As sad as it is to acknowledge, diners are a dying industry in New York City. You hardly ever see any new ones opening, and it’s really only the old school establishments that are keeping the experience alive. That being said, NYC’s most iconic diners aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and thank goodness for that. What can we say? Sometimes you just need a tuna on rye and no questions asked. These six classic diners know the drill, and they’ve perfected it over the past half-century.
Classic NYC Diners: Tom’s Restaurant (Morningside Heights)
If you’re a fan of Seinfeld, then the inside (and outside) of Tom’s Restaurant is going to look awfully familiar to you. That’s because Monk’s Cafe is actually Tom’s Restaurant. This longtime establishment has been around since the 1940s, and its reputation for thick and creamy milkshakes is one that cannot be denied. 2880 Broadway, 212-864-6137, tomsrestaurant.net
Classic NYC Diners: Waverly Restaurant (Greenwich Village)
Craving some veal cutlet for under ten bucks? How about a limitless supply of coffee for a buck fifty? Waverly is your place. The tufted red leather booths are everything you would hope for in an iconic diner, as is the wooden wall paneling. Also, their cheese fries are absolutely worth writing home about. 385 6th St., 212-675-3181
Classic NYC Diners: Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop (Flatiron)
With its roots dating all the way back to 1929, Eisenberg’s is about as old school as it gets. While they’ve got a full assortment of platters, as their name implies, it’s the sandwiches you should be ordering here. From the Tuna Melt to the Famous Reuben, it just doesn’t get any better than Eisenberg’s. 174 5th Ave., 212-675-5096, eisenbergsnyc.com
Classic NYC Diners: Pearl Street Diner (Financial District)
The Pearl Street Diner has been sitting at the corner of Pearl and Fletcher for the last 60+ years, despite the growing skyscrapers that have taken over the surrounding area. It’s really a sight to see, especially in the evening when its vintage “DINER” sign lights up the street. This is the place to go for a a classic New York diner experience, from half-sour pickles to its affordable, all-day breakfast menu. 212 Pearl St., 212-344-6620
Classic NYC Diners: Kellogg’s Diner (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Head over to the hippest part of Brooklyn during any hour of the day or night for a visit to Williamsburg’s beloved Kellogg’s Diner. This place has an old-school feel that makes you feel like you’ve time traveled back into the late '60s. Hot chocolate, club sandwiches, gravy fries, and omelets…they’ve got all the goods here. 518 Metropolitan Ave., 718-782-4502, kelloggsdinerwilliamsburg.com
Best of NYC Diners: Neptune Diner (Astoria, Queens)
Neptune Diner puts a lovely spin on the classic diner scene, specializing in Greek eats. While you’ll find all the usual menu options at this beloved Astoria joint, it’s the lamb gyro and gyro platter with fries that have earned Neptune its reputation. The pastitsio is also worth trying while you’re there… after all, how often do you actually see one on a diner menu? 3105 Astoria Blvd., 718-278-4853
