Goodbye, Eddy

We take a trip back home this week, as the end of the road is here for a long running Upstate New York breakfast establishment. Here is our look back.

Established in 1971 by Cyprus immigrants Eddy and son Chris Millouras, Eddy’s has served the Upstate New York city of Kingston for 53 years, at its long time home at 742 Broadway. The restaurant shuts down tomorrow as of this writing, closing a long chapter of food service and hospitality in Kingston.

Growing up in Kingston, I always heard about Eddy’s and passed by all the time. My father told me stories of many visits there with my brother when he was younger, but I never made the time to stop. That was until I found this post on a restaurant review blog, that finally spurred me to get off my ass and finally make it right. I was glad I did.

The first thing that strikes you, is just how old-school the place is. It harkens back to the golden age of walk-in, counter service, greasy spoon diners. Far few of these exist outside of NYC these days, lest you pass through an increasingly gentrified upstate town who passes whatever relics remain as polished, price gouging faux retro tourist traps (not all of them, I promise.)

Next, once your greeted warmly by Chris, with his red shirt and white apron, you are served a warm homemade breakfast of your choosing. My go-to was always eggs, scrambled with cheese, home fries (best I’ve had since this place.. hopefully some of you remember it), and toast. Sometimes I would add on some bacon. Piping hot coffee, served with cream in a metal saucer. Just perfect. I regrettably never tried Chris’ other famous staple: the turkey sandwich. Made fresh from a whole turkey sliced in-house.

Wood paneled walls, a cozy atmosphere, and service with a smile. All things getting harder to find these days. As of late, Chris’ daughter Rebecca has taken over the waitressing duties from his wife (on recent visits, anyhow) and right up until the end, you are served the same way you always have been. Also, to finish off the old school charm, this is a cash only operation.

There is a future for Eddy’s. The local Daily Freeman reports that locally based owners will be taking the reigns, giving the place a makeover and reopening within a few weeks. What this makeover entails, I am not sure.. details are not forthcoming. I have a feeling we will be seeing the last of the wood paneling, open kitchen and old school charm this place posesses. I hope I am wrong. Or at least, someone saves those Royal Crown Cola menu boards from a dumpster.

I regretfully will not make it back for the last day, but I hope I can swing by the new operation when I am back over the Christmas holiday. I look forward, with a little trepidation, to what comes next.

Thank you Chris, and family for making one little piece of Kingston tolerable in an ever changing community, to this author who wanted nothing more than to get out. Other than family, you were one of the few reasons I ever came back.

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