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Donna's Restaurant
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
980 Saratoga St(between Boardman St & Ford St)
Boston, MA 02128
Neighborhood: East Boston
(617) 568-9314
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bennington St @ Saratoga St (120)
Boardman St @ Saratoga St (120)
Bennington St @ Antrim St (120)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 2 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Donna's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Best diner/breakfast food in Eastie."
(in 3 reviews)
"...a vintage appeal with Disney characters all over the walls."
(in 3 reviews)
"Love the dinosaur mural."
(in 4 reviews)
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Deb J.
Framingham, MA
1/4/2012
Donna's NEVER disappoints. Started going there when I first moved to Eastie in the late '90's. It was definitely our favorite weekend breakfast place. Moved out of Eastie in 2000, but whenever I have the opportunity to be in the area around breakfast time, I'm there! The food is as good, if not better than ever. Donna is accommodating in that she'll let you get creative with the menu items. Love to watch her in action with her waitstaff.. She's such a great influence with the kids she has working there. Instills in them a work ethic rarely seen these days. So, between the rock solid, always satisfying food and the service to the community she provides, what's not to love? ;-)
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Review from Benjamin T.
Boston, MA
2/4/2012
Nothing special. Food was average, the menu options were so/so, and the service was below average. It's too bad this is the only place left in Eastie for breakfast with the 303 Cafe closed. As much as the service and quality of 303 was, it was better than what I experienced at Donna's.
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Review from Aboud Y.
Cambridge, MA
5/26/2011
Imagine a diner in Eastie...well that would be Donna's.
Replete with sweet waitresses that call you honey, some foul-mouthed diners that make eavesdropping a joy, and log cabin syrup on every table. Ahhh...Eastie. Love it!
The food is decent (though stick with eggs...I wouldn't recommend their pancakes or waffles). -
Review from T S.
Boston, MA
6/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
FYI, the hours stated are incorrect. Like any good diner, Donna's opens at 5:30. Who doesn't want to eat breakfast next to a mural of Disney's Aladdin?
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Review from Steve U.
Lynn, MA
2/23/2010
Have you ever walked into a room to see an elephant staring you dead in the eyes, emanating a thundering roar from its trunk, taking a crap the size of a 1954 Chevrolet Bel-Air and doing a little ballerina spin on one of its tusks? And then being completely ignored by everyone else in the room?
That's what the Disney-themed mural splashed across an entire wall inside of Donna's is like. Who, What, When, Where, Why and even How all apply here, folks. For example:
Who thought that this crush of Disney flavor would add pizzazz to the décor? And why did they stop at ONE ENTIRE WALL? Which leads me to...
Why not all four walls? Really, why not continue the theme on all four walls, and maybe even in the bathrooms, if the airbrush artist hasn't died of a ruptured brain vessel by that point. Then you can rename this place to Donna's Land or Donna's World, your pick.
Where am I? I feel like an adult, but I'm not sure because there is an entire wall awash with Disney characters. It's probably early in the day because this place closes early, and if it's not, I'm still hungover and it's early in my day. Get this wall away from me, please.
I could go on, but there is no point in disturbing the elephant, just let it be.
Still, this is a microcosm of the bigger picture: Donna's is big stick for that breakfast itch. They have lunch, too, but you can probably do better (did not verify this with food, just guessing). I went here to break a diet that had lasted 31 days and allowed for up to 1500 calories a day. (I did it to get a six-pack - came close, thanks for asking. Four-pack will do for now. I will grab the other two after I finish this Twinkie.)
I was very hungry and very determined to order the worst thing I could find on the menu. Turns out that there wasn't anything horrible enough, so I had to create something from my thinky box. I ordered an omelet with sausage, bacon and ham. Not much you can really say to a man that orders that...especially when it wasn't even on the menu. I also put an order in for a blueberry pancake, that part's self-explanatory.
When the order arrived, I was finishing up the following sentence: "Man, I bet this food is going to take forever." I felt foolish because of my inaccurate hunch, but it's like one of those wishful pessimism situations or something, so it was a win-win. The food may have taken all of five minutes to arrive, and there was a generously-sized crowd for a weekday afternoon.
The homefries had a specific, Cajun-like seasoning to them. Accordingly, they were seasoned and portioned perfectly. The omelet was tubular in shape and that caught me by surprise. I dug into the alien omelet, though, and was handsomely rewarded. Delicious. Multiple types of meat in every bite. Somewhere in the back of my mind, a pleasure receptor was doing a diddy.
I wolfed that omelet down with tactical, military precision, and left nary a smudge on the plate. They probably didn't even have to wash that dish when I was done with it. I moved on to the pancake. If I were to guesstimate, I would say that it was about 10 inches in diameter and quite hefty. No matter. I ate it like it owed me money and I didn't want the money; I wanted sweet, sweet revenge.
One thing that irks me about East Beast businesses is that they have some sort of aversion to accepting credit/debit cards. This place is no different. They do have an ATM, which I used to the tune of a $5 surcharge after being tag-teamed by the ATM and my bank. A surcharge for a surcharge? I took out $20 of my own money you're charging me $5? Oh, capitalism! Stop playin'!
While the food was certainly a step up from the run-of-the-mill breakfast joint, I can't give it five stars for a few reasons. One inane Yelp reviewer said this place was like an "open-air market" inside. Now tell me, how can you have an open-air market inside? I don't see any fruit stands here, either. There are lots of seats, yes, but it's part of the communal, neighborhood feel. They have maple syrup and ketchup and salt and pepper at every table. The menus are new and kept clean, which is a tall order inside a diner.
They have a basic breakfast menu, no inventions at Donna's. Go here. Eat your eggs. Drink your drinks. Eat your pancakes. Then sit back and let your body be enveloped in a greasy, loud-mouth atmosphere, euphoria. Just don't look at the elephant. -
Review from Julie R.
4/19/2009
Donna's was like a well run machine on a weekend morning. The place has more seating than you would think. There were people everywhere ready to seat you or check on you. Most of the staff looked like family of all generations. We sat at the bar and were greeted by a friendly young waitress. The menu was large and easy to read with numbered specials. I went with 2 eggs, home fries, toast, bacon and coffee for $5.95. My boyfriend got the steak and cheese for $6.
The food arrived very promptly even though the place was packed. The kitchen was staffed with enough people to keep the orders rolling fast. My breakfast was just what I was looking for. The bacon was excellent. The coffee was good. The steak and cheese came out enormous, bubbling over with onions and peppers. He said it was one of the best ones ever.
The place has a vintage appeal with Disney characters all over the walls. The prices are so cheap. It's a good place to take a group of people to on the weekend. You'll most likely be able to sit down without waiting for a table. -
Review from Wayne D.
6/13/2009
I went in here expecting one of two things:
1. A greasy spoon dive sort of diner joint with a hippie-gone retro 60's server behind the breakfast bar serving coffee to the locals.
2. A mexican omelette in a predominately Latino community (this way I feel as though I fit in).
3. Everyone to gasp and turn their heads toward me as I walk in the door while school girls (and boys) cool me down with feather fans and scream "Fonsie! Fonsie! Fonsie!
Well, I have to admit I got "almost" everything I expected so this place wasn't all that bad. I actually think their home fries are "GRRRRREEEAAT" just as Tony the Tiger would think!
It's a dive breakfast and lunch joint that seats a million people. I'd go again but don't expect caviar on your scrambled eggs. -
Review from Jocelyn G.
Boston, MA
11/17/2007
A nice place to get a quick bite to eat for not a lot of money. Donna's also serves breakfast all day, which is excellent since my boyfriend wanted breakfast and I wanted lunch. Food came to our table quickly and was very warm.
Don't accept credit cards, but there is an ATM in the building and apparently free parking in the rear of the building.
Love the dinosaur mural! -
Review from Adrienne T.
Boston, MA
5/27/2008
Someone on here described this place as charming, and I am seriously (no, seriously) wondering if we're reviewing the same establishment. The place is HUGE. Looks like an outdoor food court, but it's inside. I missed the charming area.
Breakfast basics (scrams w/cheese, home fries, bacon) were ok. My friend had either an omelet or french toast, can't remember, and she wasn't blown away, but not disappointed either. The food is nothing special- at all. If you happen to be near, stop in. If not, it's not worth a special trek. -
Review from Andrea K.
Boston, MA
8/8/2008
This place is huge inside and the seating is very packed in there probably why I dont really like this place all that much. The food was alright and the prices were cheap but I wasnt blown away with the food quality at all. I would rather go to a better diner in somerville than go here. If you are a big home frie person then you may not like how they do theirs at all, I am not sure what they put on them but it turned me off, I didnt like the flavor it gave the potato and I was disappointed.
If you like loud, back to back seating with someone right next to you that isnt in your group, mediocre food with cheap prices then this is the place for you. Cash only but there is an atm inside with that lovely $2.50 fee! -
Review from Victoria J.
Weymouth, MA
8/7/2009
I went to breakfast here the other day with a friend.
I had Eggs Benedict, as it is the dish I measure whether a breakfast restaurant is good or not... And it was good, but not phenomenal. I could taste corn starch in the hollandaise sauce which is one of my biggest pet peaves.
Hollandaise is not supposed to have corn starch in it people!!!!
The eggs were perfectly poached and the home fries were pretty good too. My friend had the Western Omelet which he thoroughly enjoyed.
This place only takes cash, because when you walk in, you get transported to the 18th century.
The place also has murals of Disney characters on one wall, dinosaurs on the other - strange. -
Review from Bill M.
Winthrop, MA
1/26/2010
I used to go to Donna's all the time but just haven't been going out to eat like I used to, but I'm glad I went back. Great diner food with really great service. I sat at the counter which was very clean. Non-sticky menus in a diner! Imagine that! lol! I stuck with the old standby of a Bacon and Cheese Omlette with Hashbrowns. They make it just the way I like it, lots of crispy bacon. It comes with toast on the side too. I treated myself to one of my other diner favs, a grilled Blueberry Muffin. Yum! I think next time I will get some pancakes when I go, I saw someone else eating them and they looked amazing.
Can't beat Donna's when you out in Eastie! -
Review from Lindsay B.
Boston, MA
12/10/2010
Best diner/breakfast food in Eastie. Pretty standard breakfast food, decent prices, the homefries are awesome.
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Review from Chrissy H.
Revere, MA
7/29/2007
Been regularly visiting this fun family establishment for about 9 years now. Donna, herself, takes care of orders while her team of youngsters run coffee and beverages to the tables.
There are quite a few tables in the dining room along with a counter and stools. The walls are covered in Disney movie scenes from Alladin and the Little Mermaid, and there's a huge dinosaur mural too. Much to look at.
The bathrooms are the weirdest bit for me though. I was shocked to walk in and find two toilets in the bathroom with no separate stalls. Just 2 toilets side by side. I guess it's for in case you want to bring a friend or if you get lonely.
The menu consists of a large array of traditional breakfast items, as well as lunch entrees. I suggest the 7B which is eggs, a side of meat, home fries, toast, and 2 banana pancakes! To die for. Great Eggs Benny too. Prices aren't bad and the service is usually pretty good. Be forewarned that they do NOT except credit cards, CASH ONLY. Also, parking in front of the restaurant can be pretty limited so you may have to park a block or so away. Also, if you go on a weekend, there can be a short wait. But they usually have people in and out pretty fast.Listed in: Breakfeasts
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Review from Julia F.
6/12/2007 1 photo
If I had the choice of Donna's or IHOP, I would probably choose Donna's. I like this place - it was a weekend staple when I was a kid. Though, in my formative years I was not so finiky about cleanliness, which was a good thing there were on several occasions still lipstick stains on coffee cups, ecc. It has since then stepped up in that department (from what I've heard and what I can see) the price is right. It can get really busy on weekends.
Listed in: eastie/winthrop
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Review from Danielle F.
Salem, MA
8/9/2005
Excellent breakfast place, also has lunch during the week. The owner herself, Donna, takes every order, and I have been going there for years and never had a bad thing. Pancakes, French Toast, eggs, omelets, all pretty standard fare, nothing gourmet, but fresh, and clean and pleasant, wonderful place to go before the airport!
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Review from Andrea M.
Lynn, MA
10/22/2007
This place is very charming, what with its Disney themed wall murals, and a great place for families. I have never been in on a weekend, but I would imagine that would be the optimal time to go. I've been there a few times during the week for lunch when I've had a hankering for comfort food. The breakfast foods are tasty!! Donna is a doll and you can't help leaving there with a smils on your face. It's got such a traditional diner feel, you forget you're in what looks like a strip mall.
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Review from K D.
West Newton, MA
3/26/2007
YUM! Friendly, delicious and relaxed dining, perfect a late breakfast, prices are extremely reasonable.
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Review from jessica G.
Boston, MA
3/27/2011
Donna's is one of my favorites! Its very close to home which is good because i'm a fan of that 'staying in the neighborhood thing!' Their breakfast is outstanding. Omelets are made fresh as well as everything else on their menu. Its very casual and the service is wonderful, (very patient) especially with all the children that love being there, especially MINE (3) GOD BLESS ME! Overall I would recommend Donna's in a heartbeat.
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Review from T B.
Burlington, VT
5/30/2008
It's a big place, kind of diner-ish. Food is at a nice price but isn't anything out of the ordinary. Good place to go when you want Bickfords but you don't want the Bickford's experience.
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Review from Cathy M.
Winthrop, MA
12/23/2009
We have breakfast at Donna's frequently since moving to Winthrop in October. The service is fantastic, and the waitresses call you "honey," which I just love! The food is good, not great, but the coffee is good and the place is just plain fun.
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Review from Elaine C.
Boston, MA
7/7/2009
Please visit Donna's! The owners have been in Orient Heights for 40+ years since I was a kid! Donna, Jerry and Loretta are very dear to my heart as we grew up in the neighborhood and they knew my parents. My twin and I often talk about the memories of their original place - think it was Orient Heights Spa or something like that?? But go! We are going this weeken for breakfasts..
Grieco Twin
