This neighborhood institution is known for its all-American diner food, every ounce of which is homemade. Favorites include soups, Greek specialties, comfort food such as old-fashioned meatloaf with real mashed potatoes and gravy, and breakfasts of every kind. It's a diner, but with fresher food than that label implies.
The Maple Leaf is always full of regulars that the servers (many of whom have worked there for years) know by name and by order. In the morning, it's frequently crowded with parents and strollers, but it gets calmer later in the morning and at lunch.
The inviting atmosphere—punctuated by ceiling fans, green leather booths, pink tile floor and windows overlooking Maplewood Avenue—is fun, familiar, busy and comfortable.
The Maple Leaf also specializes in catering for home and office parties. A favorite of regular customers is the diner's Thanksgiving dinner, which comes with a whole turkey.