Gray Dog Diner, located at 13411 Detroit Ave., is an institution that has made a name for itself at the heart of Lakewood. Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, it is a great spot to grab a bite. Whatever day works best for you is the perfect opportunity to try out one of Lakewood’s finest eateries.
Albjona “Jona” Hajdar is the owner of Gray Dog Diner, a position she has held for the last two years. Hajdar took over the Diner after it had been open for five years, and she has kept the original charm and integrity intact.
A Lakewood high school graduate herself, Hajdar knows the importance of the teenage population in Lakewood. The restaurant opens its warm, welcoming arms to teenagers in the community and to anyone who wants to stop in.
Gray Dog Diner has a genuine hometown feel to it. Everybody knows everybody, and on top of that, everybody truly cares about one another, whether it is the staff or the customers. Server Misty Wilkinson says working at the diner “just gives the small town, hometown vibes, and it makes me nostalgic when I am here.”
As soon as you step into Gray Dog Diner, you are immediately greeted by the friendliest of smiles from every single member of the staff. They bring more of a “friend vibe” than a server vibe, and that is so refreshing in the restaurant industry. You definitely don’t see it every day. While there is plenty of seating, be sure to arrive early on the weekends, as the tables fill up quickly.
Hajdar did not make any changes when she took over because the customers liked it so much. “So we keep it for the customers,” she says. That is just how Gray Dog Diner is: customers first.
They have many regulars, whether it be daily, every other day, or weekly. Customers can have a personal relationship with the staff and talk about their days or weeks, problems they might be having, or major things going on in their lives. Hajdar says, “When we see them park, we already know their order, and it is in.”
“Beyond being connected with the regulars, this place is such a great connection to Lakewood as well,” said Michelle Smith, manager of the diner for 7 years.
The food at Gray Dog Diner is amazing, and they have something special for everyone, whether you’re craving breakfast sandwiches and omelets or burgers, soups, and salads. They even offer a couple of student specials, including a breakfast sandwich or a burger, at a much lower price.
They also have senior specials for older folks to check out. These meals offer some of the best value in the area without sacrificing quality. All of their desserts and the salads at the register are made from scratch, along with the house-made strawberry jam served with toast.
On top of its daily specials, Gray Dog diner is also open on most holidays and even celebrates some we might not think of as regularly, like National Egg Day on June 3 and National French Fry Day on July 12.
There are so many reasons to try Gray Dog Diner if you have not already. They have such delicious food, the most amazing staff, and they celebrate the coolest holidays, so if you are in the area, you need to stop in and get a bite to eat at this Lakewood gem.
