At 2 a.m. on a Saturday, most of North Haven has gone dark. Not the stretch of Washington Avenue in front of the Athena II Diner, where the lights are still on, the coffee is still hot and the menu still runs from pancakes to prime rib.
The family-owned diner at 320 Washington Ave. opens at 7 every morning and stays open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. the rest of the week. That makes it one of the few places in town to sit down for a full meal after a late shift, a concert or a long drive home.
The diner kid who became the owner
Owner Chris Stefanis knows the place from the inside out. He worked at the Athena II as a high school student, learning every role in the diner, according to the restaurant. What began as a job, the diner says, became a lifelong passion for serving the community.
When Stefanis took ownership, he set out to keep what regulars loved: the flavors, the generous portions and the welcoming atmosphere guests have known for decades. The next generation is already at work. The diner’s website describes Taso learning the ropes alongside his dad.
The family calls the Athena II a dream built on hard work, great food and genuine hospitality. “From day one, it’s been a place where North Haven gathers for comfort and connection,” the diner says.
A fresh look, the same big menu
Walk in today and the room looks newer than its reputation. Recent photos from diners show a bright dining room with patterned tile floors, wood-topped counters, gray booths and big windows. One review posted on the diner’s own website puts it simply: “Newly renovated, and the food is still consistently great!” The same reviewer praised the “modern, Mediterranean look” of the redone room.
What hasn’t changed is the menu, which is as long as any Connecticut diner fan could want. Breakfast is served all day. Two eggs any style with home fries and toast start at $9.99, and the Athena Breakfast Combo, with two eggs, home fries, toast, bacon, sausage and two pancakes or French toast, is $16.99. There are more than a dozen omelettes, from the Western ($13.99) to a Greek omelette stuffed with gyro meat, tomatoes, onions and feta ($16.49).
Lunch and dinner bring wraps, triple-decker clubs and one-third-pound charbroiled burgers, plus Italian plates like chicken parmigiana with pasta ($21.99). Greek specialties nod to the family’s roots: a gyro or chicken souvlaki on pita with fries ($18.99), spinach pie in filo dough ($17.99) and pork or chicken shish kebab over rice ($22.99). Roast prime rib au jus is $29.99. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the desserts are made in-house.
Breakfast fans have plenty of reasons to linger. There are five kinds of eggs Benedict, including a Crab Cake Benedict ($17.99) that one reviewer on the diner’s website called “awesome.” Specialty pancakes include Strawberry Shortcake and Oreo versions ($13.99 each), and kids 12 and under can order a Mickey Mouse pancake with whipped cream ($8.99). Another review on the diner’s site captured why people keep coming back: “Being family-owned and operated adds a special touch to the experience.”
What to order
The Waffle Sundae
Breakfast or dessert? At the Athena II, you don’t have to choose. The Waffle Sundae ($15.99) is a Belgian waffle topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. One reviewer on the diner’s website wrote that their partner “loved their waffle sundae!”
A build-your-own omelette
Start with a plain omelette for $10.99 and build from there: vegetables and cheeses are $1 each, bacon, ham or sausage $1.50, and gyro meat, pastrami or corned beef hash $3. Every omelette comes with home fries, hash browns, sliced tomatoes or grits, plus toast.
Homemade cheesecake
The dessert case is a big part of the Athena II’s appeal, and the homemade cheesecake ($8.99) is the classic finish. Add strawberry topping for $2 and whipped cream for 50 cents. Not in the mood for cake? Milkshakes start at $8.99, and there’s a root beer float for $7.99.
What diners are saying
“Friendly staff and modern design inside. Menu is full diner with endless choices. Went for chicken parm sandwich with jalapeños and grilled onions. Heaven on a bun … Great crisp on the fries.”
— Alex, Google review
“My mom and I stopped in for breakfast around 11 on a Saturday morning. They were busy but were able to seat us, and we couldn’t believe we were in and out in 45 minutes – it was great!”
— Food of CT, Google review
“My suggestion to stop in for lunch was very relaxing and comfortable for them.”
— Paul, Google review
Before you go
The Athena II Diner is at 320 Washington Ave. on Route 5. It’s open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Takeout and delivery are available. Call (203) 239-0663 with questions or to place an order. Google puts the typical tab at $10 to $20 per person.
Key facts
- Where: 320 Washington Ave. #1306 (Route 5), North Haven
- Hours: Sun.-Thu. 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m.-3 a.m.
- Phone: (203) 239-0663
- Price range: $10-$20 per person (Google)
- Owner: Chris Stefanis
- Website: athena2diner.com
Have a favorite Athena II memory, or a North Haven spot we should feature next? Send us a tip at northhavencourier.com/contact.
Photos: Bertha Govea via Google; Kamrul Chowdhury via Google; Yajaira Lopez via Google; Uber Eats via Google; Alfred P via Google; Joseph A via Google; Photo courtesy of Athena II Diner
