50 Best Diners in New York

“It's a very long wait on a Sunday. I arrived around 11.15 and the wait for one person was an hour. For two people or more it was a 3 hour wait.The famous pancakes were delicious, even as a single stack was quite large. The home fries were just broken up hash browns so a little disappointed.I would go back if I was super hungry, but because of the long wait I had eaten something small beforehand.“

“I really wanted a tasty burger. I've arrived. Nice, cozy...I took the burger. And they stuffed so much finely chopped grass into it that it felt like you weren’t eating meat, but had become a vegan...The chicken is delicious, the sauce is just greatFrench fries are very, very goodOverall a good place, but the burger was disappointing“

“Food is not that great and kinda pricey for what it was. Just basic diner food. Staff though is fun and very talented! The singing is a lot of fun. I just wish they did more musical theatre songs and less pop songs! (Might have just been there at a bad time, but there was a lot of non musical theatre when I was there). Fun place to experience once, especially if you're into Broadway. Very loud though (obviously) so just fyi.“

“Amazing, uncomplicated food that's tasty and really good value. The challah bread is particularly good, and I love the potato soup. It's also a very welcoming place to eat if you're on your own - just take a seat at the counter!“

“Mama Jo’s gives plenty of positive energy by the morning!Best egg and cheese with bacon bagel sandwich I had in NYC, amazing and special donuts with different flavours, and many homemade options on the bucket list (definitely trying as much as possible in the future).The black coffee is also amazing and have all the alternative options for regular milk.I am absolutely in love with this best breakfast cart in NYC!“

“We stumbled upon this diner on a quick overnight trip to NYC. It’s everything we were looking for, delicious food made quick with excellent service. The owner at the front was greeting everyone like old friends and you could just feel the sense of community. He seemed to know most people by name. We split a Philly cheesesteak and a BLT sandwich for lunch. They were both excellent. Would definitely recommend. 10/10!“

“We were visiting NYC and tried this diner for breakfast. The food was delicious. The staff was incredible!!! The gentleman at the door was super friendly and helpful and the manager Alex was great to let us leave our bags for a little exploring. Would definitely recommend for great food and friendly NYC atmosphere.“

“We came for breakfast on 4/27/24. I have a gluten allergy. I ordered scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon (it also comes with toast, but I obviously told them bc of gluten to hold the bread) I also got the seasonal fruit which was blueberries and strawberries. Everything was delicious! The best part was I didn’t get glutened. My daughter got the pancakes and a hot chocolate and said they were very good. The pancakes were HUGE! (I didn’t get a picture of them). My aunt got an omelet and she said it was very good as well. There was a line and we waited maybe 5 mins. The waiter was very friendly and once we ordered the food came out really fast. Highly recommend!!Dietary restrictions: Gluten Allergy“

“Johns coffee shop is honestly a great breakfast and lunch place to go to when visiting NY. The egg, bacon and cheese roll did not disappoint although basic still very delicious and good price. The banana but pancakes were my absolute favorite. Service is excellent and seems like they know their regulars very well. Such a great place to come eat.“

“Stellar!! You'll have to wait in line (no reservations) but it doesn't take too long. Service is good and food comes out quick. Extremely reasonably priced and really incredible food. No frills diner and authentic new york experience. Could not recommend this place enough“

“Had breakfast there twice. Once solo and the next time with my wife. Consecutive Tuesdays. Just there this morning, after the golf range at Chelsea Piers. It's a combination of Greek and Mexican specialties. I have sampled the eggs overeasy with corned beef and this time had three poached eggs with fresh tomato and feta, home fries and coffee. All wonderful. My wife had fried eggs with ham on top of grilled taco. She loved it. This is a top notch diner with excellent service.“

“Had our breakfast here every day during our recent 5 day stay in NYC. Worth the wait some mornings. Friendly staff, especially Josie - beautiful, smiley, friendly and welcoming. Tasty, filling, great value for money breakfasts - set us up for the day.“

“A classic no frills diner, they had seating for my group of 5 immediately for 11 AM on a Saturday and was a really good price! I got the Spanish egg white omelette (which I still don't know what exactly was in it other than mushrooms and onions). It came with toast and home fries and although was a little on the oily side, was good and cheap! Quick service and hits the diner food itch.“

“EAT HERE!! It’s my first time in NYC, and this place is my go-to. I’ve come here for breakfast & dinner. It’s clean, BIG food portions (delicious food), the staff is VERY friendly and kind. It’s also in a safer area as well, I haven’t encountered any problems around here. I recommend this place!! 10/10“

“Breakfast Burrito and Red Flannel Hash with chunks of real corned beef, not has out of a can, and low sodium) and cubed sweet potatoes and beets! Generous portions, very tasty food. Friendly service, innovative menu. And if you are staying in the very nearby Club Wyndham Midtown 45) you get a free 10% discount (after showing your room key).“

“We had lunch here, and sat outside on a lovely fall day. Service was a bit funky -- not bad at all, but somewhat forgetful -- but the staff was friendly, apologetic when appropriate, and enjoyable. The food was very good. Classic old-style diner with a broad-ranging menu. Everything we had was well-prepared, tasty, and served hot. I'll go back. A little gem.“

“Top notch! I was skeptical of the high ratings since many of the places we've been to in Manhattan have been higher rated than I would give them but ZAZA'S has earned it. The turkey bacon was the best I've ever had and the French toast was divine. My husband also said it was 4.5 stars for him, the highest rating he voiced for any place we visited this trip.“

“First breakfast of our trip brought us to this diner afew blocks from our hotel.We were seated immediately and served straight away. We opted for the Sunday brunch which is available from 10am and at $22 per person, was value for money.Would highly recommend this place if you are visiting and in the area“

“American pancakes are a must, absolutely one of the most important dishes to try that I wanted to include. I ate the most delicious dishes here. Blueberry was tempting with the photo on the menu, but it totally blew you away in person. Served additionally with fruit and maple syrup - real gold in a huge portion ? Eggs with salad and avocado toast served really beautifully and tasty. Nice promotion for Mimosa, but it's only worth it if you drink 4 or more of these drinks, the taste itself wasn't the best, so we're glad we didn't try more.The service was okay, although the waiting time was a bit long to approach the table and show interest. Generally, a very nice place with a large selection of dishes.“

“Stopped in for a quick breakfast (and also to get out of the rain). Had a booth to myself just before the early lunch crowd started arriving. Went with a 3-egg turkey bacon omelette. Chose home fries and rye toast to accompany it. Also, ordered an orange juice as I had had my morning coffee already. Service was good and prices were reasonable. Not a bad diner if you are in the area...“

“We were looking for an original diner in this area.We went in not sure the expert as going to be worth the price of seating for lunch in NYC.We were welcomed and served so professionally and nicely by Fernando & Luis much beyond our expectations. Food was fresh, served generously and with great care.The Cobb salad was judge and excellent (only missing some blue cheese to be perfect!), I finished it the day after.Dietary restrictions: Parler au chef cuisinier, très adaptable !“

“Est. 1995Layout/atmosphere*Orange painted walls/yellow painted windows; mostly booths; bar in back with coffee station, wine bottles & cakes (no seating); enclosed outdoor dining area in front of entrance on sidewalk; tables out on sidewalk on Bethune StService*SolidFood/drink*Sunny Side Eggs on Focaccia (two eggs, turkey, avocado & arugula) - good; solid bread, runny egg, crunch of the arugula*Blueberry muffin - really good; came out still warm; soft but still some texture in each bite; no add-ons needed“

“Tucked away old school diner.Had breakfast 4 times.Service was super nice on the first two days.On the other two days also nice but a bit taciturn...The food was delicious, fresh and the portion size was completely OK.Pancakes were super tasty, as were the omelettes.Price ok for Manhattan.For 4 people, expect to pay $75-80 with tip.“

“We enjoyed the crowded and energetic New York vibe in this restaurant. Our pastrami and corned beef sandwiches were tasty and satisfying though not the best we have had in the city. Still, this is a place we would gladly return to in the future.“

“I appreciate a restaurant that allows for an incomplete party to take a seat early, especially when it's cold outside and there's no place to stand. Food: Three of us split the famous chicken pot pie and some French Fries. We were satisfied; everything was fresh, well-prepared, and delicious! We also split the coconut cake, which was so good, expertly made, and incredibly moist. It was so large we couldn't finish it. Service was okay, with a couple of occasions. I asked for ketchup three times. Third time was a new wait staff member and by then the fries were rather chilled. Ambiance. Table was awkward because the booth had been retrofitted to a 4-top yet the 2-top table was an actual booth and the added section was differently sized and a different height, so the table wobbled. It was rather cold inside as well, so our food cooled off too quickly. Chicken pot pie snaps. Get there early because they do run out.“

“Lovely, inconspicuous place on the edge of nyc chinatown. Seems to be mostly visited by locals. Only place we visited twice during our last week trip.Service was incredibly nice and helpful, food was great as well as coffee ??Unbelievably fluffy blueberry pancakes, worth-a-sin eggs&beacon waffle and perfect, classy breakfast burrito. My personal recommendation though? Peanut butter milkshake “

“Fantastic!!! This place is AWESOME. Food is delicious. Staff are super friendly. Seating is comfortable. Atmosphere is great. The manager is a genius for making people feel welcome: me; my friends; the other customers too. You can see it. It’s not just because I’m so cool. :^] It’s very very nice to come to a restaurant where there is so much quality and also so much in the way of personality. Top picks for me: -Romanian Steak (well worth the price) -Pancakes (incredible) Did I mention that the staff here is wonderful? Outgoing. Attentive. Yay!!“

“Stopped in to pick up lunch on a Thursday and was not disappointed. The sandwiches are expensive but big enough for two to share, and the pastrami was warm, tender, and juicy. There’s also a full seating area inside if you want to dine in. The place has an old-school deli/diner vibe. We got 10% off our bill by paying cash! I’ll be coming back to try their black & white cookies.“

“Very pleasant diner experience, with good food and excellent service. Reasonable prices and all-day food items make this place an excellent option for dining in this area and a great value - There is something to eat for everyone.Vegetarian options: Lots of salads, cold items and pasta dishes. They also offer a veggie burger.“

“Great neighborhood spot with standard fare. Definitely a spot worth checking out for breakfast/brunch. They are currently renovating/expanding part of their dining area so ESPRESSO DRINKS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I would call ahead to see if they're back on the menu if it's a deal breaker for you. Good variety of food and super quick service no matter how packed it may be. They are also fairly accommodating if you need to adjust/remove an item from a dish or two.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ fried eggs with bacon ??? tasty, can be fried on both sides, cappuccino ok, black coffee with a refill ☕️? salted butter served with toast ?The menu has a wide breakfast selection⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️nice staff, ? constantly asking questions ☺️with so much traffic, very well organized ?⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Typical New York decor, waiter service. Clean tidy. Despite the high occupancy, I dare say it's atmospheric ?⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️price vs quality ?“

“Situated amidst the lively stretch of Lexington Ave, Eat Here Now Diner offers a nostalgic journey through traditional American comfort cuisine in a cozy retro setting. From its welcoming vibe to its wide array of menu options, this diner exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity.The friendly staff greets guests warmly, enhancing the inviting atmosphere of the place.The menu at Eat Here Now Diner celebrates beloved classics, boasting a diverse range of dishes to cater to every taste. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a juicy burger, or a comforting pasta dish, there's something to please everyone.Start your day with a classic breakfast featuring fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs. For lunch or dinner, indulge in a flavorful burger topped with your favorite fixings, accompanied by crispy fries or onion rings.Don't forget dessert, as the homemade pies and milkshakes are a highlight. Enjoy a slice of apple pie with a scoop of ice cream or sip on a decadent chocolate shake to end your meal on a sweet note.Service at Eat Here Now Diner is attentive and prompt, ensuring guests have an enjoyable dining experience. Whether you're grabbing a quick meal or lingering over dinner with friends, the staff aims to make everyone feel at home.In summary, Eat Here Now Diner on Lexington Ave offers a delightful mix of tasty food and nostalgic charm. With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious menu options, and friendly service, it's the perfect spot to enjoy classic comfort food. Plus, its convenient location near Bloomingdale's, Central Park, and other shops makes it a great choice for diners exploring the area.“

“Omg this place was delicious!! Such great service and Mario was an excellent waiter. He was patient and helped me find foods on the menu that were gluten free for my dietary restrictions. The food was quick and efficient. I appreciate this place so much! Please come and enjoy their fresh food! ❤️??I will be back again!!“

“I love when I see a tiny diner that seems out of place in NYC. Hector’s is still servicing simple, delicious breakfast.Delicious pancakes, but I wouldn’t spend extra to add blueberries. The pancakes had so few of them scattered around I almost forgot I ordered blueberry pancakes.“

“Walking into Jimbo’s Hamburger Place is less liking walking into a place than it is like walking into a hamburger. You inhale hamburger steam. You see through hamburger vapor. You are having a hamburger sauna. You’re engulfed by the greasy haze of decades of hamburger. You believe you’re getting a film. If you’re a fairly antiseptic person you will tell yourself to flee. But since you want a really good hamburger, you will tell yourself to sit. You will allow yourself to drift back into fifties luncheonette culture. You will be rewarded with “The Best Chopmeat Money Can Buy.”“

“Great little local breakfast place off Madison Ave. All of our food was fresh and fast. The restaurant doesn't have a restroom and there are only two tops and a long bar area. We sat at the bar and was literally in and out in less than 30 minutes. I'd come back for sure!“

“I was there with a party of 15 on Sunday night (4/21/24) for my cousins birthday ! The service was phenomenal! Our server Sam was the BEST!!! He needs a raise! We even took a picture with Sam! Thank you so much! Yummy food, I had the turkey club with fries and a delicious vanilla milkshake and I had a bite of my cousins yummy pot pie she had ordered!“

“What a fantastic diner. Super authentic with warm welcoming staff. All the things on the menu that you would hope and expect to be there. We ate waffles and pancakes with litres of maple syrup and crispy bacon- all washed down with chocolate milkshake and coffee. Definitely worth a trip!!! Walk off the calories with a leisurely walk to the Met museum or Central Park!!! Well done ME diner, you smashed it:)“

“I have been a customer well over a decade and always been more than satisfied. Cleanliness , quality and preparation of orders are paramount with the owner as well as with the grill man. They take pride and care in every order. The fact that you can get a quality meal in NYC prepared in a meticulously clean environment for such a fair price makes these guys heroes in my book.“

“Something really good has been happening at Metro diner!! The last five times that we've eaten breakfast there over the last 2 to 3 weeks, the Toast has been fresh and hot, the eggs moist, the potatoes perfect, and there is even a new menu. The service is as fast and friendly as ever; the soups consistently delicious as ever. Put metro back on your 'go to' list!“

“My friend and I were visiting New York City in the medical district and found your place for lunch. We enjoyed it immensely .... the Panini's and onion rings were outstanding. you even had Iced Tea. Waiter did a great job too. Thank you for making our trip better.“

“Classic greasy spoon with really friendly staff. It was such a nice, relaxed old school Cafe with delicious breakfast food and a coffee cup that's never empty. Will be going back often! The only tip I would give is to bring cash as there is an upcharge with credit “

“There is a huge selection of dishes here. A tough decision, but no matter what you choose, it will be the right decision. The food here tastes great and is prepared with a lot of love. The staff is very friendly and up for a joke. At the Madison Restaurant I didn't manage to finish my plate because the portions were very large. Afterwards there was an urban piece of chocolate cake on the house. The two of us couldn't do that either. We had it packed up. I will definitely eat here again.“

“We are from Cali and was Our first time eating breakfast in the city and it was SO good. The staff was fast, friendly, and kept my coffee cup full! kids loved it, too. LARGE portions!! I ordered the avocado toast and could’ve shared! SO GOOD! don’t pass them up!!!!“

“I Dined in this Evening I was greeted by aGentleman behind the Cash Registet I indicated 1 seat he replied by the window I wanted to make sure I heard him correctly he repeated himself sort of sparky and attitude my Waiter was awesome excellent Service another Waiter came over to find out if I was being taken care of which i though was,very nice the food is Excellent a wide variety as for the seating situation other people came in they were escorted to their table one lone female diner sat at a table another female diner was asked if she would like to sir by the window she declined she was,escorted to a table both of them Caucasian I'm a Black Woman do I sense hidden racism from this individual? also his Waitstaff were doing their jobs he keptwatching them micro managing or needed to be babysitted they weren't doing anything wrong they were very competent and knew what they were doing“

“I live right In between both jimbos, this one and the one on 145..this is the only one that actually brings the food to your door and the delivery drivers are very nice! the other jimbos make you come to the lobby. this will be my only location from now on. THANK “

“I highly recommend this place. We went during busy hours and only waited 5 minutes for a table. The waitress Sara was honestly my favorite. You can tell this woman has been a server for years and she is amazing. I swear she was waiting at every table in the place but she still had a smile on her face and was cracking jokes with us every time she came to the table. She was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed and more. She did a great job balancing all her tables and providing for all of them. If you get Sara as your server you are in great hands and are in for a fun meal. Tip her well she deserves it!!!! The food came out quickly and was very good. The only downside is the place is slightly crammed but where in NYC is not lol.“

“Been coming to Gee Whiz for over 10 years on my visits to New York - I choose to ignore all the tourist traps in Midtown and come down here. Always a friendly welcome from the staff, the portions are generous and very keenly priced (given it is Manhattan). Only had breakfast here on a couple of occasions, the Eggs Rancheros and the omelets are amazing!It was downsized considerably a few years ago (I believe the original owner opened another establishment known as Tribeca's Kitchen on the corner of nearby Chambers and Duane Street, and sadly he passed away during COVID.“

“Absolutely love this diner and usually bring a group of 44 each year for a meal whilst on a school trip. Unfortunately, this year, despite calling and talking to the diner, emailing, commenting on a post on this Facebook page and communicating our booking directly to the diner via Facebook messenger they decided to close 15 minutes before our booking start time. No communication and no warning. When I called on the day the defence was that the person answering the phone doesn't deal with their Facebook stuff ot messenger and nobody told them. So disappointed. We had to take our 44 meals elsewhere at short notice. So disappointing. its a fantastic diner but their communication skills aren't great which for groups is pretty essential.“

“Large menu. Everything from breakfast to lunch to three course dinners. Children's menu. Great omelettes and salads. Large portions. Friendly staff. Willing to rearrange tables to suit your party size. Warning: Saturday and Sunday brunches are busy. No wonder why.“