Lunch at the Noon Mark Diner

The Noon Mark Diner in Keene Valley, NY provides a comfortable dining environment for families and the lone hiker

Story and photos by Ceilidh Clark

The gentle clinking of the dishes in the back, the laughter of the customers, and the general bustle of the Noon Mark staff all worked together, creating a comfortable buzz.

I look around, and see dishes of freshly cooked eggs, sizzling bacon and other great dishes being delivered to customers.  The diner smells great:  Mixed with the aroma of the glorious platters of food is the coffee that I savor as I wait for my food to arrive.    

On an overcast Friday in September, I took a drive to eat lunch at the Noon Mark Diner, located in Keene Valley, NY.  Although primarily known for its access to world class hiking, Keene Valley is also widely known throughout the area for its cornerstone restaurant, The Noon Mark Diner.

After parking in a spacious parking lot, I stepped out of the car, and caught a glimpse of the diner in full.  The building is large and white, with a porch that extends the width of it.  The porch has wood paneling and charming orange lights that gave off a comforting glow despite the gloomy weather.

Entering the Noon Mark Diner, I quickly forgot about the dreary day outside as I was hit with several sights sounds and smells that tickled my senses.  The interior of the Noon Mark Diner is homey yet modern—it has a bar with stool seating that runs the length of the kitchen, and booths for family sized parties, but it also has a tiled floor of blue, burnt red and tan in the main dining parlor.  The long table in the front has a display of delectable cakes, cookies and breads.   

A room to the right is decorated with wood paneling and a blue décor, and offers more of an intimate setting for family and friends. 

I sip my coffee and an ice water, while I ponder the menu in a side booth.  The coffee was hot and served with plenty of cream and sugar as a side option.  As an avid coffee drinker, I was very pleased with the local brew.  The table is clean and has a dark marble pattern.  I am promptly approached by a friendly waitress who patiently awaits my choice.  I order two poached eggs, home fries and whole wheat toast, a breakfast special. 

As I wait, I take in the feel of the local community.  There are area newspapers to read, pictures on the wall, and cheery looking people in every seat.  Laughter came from the surrounding booths from time to time, and it was clear that many of the folks at the restaurant were locals:  there were lots of friendly conversations between the waitresses and the customers.  For a chilly day outside, it was a truly warm and inviting atmosphere inside the Noon Mark Diner.

The wait was only about ten minutes, but after seeing all those happy faces, I was ready to eat by the time it came.  The eggs were poached to perfection:  There was steam still swirling off the eggs when they were served to me.  The eggs were surrounded by a sea of home fries, which immediately made my mouth start to water.  Framing the equation, and not to be out-done, was the toast.  I was glad to discover that it was not over-buttered, and it provided a good sponge to the eggs. 

For a split-second, the meal sat it perfectly content cooked harmony: then, it was gone.

A blend of texture was provided by each—the toast a dry and course contribution, the eggs a soft and fluffy texture and the home fries, a mushy and ketchup influenced concoction.  Mixed with the steam and the coffee, I felt, for the few moments that this luxurious meal lasted, in complete bliss and contentment.  A euphoria emulated throughout my body, forcing me to smile and laugh (even if to myself) along with the other happy customers at the Noon Mark Diner establishment.   

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack high peaks, the Noon Mark Diner in Keene Valley, NY has a little something for every family, and a great meal for every one.

Have you been to the Noon Mark Diner?