, food took a little longer to come out (but place was jam packed), but the movie-centric decor and overall experience was lively and cute. There was always something new or interesting to catch your interest - eg fun facts or movie quotes. The diner style food was exactly what we were looking for that day. Big portions and delicious. Tip: if you order the mozza stick grilled cheese sandwich, eat it quick! Doesnt taste as good when its cooled down and no longer stringy cheese. French toast burger - the french toast was good, the burger patty was good, but together, the combo didnt work for us lol. Will come back but to try other things on their menu 🙂 Ps. The gravy was phenomenal!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 William S. 1 year ago on Google
    Over easy eggs were hard, sausage looks like something my dog expelled this morning and homefries were abysmal. I've been here many time and this is by far the worst breakfast and I wish my girlfriend didn't have to pay for this poor food. Zero effort shown to even put a breakfast on a plate.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex 1 year ago on Google
    My partner and I decided to bike from St.Catherines Go Station to Niagara Falls. This spot was conveniently located, along the bicycle route, on the main (Hartzel) road. When we arrived, the parking space was full. We looked around to see if there was a bicycle post, to lock our bikes. Unfortunately, it was not the case. Across the street, is a stip mall and they usually have bike locking post. Luckily, near the front entrance, on the left side of Food Basics, there was. When we stepped inside the diner, we were greeted with movie posters throughout. The film Willow was also playing on the screen nearest to the entrance. We were expecting it to be full, judging by the number of vehicles parked outside, but we had quite a few choices, for our seating. We chose a booth. They name their menu items, with clever references to film titles, with a twist. They allow you to modify items on the menu, to fit your preference. Server was polite, courteous and upbeat. They truly embrace all things films. I felt like I was going through various eras, as I went to the washroom. Nostalgia kicked in full motion and I began to remember where and when, I had watched the films I would see, all around me. Our server informed us they had trivia nights and other activities and programs on offer, pre pandemic. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I look forward to my next visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chen W. 1 year ago on Google
    We stopped by this lovely place during our Niagara trip. Great atmosphere with interesting decorations. Food was decent for the price, will go again if we are in the area next time
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 erin w. 2 years ago on Google
    Waiting over an hour for food. No one checked on us after we got our drinks and there were so many bees around the table, me and my bf had to cover our drinks with our phones so the bees wouldn’t get in them. We ended up leaving because the table who sat down at least 20 minutes after us got their food before us and they ordered the same thing (bacon and eggs and banana bread). Not sure if they forgot that we were there or what but we ended up leaving because I didn’t have all this time to wait for our food. I understand they are busy but this service was just ridiculous. When we went inside to pay for the drinks I informed the one lady that we have been waiting for over an hour and I had somewhere to be so we would like to just pay for the drinks and leave. The lady didn’t apologize at all for our wait and was extremely rude when handing us the debit machine. We left Lester D’s still hungry and annoyed with the way we were treated and the waiting over an HOUR for food that we never even got.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Amie H. 2 years ago on Google
    Decent food for an okay price. We got the poutine, pancakes, and omelette. We had takeout and we’d love to come in person sometime.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Teri C. 10 months ago on Google
    Very cool diner, great friendly service/staff, disappointing food, my husband and I really had a craving for eggs Benny and both ordered the same however eggs were over cooked( not runny) hollandaise sauce was goopy, peameal dry but we were hungry and ate it, but for the price $$ not worth it this time around, don’t think we will give Lester D’s another try
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 J. L. 4 years ago on Google
    What fun decor! Friendly staff and a substantial menu with truly imaginative names for the dishes. Breakfast all day is always appreciated. The film posters and a family movie playing on the big screens really added to the atmosphere. I always like a soup option instead of fries, so that was nice. Loved the neon sign out front!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jack P. 5 years ago on Google
    It is not often that you find a real gem, like Lester D’s. My wife and I have been to this establishment many times over the last 2 months and it never fails to meet our expectations. Keep in mind this establishment is a Diner, however it is not your typical run of the mill diner. This mornings breakfast trip, to what is becoming a regular stop, for my wife and I, once again lived up to our expectations. I had Banana Bread French toast served with Ham and a bowl of fresh fruit, my wife enjoyed a Breakfast Clubhouse Sandwich served with home fries and a side of sausage. The Banana Bread French toast was awesome and, the fresh fruit was nice touch, much better than the prepackaged or frozen mixed fruit that is often used in other establishments. My wife enjoyed the Clubhouse, they did not skimp on the bacon. If your into movies and memorabilia, this is the place for you. There are always movies playing on the 2 large screen TVs, all of the dishes on the menu have movie related names, so be sure to read them carefully. The staff has always been friendly, keeping in mind that this place can get quite busy. They no longer provide plastic straws with their beverages, this is also a nice touch, and environmentally conscious. I was also pleased to see the “we honour or fallen hero’s” sticker in the window, a topic that is near and dear to my heart. The bill for this mornings visit came to about 39.50 before tip. That included 2 cups of coffee with 2 refills a piece.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben B. 6 months ago on Google
    Had BBQ Bandits in Hamilton which was amazing, was stopping by st catherines and this breafast diner is top knotch, me and the wife wanted to try a bit of everything as the menu has diverse options. Not only was the food awesome, the service was number 1, kept refilling out coffee and always asked if we needed anything. Will be back, great job guys
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arthur F. 5 months ago on Google
    The atmosphere here is really fun. The service we received was excellent. Above all else, the steak and eggs were an incredibly good deal. Delicious, too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 gandols 8 months ago on Google
    it was my first time at Lester D’s today and I had a very memorable experience. we were greeted with a friendly “good morning” when we walked in, and not to mention, the food was delicious. the decorations and detailing in this place is incredible too. definitely a St. Catharines gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carey D. 7 months ago on Google
    What a cool diner with great movie themed action everywhere you look. My husband and I ordered the black and white breakfast, great bacon, great potatoes fried with onion and rye was delicious. We decided to try a side order of banana bread French toast.....all I can say is OMG!!!! So delicious Great customer service guys! We will definitely be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Kassie G. 1 year ago on Google
    It kinda saddens me to write this review. This used to be my fiancé's and my favourite breakfast spot. We have ordered delivery many times and have gone in. During rhe pandemic we would order in almost every other Sunday for a treat. However, lately, every time we order, it's worse and worse. I understand delivery food is never as good as when you go in person, but it just seems like they don't care about the delivery orders. Easy over eggs are wayyyy over cooked to the point they would've been overcooked before they even left the restaurant (yolk is completely hard) homefries are raw on the inside due to inconsistent size and the bacon is almost burnt on one end but almost raw on the other. They used to put toast in a paper sleeve so it didn't get soggy. Now they put the sleeve right in with the other hot food. They also didn't even give us the right meal for one of the orders, forgetting the sausage. I know they can deliver food in much better quality as I've had it. I think we will be giving Lester's a break for now as it is very expensive to have to waste so much food :(
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Wanderer 3 years ago on Google
    Fun place to eat a delicious burger. This movie themed diner style restaurant is detailed to a T. The decor inside is fantastic and goes great with movie soundtracks playing in the air. Tell your server that you will need at least 15 minutes to read the entire menu. I do not know who came up with the names of the food but much laughter will ensue as you read the names with your fellow patrons. The service is wonderful with smiles and the perfect amount of attention. This is THE place in Sainte-Catherines for great food at a great price.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jess F. 1 year ago on Google
    Took my 7yr old niece and 3yr old nephew and we talked about all the movies on the posters! We had a blast and continued the fun at home since we were inspired to watch the Goonies. Ones of the many movies we added to a long list. Would definitely recommend! We will be going back!

  • 5/5 Allison 1 year ago on Google
    I can’t express enough how great this place is. Food and movies are my two favourite things and that’s exactly what you get here. My boyfriend and I come as often as we can and the staff are so funny and lovely here. The chicken fingers are the greatest of all time it’s to good. Also the banana French toast!! So good. The movies they play are always good and at a good volume so u can actually watch it while you eat. I’m craving the chicken fingers as I type this…need to go again.

  • 5/5 Erik B. 11 months ago on Google
    Food service and atmosphere was excellent food came out speedy and will definitely be dining here again.

  • 5/5 Sydney R. 7 months ago on Google
    this place is so awesome, best diner in st. Kitts. the novelty of the decor, speed and friendliness of the service and DELICIOUS food make it a hit every single time. the banana bread french toast and breakfast poutine are to die for but honestly you can't go wrong with any of the breakfasts. the shakes are also amazing!!

  • 4/5 Diocon P. 8 months ago on Google
    Good service, loved the pancakes but I didn't like how the eggs was cooked. But we will be back coz of the pancakes.

  • 1/5 Joanna E. 4 months ago on Google
    This place was so bad! I got a simple eggs Benedict. Poached medium. It was barely cooked. Took it back. Slightly better. Barely ate it. Still paid full price for it. This was the worst eggs Benedict I’ve ever had! The chef needs to go back to culinary school. They need Gordon Ramsey to help this place out! It’s sad, really. You want to support small, local businesses but places like this make it difficult. If anything, I hope this review helps them to do better. But, you’ll definitely never see me back there!

  • 4/5 Young X. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was good, staff was nice, nothing spectacular can't pick anything wrong with the place either.

  • 5/5 Julio A. 1 year ago on Google
    Heard good things about Lester D's, I had a chance to have brunch here for the first time and it was a great experience. Service was very good. The movie theme is fun and they even have a movie playing while you eat. The food was great and very good portions. I would definitely be back to try some of the other menu items.

  • 5/5 Julianna M. 2 years ago on Google
    so so amazing , customer service is always 100% at Lester D’s. Food was amazing, great prices and huge portions. I ordered the Camp Crystal Lake Shake and although there was a delay in getting my to go cup so she made me a brand new shake to take home. Very very impressed!!!

  • 5/5 Jennifer R. 2 years ago on Google
    Even though they were crazy busy, they still found time to make our visit for brunch very enjoyable. The food was great and the service was exceptional! It was our first visit and we will be returning! Thank you!

  • 5/5 Jacob C. 1 year ago on Google
    This establishment is the pride of St.Catharines. Distinctly unique with a great menu of high-quality food options at reasonable prices. Movie buffs will love it here, something is always on the TVs and there is trivia and memorabilia everywhere. Do not miss the opportunity to stop in here - the sandwiches and fish are especially top notch.

  • 5/5 Mike V. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited this place again for the second time in a few years since I moved away. The diners full of memory memorabilia and playing movies while you eat. The food is really good and the staff are happy. Good place to have on a good morning.

  • 5/5 Lunabobuna 1 year ago on Google
    First time visiting earlier today and it was absolutely fantastic!! Movie posters + quotes decorated all over this homey diner made my breakfast that much more enjoyable. It also helped that they coincidentally had my favourite movie playing when we had our meal!! I definitely plan on coming back ✨👌

  • 5/5 Zombie Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing place, great atmosphere, family friendly(as long as your kids aren't scared of skeletons, a pair of skeletons dining at a table when you walk in, movie themed restaurant**) incredibly tasty food, bit of a wait but well worth it. Could use more appetizers on menu. But then again it's a diner and therefore that being said. Has a wonderful menu. Also the waitresses are very friendly. An overall great experience

  • 3/5 Tim M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Breakfast. Super-slow from ordering until plated. I asked about delay and was told "Uber Eats" and "skip the dishes" overwhelmed the kitchen. I don't know if those orders (take out) are prioritized over in person dining.

  • 5/5 paul c. 2 years ago on Google
    My fiancee and I went here for brunch. The food and service was fantastic! I loved the decor. Being a movie buff, the vintage movie memorabilia was a movie nerds paradise. I will be coming back!

  • 5/5 Will C. 2 years ago on Google
    Super cool place to stop for some diner food. HUGE burgers, great breakfast, and awesome sandwiches. Plus it’s themed to look like a classic diner from days past. They also have a great selection of movies and a jukebox to keep you entertained while you eat!

  • 5/5 Chelsey G. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been having breakfast here for many years now and it will always be my favourite, especially for comfort food. The staff is amazing and always happy. Love this place sooo much.

  • 3/5 Jay 2 years ago on Google
    The guy that served us was friendly so I'll give them that. The burger was decent but a little dry. Reuben was stingy on meat. $12 fries were cold. For the price, IMO, the food should better.


Call +1 905-641-1118 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup

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