Out to Eat: Lake Rock Diner

Lake Rock Diner in Lake Ronkonkoma is no stranger to the Sachem community. Located on Portion Road, the establishment is in a key spot for business from nearby Sachem High School North.

According to manager Grace Ann, Lake Rock is a mainstay for the Sachem community.

"There's been a wonderful link. This is where they're coming," she said. "There's a lot of kids who come in after sports and especially after the plays. They'll come by and sing for us. We get used to it but it's really a treat."

Further, the managers at Lake Rock enjoy watching the high school students grow up.

"It's great to see them initially come in with their families and then eventually with their peers."

"I used to bring my daughter here every Saturday night. She still comes on Saturdays, but now it's with her friends," one patron said. "It's good to know that she's in a safe and familiar atmosphere."

This closeness and familiarity can be drawn from the fact that Lake Rock has been in business for so long.

"We've been open 25 years," Grace Ann said. "It's pretty much the same staff, as well. We don't have much turn over."

The staff is eager to boast about the extensive menu when asked what keeps people coming back for more.

"It's the omelet's," shouted one waitress. Grace Ann highlighted the fact that the food is wide ranged, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of cultures represented. "We have a lot of regulars."

Additionally, the menu is ever changing. Lunch specials change by the week, and dinner specials are renovated bi-weekly.

"The menu changes, but the prices do as well," said Grace Ann, commenting on Lake Rock's need to adjust to reflect the economy. "We had to lower our prices but it's hard to say if we took a hit or not. It's just hard to tell in the restaurant business."

She says that word of mouth was the main vehicle towards promoting the new lower priced menu, and the customers agree.

"Lake Rock has made an effort to change with the times," said one customer. "They make sure you can still come in and enjoy the food you're used to, without hurting your pocket too much."

Customers who were asked if they ever considered dining at some of the local competition were adamant against doing so.

"This is where we always come," said Lisa of Ronkonkoma."We always have, and we have never been disappointed. Why mess with a good thing?"