5 Top
Little Known Diners
T
By Elena Nisonoff
hese days, there are few things that we can agree on the same way we agree on diners. Where else do you get to add the words “meat lovers” to every dish (omelets, sandwiches, pancakes?) and get matzo ball soup? Diners are consistently the most democratic dining option. They’re where acquaintances become friends at 3 am, and even the pickiest eaters are sated. Plus, 24/7 hours and booth seating. Need I say more? With that, I present you with top diner picks that aren’t Tom’s. Not because we don’t love Tom’s, but because NYC is big and you’re missing out if you’re not wiping fry grease off your fingers in some other neighborhood.
1. Empire Diner: 210 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
For slightly sophisticated Back to the Future vibes, there’s Empire Diner. It’s iconic! It’s art deco! It’s a little bit expensive! In fairness, Chelsea rent isn’t what it was in 1946 when the spot first opened (the Meatpacking district was actually for meat packing). You might recognize Empire from favorites like Home Alone 2, Men in Black 2, and the SNL opening credits. With avocado toast, BLATS, and herb fries, Empire covers all the bases with trendy twists. What’s more, Empire Diner is something of a city landmark. Bonus points for the fact that it was a notorious celebrity artist hangout spot in the 90s à la Meryl Streep, Madonna, and Steven Spielberg.
2. Kellogg'S Diner: 518 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
You won’t find your Columbia crowd at this Brooklyn fixture that’s been serving burgers and banana cream pie to Williamsburg since 1973. Kellogg’s got a makeover in 2008 and went from dive to diva diner with a full bar, updated décor and an impressive lobster tank. Close out your Williamsburg excursion with Kellogg’s, since you’ll be steps from the L train. And don’t miss the Kellogg Burger (did you say bacon, mushrooms, sautéed onions and Swiss cheese?). You’ll need the fuel for your hour-ish ride home.
3. Waverly Diner: 385 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014 Waverly hails from the classic diner tradition of vinyl booths, bottomless coffee, and glassed-in gooey carrot cakes and blueberry lattice pies. Stop in after shopping Village digs or a jaunt to Smalls jazz club. Plus, this one’s right off the 1 train for when it’s raining and you need to “just, like, sit down and form a plan.” It’s reasonably priced and solid for the Village peoplewatching experience without breaking the bank next door for a $22 bowl of market vegetables. Because, seriously. They’re just vegetables.
4. Lexington Ave Candy Shop & Luncheonette: 1226 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028 When you think Upper East Side, you might not think old-timey, classic American, or malt shakes. But on the corner of 83rd street, enter the time warp and (try to) forget about the $35 you just spent on Soul Cycle. The oldest family owned luncheonette in NYC, Lexington Luncheonette celebrated its 93rd anniversary this year. Party like it’s 1940 and order Coca-Cola with syrup straight from the pump, real malt powder for your malted, and authentic egg creams. This nonagenarian luncheonette hasn’t updated its interior since 1948, so come for nostalgia and a delicious brain freeze.
5. Champs Diner: 197 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Champs is your favorite 100% vegan diner with a retro-cool atmosphere and menu as wide as its traditional counterparts. Bring your vegan friend or your vegan self and fool your palette with cookie dough shakes, Peanut Butter Bomb cake, and cheeseburgers sans animal. Vegans and meat-eaters alike will find delicious indulgences at this unabashedly hipster joint that won’t disappoint even the most carnivorous taste buds.
THE BULLETIN -
39 - December 2018