Community Corner

Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties

The latest Hidden Gem also happens to be the longest stainless steel diner in the nation.

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The Olympia Diner in Newington.
The Olympia Diner in Newington. (Olympia Diner)

NEWINGTON, CT — Here's some Connecticut trivia ... What restaurant hails as the longest stainless steel diner in the United States? The answer is, our latest Hidden Gem — The Olympia Diner in Newington.

The Olympia literally is and was tucked onto a parcel at 3413 Berlin Turnpike. It's old school through and through with the traditional counter and stools surrounded by tables.

Oh ... those cool jukebox directories are at the tables.

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The tucking began about a half-century ago, when the structure was brought to Newington from neighboring Massachusetts. It was built by the famed Jerry O'Mahony Diner Company of New Jersey, which fabricated about stainless steel diners from 1917 to 1941.

The Olympia was placed atop a foundation when it moved to Newington in 1954 and the terrazzo floor was poured on site.

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The regulars call it the "OD" and three families have owned it over the years. The Kritikos and Goulias families each owned it for a decade and the current owner, the Gavrilis family, has run the place since 1974.

The Olympia Diner in Newington. (Olympia Diner)

The menu is nearly as long as the diner itself ... with traditional (and tasty) diner fare.

Seasonal favorites have always been intertwined with the full-time offerings. In 2020, some of the fall specials are Pumpkin Waffles, Pancakes, French Toast and Caramel Pumpkin Crepes.

The classic grilled chicken gyros have to get a mention.

To see the full menu and hours go to the Olympia Diner webpage.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.
Other columns in this series:

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