Kathy's Diner

Northampton the home of Mirage Studios.  One of my favorite vacation spots as I have been traveling there for 20 years now, visiting friends and having good food.  With cool stores and neat places to visit I highly encourage many to go there.  With a smile on my face and fond memories of great times.  One of our favourite places to go has always been Kathy’s Diner, the best Pancakes in town.  When cutting through Northampton this last time, we came to a surprise finding Kathy’s Diner close.  Of course the memories will always be with me and now I’ll like to share those with everyone.

It was 1994 when Miki first spotted Kathy’s.  We came to Northampton to get photos of Mirage Studios, this was the same visit in which I learned of the Words and Pictures Museum.  Miki loves old Diner cars and wanted to go in.  So my mom, Miki and I came in, we took a booth in the front area and sat down going over the menu.  I choose the pancakes.  Once our meals arrived, I was surprised at how tasty these pancakes were.  Mom and Miki were both a little disappointed that they did not order the pancakes too.  This was our first time at Kathy’s, and while we did get to see Kathy there, we did not get to know her on this visit.

Our next visit to Kathy’s Diner was later that year, New Years Eve when the Words and Pictures Museum was opening up in their new location.  This time my dad joined us for the trip.  We got our pancakes and I talked a bit more with locals there.  Once again we enjoyed our food and I realized this was a place I will want to come back to over and over again.  Which is just what we did, every year we came out for the Words & Pictures Museum we made it a point to go get our breakfast at Kathy’s Diner.  As Kathy started to get to know us, even though we would only visit once or twice a year.

This was that fun and friendly place, good food and humor.  Along the walls there was signs warning people not to piss off the chef, there was a juke box near the front door, there was booths people could sit at or a counter top area with stools.  In the back there was another room with chairs and tables.  Rest rooms were at both ends of the diner car.  The menu’s had the history of Kathy’s Diner on the back of them.  She had her normals that would come and eat there, as often I would hear her call people by their names.  She would always welcome us with a friendly smile as we would come in.   For many years I sat only at the booths, as my mother does prefer booth seating.  In the mid 2000’s I moved over to the counter so that I could talk more with Kathy as she worked.

I always encouraged friends to come to Kathy’s Diner.  In 1999 we did a big TMNT fan gathering for the closing of the Words & Pictures Museum.  I took a group of my friends to Kathy’s with us, this was the only time I sat in that back room.  We goofed off a lot, and I even tickled one of my friend’s off of the seat at the table.  When I think back to that visit to Northampton, us hanging out at Kathy’s is just as fond of a memory as our time in the Words & Pictures Museum.  I have video from that day which I will cherish.  Members of TMNT-L was there such as Raphael and TurtleNinja.  It was a really good day.

In November 2002 I made an important decision about something while at Kathy’s.  I was visiting Northampton, with my mom and Shadow Wolf, this was our last day in town as we had to drive to New York.  The day before I visited with Mark and Molly Bode, where Mark was encouraging me to get a Tattoo.  I have never wanted a Tattoo, though often told friends back home the only way I would get one is if Mark Bode was the one to do the Tattoo.  Though the full time he was bringing it up to me, I was saying no.  Though after a nights sleep, I waited till we were at breakfast to bring up the idea of going through with getting a Tattoo to my mother.  Both Shadow Wolf and my mother agreed to the idea of me getting one from Mark that day.  While this choice could of been made anywhere, I am happy thinking I was sitting at Kathy’s as we discussed this. 

In June 2004 Shadow Wolf and I came through Northampton on one of our trips.  I remember this trip very well, when we came in Kathy picked on me for ordering plain pancakes all the time, and wanted me to try her blueberry pancakes.  The blueberries were fresh that day, and wow am I glad I listened to her.  I did not think her pancakes could get any better than they were!  I let Kathy know about a TV show coming to my house to film for VH1.  To our surprise there was a show being filmed there at Kathy’s that day.  We got pulled into filming a small TV promo for the show since we were sitting with the guys who were part of this other show.  It was a real laugh as we sat around talking about reality TV.  I never did see the promo for that show, I just remember how much fun we had that day. 

Every trip to Northampton, meant a meal at Kathy’s.  The food was best when she was there.  I got to know her son while he was working there.  Kathy made the trip all the better, including my last time going.  It was May 5th, 2013.  I was still celebrating my birthday, which was Free Comic Book day so I got to see Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird at two different events.  Miki and I stayed in Northampton that night instead of going home, just so we could get some pancakes at Kathy’s.  She dished my pancakes up on a special plate and put a candle in the middle of them.  I made sure to post the picture on facebook as I knew my mom would love to see.  We enjoyed our visit here, little did I know was that it would be our last time eating at Kathy’s Diner with the best chef in Northampton there.

While I know we first went to the Diner because of the building, it was never the reason that we kept going.  Kathy made that place shine.  One day it will open with new owners, a new name, and menu.  Most likely I will go in for memory sake to try the food that will make it’s way into a new home.  Though it will never be the same.  I will always remember Kathy’s smile, laughter and wonderful food.  The true reason to go to this little Diner in Northampton.

I do know that Kathy is doing well, as she has made contact with me on Facebook.  I am happy that she’s come to a time in her life where can retire.  That does not mean that I will not miss her.  She is and always will be a great friend.  And I will never forget who the best pancake chef is.  Thank you Kathy for all the wonderful years!

Have you gone to Kathy’s Diner in Northampton?  If so, what was your favorite food there?  Please share all reviews, comments and questions below.