(Every diner has a story to tell, and it’s often served with a side of bacon and eggs. Whether it’s a beloved recipe, a family legacy spanning generations, or the camaraderie of regulars at the counter, these places are more than just eateries — they’re community gathering places. I’m visiting 25 or so diners over the course of 2025, eating their signature dishes and uncovering the stories that make each one special. Come along with me.)
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Syracuse, N.Y. — Mother’s Cupboard, that tiny shack clinging to the far eastern edge of Syracuse on James Street, looks like it could crumble in a stiff breeze. But this diner has stood strong through six decades of storms and is still serving up some of the biggest breakfasts in Central New York…