Croton Colonial Restaurant & Diner provides a no-frills, kid-pleasing menu, with a side of nostalgia.

Three words: All Day Pancakes. Croton Colonial Restaurant & Diner is your classic “greasy spoon” (do we still say that?), with a seven-page menu featuring a lot of kid-favorite meals. From the all-day pancakes (not to mention the option to add ice cream to the pancakes/waffles/french toast plates) to chicken fingers, hamburgers, and spaghetti and meatballs, even the pickiest of eaters will find something that brings a smile to their face. 

This spot is like a journey back in time to simpler days, no-fuss meals, and limited vegetables, but don’t get us wrong, it all feels fresh and homemade. From the red leather booths to the counter seats, a lunchtime visit to Colonial feels like an activity unto itself to do with the kids — kinda like eating on a movie set. (Feeling extra? Make it an event by encouraging the kids to dress in Fifties garb like they’re meeting the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel at  the Stage Deli!)

 If you’re looking for low-calorie fare this is not the spot, but Colonial never fails at fun. It’s also a great post-hike — or pre-park — eatery. Just across the street (we’re talking a three-minute walk), you’ll find Duck Pond Park. Renovated in 2015, the cute town park is well-loved for its baseball field, basketball court, and playground. Croton Point Park, the popular hiking spot along the 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline, is a five-minute drive from Colonial and what’s better than pancakes after a long walk along the shore?