Today, the Brew Crew brings you something special and a little different. Believe it or not, we have visited every coffee shop in Lakewood. So instead, we have decided to explore local diners—Lakewood institutions where, of course, you can get coffee.

Diners are a dying tradition that brings a special feature to the community. The promise of fast, quality food that is designed to be a staple in your diet. Beyond the menu, diners offer a personable environment where you can go with your family or alone and always have a great time.

The Place To Be, located at 1981 Warren Rd., is one of the family-run diners that we all know and love. The Place To Be opened in 1981 and, almost 45 years later, has made an outstanding name for itself.​

The owner, Georgis Angelokostopoulos, took over the restaurant from his parents on Jan. 1, 2026. The diner has been in the family since it opened, initially owned by his uncle, Gus Kanis. Kanis came up with the idea by discussing it with his friends; the neighborhood needed a “place to be,” and thus the name was born.

The Place To Be is truly an outstanding diner; they serve breakfast and lunch and are a staple for hot, fast food. Popi Galanos, a server at the restaurant, said: “How fast the food goes out and how hot it goes out is something you can’t find anywhere else.”

That statement is certainly true. The diner has almost anything you can imagine for food. From eggs Benedict to Oreo pancakes, it will always come out hot and perfect for your enjoyment.​

Angelokostopoulos has started making changes to The Place To Be, including adding DoorDash and now accepting credit and debit cards, which is a pleasant surprise to customers because, for almost 45 years, they have been cash-only.

Angelokostopoulos has also partnered with Rising Star Coffee and created their own coffee blend. At the end of the year, The Place to Be is scheduled to undergo a remodel and introduce new menu items, bringing a new and exciting perspective to the community while still incorporating the family diner vibe we have all grown to know and love.​

The Place to Be is a family-run establishment that caters to Lakewood families. “We get first-generation, second-generation, and third-generation families,” Galanos said. To welcome the youngest customers, the staff often hands out small candies or toys.

The diner is the perfect place to spend a weekend morning with your family, or a quick breakfast before work. Whatever type of breakfast you need, The Place To Be is definitely an amazing choice.

The restaurant is centered on the idea that anyone who walks through the door is part of the family and should feel welcome here. “It is not fancy by any means, but it’s fast food that you can get,” says Angelokostopoulos. If you are lucky enough to get Galanos as your waitress, her passion for the industry and her customers is clear.

The Fraunfelder family has grown up going to The Place To Be. “My dad always brings us before we go to Browns games. It’s like a tradition for our family,” said the oldest daughter, Helen. “It’s a place where people in Lakewood can come to get to know each other.”

This is just one example of the many families, not only just in Lakewood, whose lives have been touched by The Place to Be. Their goal of being a family-centered business has truly been achieved many times over.

There are many reasons to visit this amazing Lakewood staple if you haven’t already, and if you have, this is your sign that you need to go again. The service is great, and the food is served hot, fast, and delicious. You are supporting a local business and helping to keep the diner scene alive.

The Place To Be is open daily from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., so make sure you stop in because The Place To Be really is the place for breakfast, lunch, and of course, coffee!