The Roost Rises: A Beloved Chestertown Diner Reborn
Home cooking with a big heart.
On the southeastern edge of Loon Lake, near Chestertown, where Route 8 curves toward the lake country, a familiar building has spread its wings again.
The site that once housed the beloved Silver Star Diner—known for its “Home of the Big Chicken” and no-nonsense meals—has reopened as The Roost, a family-run restaurant with an all-day menu and a big heart for home cooking.
In its short time open, The Roost has become precisely what locals hoped it would be: a place where you can grab breakfast at noon, comfort food at night, and conversation any time of day.
From Silver Star to The Roost.
The iconic “big chicken” in front of The Roost.
The building at 5810 State Route 8 has been serving hungry travelers and townsfolk for decades. For years, it was the Silver Star Restaurant, a classic roadside stop where everyone from loggers to lake campers pulled up for coffee, eggs, and stories.
Easily recognized by the ginormous rooster planted in the restaurant’s front yard, passersby found it hard to miss. We’re pleased to report the proud prince of poultry still stands boldly in front of The Roost.
When the Silver Star closed, it left a noticeable gap in Chestertown’s small-town rhythm. But in 2025, a new owner, Cooper’s Roost LLC, breathed new life into the space.
Today, The Roost honors that history rather than erases it.
The dining room keeps its diner bones—cozy tables, fireplace, and local photographs—yet feels refreshed and welcoming. There’s even a touch of nostalgia in the décor: framed photos from the Silver Star years and the same warm glow that used to fill the room with morning chatter.
All-day breakfast and dinner worth the drive.
The Roost’s menu leans into the universal language of comfort food. Breakfast—served all day—is the crowd-pleaser. Plates of fluffy pancakes, perfectly done eggs, and crisp home fries arrive in hearty portions that make second cups of coffee almost mandatory.
Locals rave about the omelets and breakfast sandwiches (“the bacon’s always right,” one diner commented), while travelers passing through call it “the best breakfast stop between Albany and Montreal.”
Flaky homemade biscuits.
Quick anecdote: we recently hosted world-traveling guests and stopped by The Roost for breakfast. They couldn’t stop raving about it.
Come lunchtime, the menu expands into sandwiches, soups, and burgers made from scratch. And you can still get breakfast all day long.
The Reuben is a standout—A perfect combination of salty meat, tangy sauerkraut, nutty Swiss cheese, creamy dressing, and crusty bread creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
For dinner, classic comfort reigns supreme: The Roost offers specials like chicken and biscuits or classic fish and chips, along with menu standards such as chicken parm, prime rib, and roast chicken. Everything feels intentional—fresh, filling, and cooked with care. While the menu is not expansive, it’s all homemade, guaranteeing a satisfying meal.
The Roost has applied for a liquor license; however, until it is issued, guests may bring their own beverages, which has a positive impact on their tab.
Familiar faces, a warm welcome.
Part of what makes The Roost feel so grounded is its staff. Some faces have been serving the community for years, and regulars are already greeting servers by name.
One local commented, “Our waitress was top-notch—she’s there seven days a week and makes everyone feel like a regular.” This commitment to the community is what makes The Roost more than just a restaurant-it's a place where everyone feels at home.
That continuity matters. It ties The Roost’s new chapter to the one that came before, giving longtime residents the sense that their local landmark is not only back—but better.
Desserts just like grandma used to make.
The Roost isn’t trying to be trendy or reinvent the Adirondack dining scene—it’s simply trying to feed it well. And that’s precisely what the North Country needs more of: reliable, made-from-scratch food served by people who care.
The Roost's dedication to serving homemade, quality food is a testament to its commitment to satisfying its guests.
It’s already become a gathering place for everyone from early-morning hunters to late-afternoon retirees, swapping stories over homemade dessert and coffee. That small-town heartbeat is what keeps guests coming back, and it's what makes The Roost more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where the community comes together.
Why you’ll want to visit.
If you’re driving through Chestertown—or planning a weekend near Loon Lake or Brant Lake—The Roost is worth a stop. It captures the best of what diners used to be and what restaurants in the Adirondacks can still become: honest food, generous portions, and genuine hospitality.
Must-try dishes: All-day breakfast, open-faced turkey sandwich, the Reuben, fish-and-chips, chicken parm and anything served with homemade biscuits.
Vibe: Adirondack cozy meets hometown diner.
Price range: Moderate ($$).
Hours: Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (check The Roost on Facebook for updated hours and specials).
The ADK Taste takeaway.
In a region known for its rustic beauty and tight-knit towns, The Roost fits right in. It feels both brand-new and deeply familiar—like walking into a friend’s kitchen, only with better coffee and someone else doing the dishes.
If you’ve missed that feeling of gathering over a hot meal that tastes like home, Chestertown’s newest nest is ready to welcome you.
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