Chef Darrel's Mountain Diner

About Chef Darrel's Mountain Diner

More than 75 years ago Silk City Diner number 4657 left the factory in Paterson, New Jersey. The 42-seat restaurant—with a stainless steel and cream enamel exterior, traveled to Conowingo, Maryland, about 35 miles from Baltimore. There it served customers for decades. From Maryland it was hauled to Pennsylvania, then Ohio, where was partially restored. it landed in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, in 2017, during a blizzard. Then owners Tom Warrington and Betsy Folwell began bringing the historic eatery back to life.

After exterior and interior renovations and construction of an outdoor deck and new kitchen, the diner opened in June 2021. Darrell Spencer—who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and cooked at resorts, restaurants and a summer camp in New York, Puerto Rico and elsewhere—named the place Chef Darrel's Mountain Diner. After a busy first year he purchased the restaurant in summer 2022, and is the owner, operator, and chef. 

According to Spencer, “I am so very positive about the diner. I want to make Blue Mountain Lake my home and serve not just traditional diner fare but great dinners, apps and desserts. My team and I are working to create a real destination.” 

In just two years the place has indeed become a destination year-round. True to diner tradition, breakfast is available all day, though Spencer is known for contemporary comfort food like pot roast, meatloaf, buttermilk fried chicken and glazed salmon. In winter, local cooks become guest chefs, bringing in friends and neighbors to sample Cajun, Mexican, German and other cuisines. In summer the place hums with activity, with families posing in the giant Adirondack chair, kids playing Cornhole and dogs lounging on the deck.

Blue Mountain Lake is a very small community, home to some 120 year-round residents. The Adirondack Experience, with 20-some exhibit buildings, a nature trail and numerous events, is just a mile away. The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts hosts concerts, exhibitions and workshops spring and summer. Ringing the lake are several resorts and cottage colonies, all attracting devoted fans. Chef Darrell’s is a welcome addition to the list of attractions, a place for travelers and residents alike.