A  new diner drew a lively crowd to its grand opening celebration on Friday, September 5. Located at 4893 NY-52, Jeff’s Diner has taken over the space on Main Street formerly occupied by the Toast wine bar and brunch restaurant.

The diner is the first restaurant from husband-and-wife owners Melissa and Jesus Castillo. “Jeffersonville captured our hearts right away with its warm community, charming atmosphere, and growing popularity in the Catskills,” says Melissa. “We saw a real need for a welcoming spot where both locals and visitors could enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. [Jeffersonville] felt like the perfect place to bring our vision to life—which is exactly why we named it Jeff’s Diner.”

She describes the diner as a cozy, family-friendly spot serving classic American comfort food with a modern twist. “The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a nostalgic diner feel and a few fun surprises,” she adds. The Castillo’s company, Unique Xterior Panels, created the sleek, modern exterior of the facade.

Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jeff’s offers an array of diner favorites, including wraps, salads, burgers, pasta, hot and cold sandwiches, and breakfast served all day. “Our signature Jeff’s Burger and Carlos’ Fav Pasta have already become favorites. We also feature daily lunch and dinner specials that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients,” Melissa said. 

Except for entrees and pasta dishes, most meals average around $15, with kids’ meals coming in under $10. “The price-point is moderate—we aim to keep it affordable for locals and visitors alike,” she says.

Head chef Carlos Castillo previously worked as a chef at Tilly’s Diner in Monticello for about 20 years, “bringing a wealth of experience and creativity to our kitchen,” says Melissa. Carlos also gained experience working at restaurants such as Colosseo in Monticello and Mountain View Restaurant in Bloomingburg. 

In attendance at the opening was local business owner Ryan Terracciano of The Catskill Outdoorsman, an archery range and outdoor shop across the street. Terracciano says the addition of an affordable diner open seven days a week is sure to bring more foot traffic to other restaurants and businesses in town.  

“A lot of these families have been begging for a long time for something that’s going to be an affordably-priced meal that they can enjoy in an atmosphere like a diner,” says Terracciano. In addition to the price point, the contemporary vibe and design of the diner will also be a draw to visitors. “This is one more step that needed to happen to bring this town back to life fully,” he said. 

According to Castillo, the Jeff’s Diner website should be live soon, and will include a full menu, updates, and eventually allow for online ordering and takeout. In the meantime, she suggests following Jeff’s Diner on Instagram @jeffsdiner and Facebook @Jeff’s Diner for the latest news and specials.