18 Dec The Peekskill Diner: Where There’s Something on the Menu For Everyone
By Joshua Anderson for the Peekskill Business Improvement District
The street bounced with music and the storefront of Peekskill’s newest diner buzzed with joyful energy on November 5, 2026 at 9 South Broad Street, where local officials celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Peekskill Diner.
The menu is vast and has everything a diner should–from pancakes and classic desserts–to milkshakes and burgers. They feature Spanish homemade plates and American classics—a “50-50 blend” of Latino and American dishes.
In addition to breakfast classics, they serve hearty lunches and delicious dinners made fresh every day. They offer steak, seafood, and all day breakfast. They combine the warmth of traditional American comfort food with a fresh, modern approach to flavor, presentation, and service. The dining room walls are covered with a touch of nostalgia–old photographs of Peekskill–and the seating is spacious and comfortable.
NY State Senator Pete Harckham, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, Executive Director of the Peekskill Business Improvement District William Powers and Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Voisey attended the ribbon cutting, along with other city officials, family members, and staff.
“We are so happy to have another Peekskill-branded business in the BID District. With all the development on the east side of the BID—the firehouse, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Park Place Tower, and now the Anytime Fitness–they’ve re-imagined what a neighborhood diner can be,” said Powers.
The diner is owned by Eddie Hernandez and his cousin, Marvin Ramos. As more residents choose to eat and shop local, spots like this help to sustain downtown’s momentum, continuing to turn it into a walkable community hub.
Hernandez has been running El Bambu Restaurant at 3 Bank Street for a decade and Ramos is co-owner of Heritage Deli.
“I try to make everything good. The food, the service, for everybody to stay happy,” Ramos said. The reason they began this mission is simple: to fill a niche. “I’ve been working in diners for 20 years and we don’t have a diner in town, so I decided to make one,” Hernandez said.
The two entrepreneurs said that they learn every day and are excited for the future of their diner.
Steven Marks, the manager of Peekskill Diner sees the diner as filling a missing piece in the town—the two diners on Bank Street are closed. He has observed a balanced blend of English and Spanish speaking customers from many different backgrounds since the diner opened.
Marks is a veteran in the field of hospitality, working for the Hudson Hospitality Group at Taco Dive Bar, El Sueño, Better Burger and more. He is responsible for launch logistics, menu systems, POS calibration, training employees and schedule management.
“I’m essentially their jumpstart manager, helping them get their bearings and bridge the gap between kitchen and tables,” Marks said.
Nick Portanova, a customer and good friend of the owners, watched the entire process of creating the restaurant unfold. “After a lot of sweat and sleepless nights, it’s open and he can breathe now,” Portanova said.
“The food is lovely, beautiful, tastes great,” said Peekskill resident Joe Dunn.
Another local, David Otero commented on its location: “It’s a pretty nice spot. There’s not really too much over here, it was needed. They’re definitely doing it right.”
The diner is located diagonally across from the Peekskill Central Firehouse, sitting at the corner of South Broad Street and Park Street. Its busiest hours are 10am. to 2pm, but are open 6am to 9pm, seven days a week.
uilt on hard work and heart, the Peekskill Diner gives everyone a reason to sit down, talk, and taste the mix of cultures that define Peekskill today. Whether you’re a firefighter coming off shift, a WCC student between classes, a family stopping by for dinner, or you’re just in the mood for a good old fashioned breakfast, the Peekskill Diner provides everyone with a seat at the table.
You can reach the Peekskill Diner at 914-293-7418. They can be found online, www.peekskilldiner.restaurant, on Facebook at Peekskill Diner or Instagram @PeekskillDiner.
(C) 2025 Peekskill Business Improvement District. Photos by Joshua Anderson. Edited by Bill Powers. If you are a downtown destination business, and would like to be considered for an upcoming profile article, please email us at peekskillbid1@gmail.com.
