AC’s Diner and Arcade Brings the 50s Back to Downtown Stroudsburg

50s style seating at AC's Diner. Photo Credit / Amy Lothian 50s style seating at AC's Diner. Photo Credit / Amy Lothian
50s style seating at AC's Diner. Photo Credit / Amy Lothian
50s style seating at AC’s Diner.
Photo Credit / Amy Lothian

By Amy Lothian
Staff Writer

If you are looking for a new place to take family or friends, AC’s Diner is the place to go.

Named after owners AJ Hiller and Craig Deboer, the 50s themed diner and arcade is a great addition to downtown Stroudsburg.

While AC’s is the first restaurant project for both, Hiller and Deboer are no amateurs to the business world.

A native of nearby Scranton, Craig Deboer worked for 30 years before opening his first business, a video store, and now AC’s diner.

“[This town] needs a place like this…somewhere to have fun”, said Deboer, who wanted to bring something different to Main Street.

It’s safe to say that AC’s is definitely unlike any other eatery in town.

In what may be the first of its kind, the arcade diner will also be home to a mixed martial arts gym located right downstairs, engineered by Hiller.

Hiller also owns and operates a mixed martial arts (MMA) memorabilia business, MMA Signatures, which has locations across New York and New Jersey and customers worldwide.

The diner creates home-like nostalgia from the moment you walk through its doors.

Decorated with images of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, AC’s recreates the 50s right down to the teal walls and checkered floors.

The space AC’s has taken over was originally a non-operating ice cream bar and was intended to be only a café. However, AC’s has brought the place back to life.

Its lower level includes dozens of old school arcade games and a modern jukebox, as well as a stage for live entertainment.

When is the last time you played an old school arcade game? Photo Credit / Amy Lothian
When is the last time you played an old school arcade game?
Photo Credit / Amy Lothian

The diner offers a variety of seating options from traditional tables for smaller groups, larger booths and bar-style seating next to a statue of Elvis himself.

On the upper level, guests can enjoy AC’s cafe around smaller, more intimate booths with a full view of the arcade and diner below, making it a great place for families with kids who like to play and parents who like to eat.

The food is just as good as the atmosphere. Serving breakfast all day, lunch and dinner, AC’s is already creating some buzz with their variety in menu items including the Big Bopper 8oz burger and their pulled pork platter, as well as milkshakes, onion ring towers and healthier options as well.

Guests are welcome to stop by for an early breakfast starting at 7 a.m. or a late night meal up until 11 p.m.

Both Hiller and Deboer raved of the popularity AC’s has received since its opening last week.

There is no doubt that good word of mouth for AC’s Diner and Arcade will spread rapidly.

The diner will share its building space with a smoothie bar and a dance studio expected to open soon, making 564 Main Street the place to be this upcoming spring and summer.

Email Amy at:
alothian1@live.esu.edu