EJ&#x27;s Luncheonette

476

822

4 years ago

Youve gotta love this place. It's like taking a trip back in time to an old fashioned corner luncheonette, with a counter with stools, a very basic food menu, and of course egg creams and milk shakes. You're not getting anything fancy, it's super simple. Grilled cheese on white bread with a pickle spear. A cheeseburger. Scrambled eggs and bacon. The prices are pretty steep! But your kind of paying for the experience and the nostalgia and honestly, it's worth it every now and then. Take your kids. read more

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Rebecca M.

370

4 years ago

One of my favorite spots on the UES! Huge menu, and the portions are massive. The omelettes & pancakes are amazing, as are the salads. I love their indoor & outdoor seating. The place has a cute retro diner vibe. Great for brunch, lunch or dinner. The service is good too. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Granny Smith Chopped Chicken Salad - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Marilyn C.

2 years ago

I ordered the BBQ chicken salad. I was disappointed because I received little salad and a big pile of overcooked small chicken pieces slathered in a sweet BBQ sauce. I'm writing this so the owners can adjust the description on all the on-line delivery services so it won't happen to others. read more

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Isabel C.

107

4 years ago

Best diner style brunch on the UES! EJs is an institution! You must try the corn beef hash and French toast sticks read more

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Kate M.

656

5 years ago

I rarely give 1 star reviews, but this was a terrible experience. When we sat down, we had to wait 15 minutes for anyone to walk to our table or bring us water. We then ordered normal menu items with no substitutions and waited 45 minutes for our food. At one point, we politely asked the waiter if he could check on our food because it had taken so long, and he walked away without saying anything. I am someone who tends to eat everything on her plate, even if I don't love it, but my omelet was slimy and halfway through I found a hair in it! I honestly thought that was something that only happened in movies/books, but it's finally happened to me, and it was so gross I couldn't finish my overpriced $17 omelet. I would have notified the waiter, but he was completely absent. Additionally, our waiter was wearing his mask around his chin, which protects against absolutely nothing. They also allow dogs to sit in the outside area, and one woman's dog kept walking away from her table and snapping at people, and no one did anything about it (I don't mind well-behaved dogs, but this was ridiculous, and the staff ignored it). Honestly one of the worst and most overpriced meals I've ever had in NYC. It is completely baffling to me that this place was so crowded. read more

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Sk S.

4 years ago

I hadn't been here in years. Entirely mediocre food. Undercooked eggs. Grits with a skin like they've been sitting out for hours. Low quality commercial bread. A melt sandwich came out cold as if never even heated. Nothing fresh. Excellent waitstaff. read more

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Vincent L.

3 years ago

Excellent food! Great steak quesadilla. Classic diner decor. Solid service! Great desserts!

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Maxine R.

Elite 23

121

3 years ago

Cute breakfast spot on the upper east side! Decor is nice and food was good! Coffee was just ok though. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - inside - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Classic Eggs Benedict - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Dave F.

667

2239

7 years ago

I came here on the suggestion of a friend. She said this place was great and she used to come all the time. It's some sort of neighborhood icon and was on the TV show - Friend's fridge. I had never heard of it and the 3-star Yelp review made me cautious, but we went anyway. I ended up coming for brunch on a Sunday morning. The wait for 2 wasn't that bad, but you can sign up before your entire party is there, so keep that in mind. The place is really busy. If you don't mind eating at the bar like we did, that option makes it a lot faster. Just make sure you don't overstay your welcome, especially if its busy. The menu is pretty large and everything looks good. I almost went with the famous french toast, but I ended up getting the Breakfast Burrito. For $14.50 it comes with scrambled eggs in a whole wheat tortilla, stuffed with cheddar, onions, peppers, home fries & salsa. The salsa is nice and tangy and comes on the side. There were also home fries on the side. The burrito really was stuffed and it was a nice mesh of flavors. Service was good too. I would be back. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Outside - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Breakfast Burrito with home fries $14.50 - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Sunday P.

435

590

4875

7 years ago

So I came in today to have a late breakfast. I walk in and a woman says how many I said 1 she takes a menu and just starts walking I followed in pursuit assuming I was the one being seated. she mumbled something about one room or another I believe and I said I didn't care so she sat me at a two top table put the menu down and walked away. Watching her during my meal She actually looks like she really hates her job. After waiting 10 minutes My waiter came up and asked if I wanted anything to drink I said I couldn't make up my mind but if you could give me just a moment more. that moment turned into over 10 minutes he disappeared. I asked him about the Egg burrito. He said that he liked it he also was someone who looked like he did not like their job. So far no warm greeting from any employee. I ordered the egg burrito and as he was walking by a few minutes later I asked if I could please get guacamole with it as well, he kind of nodded and kept walking. Truly at this point I was kind of afraid to ask him for anything else. The male host who I'm assuming was the manager or the owner and the hostess never ever smiled never greeted any guests with a hello or welcome, and would walk by looking at the tables of guests that were eating like guards. it was really weird. So I got my burrito they came with home fries with it but I thought it said french fries on the menu and so I asked my waiter Alex he said no it comes with home fries! do you want french fries? I said it's OK but he walked away mumbling saying I'll get them. by this time I had someone sitting next to me and we both kind a looked at each other. the person sitting next to me said I think he's just stressed out and overwhelmed. I said how could he be overwhelmed the only people he needs to take care of that are new are these 3, 2 tops and It only had 1 person sitting at each table. When lunch arrived from what I guess is the busboy I told him if I could please get my guacamole and he told me that I had to tell my waiter. The burrito was good but there were a lot of potatoes. potatoes in the burrito and a helping on the plate. The place has a cool ambience but the staff are less than desirable. I found it kind of humorous when I paid my check and when I was leaving the hostess managed to give a smile and on three separate occasions in five minutes thanked me for coming. It would've been nice had she been this nice to me when I first walked in. They stay busy so they won't miss that I probably won't be returning. read more

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Brooke J.

1 year ago

best chicken salad best food !!!! would recommend to a friend 10000%%%!!!! such good food wow

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Angela A.

Elite 23

173

5 years ago

This is one of my favorite diners on the UES. The menu is pretty extensive and they have a lot of specials rotating all the time, so there's always a lot of new items to try! The soup here is exceptional and really makes it a great spot for winter! The service is not always quick, but they never rush you so it's the perfect spot to catch up with friends. read more

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Michael P.

5 years ago

I'm a regular here, but the quality of service has never been so poor. I just got an ice coffee and a breakfast burrito delivered over seamless. 1. I ordered the breakfast burrito with no cheese, and it has cheese. 2. I asked for additional salsa, no salsa. 3. The dish comes with home fries, no home fries. 4. Over half of the ice coffee was spilled in the bag. See photo. Sad to see one of NYC's institutions perform like this. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Fresh-Brewed Iced Coffee - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

Business owner information

Sarah E.

Michael, I am really so sorry to hear about this. EJ’s has been an…

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Arthur A.

231

577

5 years ago

A really solid spot in the neighborhood. Nothing fancy, it's much like a diner. We usually sit at the bar and get very fast service on everything. Their lox and onion omelette, though not cheap, is worth it. read more

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Angela C.

3 years ago

Solid diner spot! They have a lot to choose from on the menu. Very relaxed atmosphere.

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Joan W.

100

146

3 years ago

I loved this place. My corn beef sandwich was excellent. My daughters matzo ball soup was fabulous. So ready to go back .. the tuna sandwich looked awesome! Additionally our server was attentive and kind. Spoke with Jay the head chef who was so informative and friendly. #1 to me! read more

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Claude J.

3 years ago

Delish breakfast and lunch never experienced the dinner. Although I've been going there for 20 years

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Sonia Mae B.

Elite 25

238

158

524

6 years ago

A neighborhood spot I stumbled upon when I was visiting a friend. When the weather was on a warmer side, we decided to brunch outdoors. The perks of this place are the abundance of heaters. The coffee is delicious and probably had 3 servings for a Saturday pick me up. We both ordered the same thing dish, Crab Benedict and shared the crunchy toast appetizer. One of the rare spaces that have dedicated heaters in each table. It's typical diner food and perfect for a casual breakfast/brunch to catch up with a friend. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Crunchy French Toast Fingers - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Crab Cake Benedict - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Morris A.

5 years ago

Great neighborhood breakfast/brunch spot with excellent eggs Benedict specials! Home made corned beef hash, matzo ball soup, & cold press coffee! read more

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Mareena P.

276

224

444

5 years ago

Since NYC is finally open for indoor dining, I decided to go to EJ's since it's around the corner from my apartment. The waiters all wear masks and each table inside has glass surrounding it on three sides to protect you from other customers while your mask is off. The outdoor dining section is still open and has heaters over every table. The food was all right, I had the crispy Buffalo shrimp wrap with fries and coleslaw. It was a bit on the spicier side, which I enjoyed, but not the best wrap I ever had. The waiter was pretty attentive and I was in and out of there in about 45 minutes. read more

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Nicholas G.

4983

2840

9925

8 years ago

Came here on a suggestion from a coworker. It is a cozy place with both table and booth seating. The booths are a little tight and sort of hard to get in and out of but it plays into the cozyness. There is an open kitchen which is one of my favorite things. I love watching everyone cook and make the magic happen. They have a pretty expansive menu but I settled on the garden club because I wanted to be healthy. It is hard to eat but all ingredients are fresh and flavorful. It has mushrooms, cheese, avocado, bean sprouts, lettuce, and tomato. It is also served with a side sauce that is needed because otherwise the sandwich would be dry. My friend ordered the turkey burger salad which was pretty good. It was the turkey patty with cheese over a salad. Simple and delicious without the carbs. I also tried matzo ball soup for the first time. This is diner staple and I never order it. I finally tried and enjoyed it. The matzo ball has an interesting texture and not much flavor but the soup helps that. Its like chicken soup with a giant matzo ball in it. Overall, it was a cool experience here. Good service, good atmosphere, and food at a good price. What more do you want?! I would come back. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Menu - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Ej Luncheonette - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - More menu - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Matzo ball soup - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Garden club - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Turkey burger over salad - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Meg S.

422

4 years ago

Atmosphere is like a diner, which is fine, as long as you are not expecting more. I had a special -- cordon blue sandwich which was very good. Not as moist as it could have been but definitely filling. The waiter was happy to substitute sweet potato fries for the regular fries that were slotted for the dish. It also came with a salad. I opted for Caesar and liked it a lot. My friend had a special too, a fancy burger. I can't remember exactly what was on it, but it was really large and she took most of it home. Liked it a lot. Both of us were too full even to think about dessert. Service was friendly and fast. Wheelchair accessibility notes: Access to a table is not an issue, but the bathroom is downstairs. read more

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L J.

656

230

4 years ago

Not bad at all! The server was helpful and friendly. The food came out hot and quickly! Will come back in the future.

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Su S.

132

281

2789

7 years ago

Caught them fairly early on Good Friday morning, yet still staff was slow to the draw. But the food definitely made up for service and once the gentleman who waited my table was on board, he was tentative enough. That aside the food was hot and tasty. The buttermilk pancakes were huge and flavorful and the banana, blueberry, strawberry compote was delish so much so there wasn't a need for syrup. The turkey bacon crispy and eggs just the right amount of soft like I like them. read more

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Rance Z.

Elite 22

287

207

6 years ago

I met a friend here for some tea. We were seated outdoors, due to covid. The setup was nice and spacious. However, took an exceptionally long time to be brought menus and we had to keep repeating to multiple wait staff about wanting tap water with our drinks. Overall, a nice place to stop and take a breather with a friend. A little more attention to clients and they could do even better. I would be happy to try them again and maybe they were just having an off day. read more

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Sylvia I.

3 years ago

Breakfast was very good, coffee could have been better. It's a very nice-looking place, an old-fashioned feel to it, I like it. Mama & Papa feel to it. read more

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Phil H.

Elite 26 All-Star

4996

5413

32333

10 years ago

Used to be so much better. I like these old school style luncheonettes. It had been a while since I dined here. My meal here was kind of meh. So unsatisfied. Pricey for meh food. Place was dead empty when I walked in and took a seat. Figured I would have a bite to eat before heading out to the Queens Mall to pick up some gear. They have a healthy choices section on the menu. Breakfast served all day. Solid pick I thought. Until I got my plate of food. The egg white burrito on a whole wheat wrap seemed to ooze out grease and it was accompanied by some hardly cooked french fries. A total fail. Pretty much ruined what was supposed to be a healthy meal option. I was thoroughly unsatisfied and wished I had just grabbed a protein drink from a bodega. Friendly guy working the counter though. He gets two stars. The food gets a zero. read more

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German R.

4 years ago

Me and my boyfriend were told to go to a diner a few blocks north of this place but once outside we noticed their website said it had a "preppy" dress code and the clientele definitely looked "preppy". Instead we walked around looking for a place more welcoming and less pretentious and randomly walked past EJ's. The manager welcomed us in with a smile and had us seated in a matter of seconds. Service was quick, friendly and fantastic. One of the burgers was a bit over medium but it didn't matter because that basil mayo will make you forgive any temperature mistakes. Overall it was a great experience but specially so after a long day of biking. Will definitely end our bike rides in the UES from now on just to eat here. 11/10 That mayo gets the extra credit read more

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Arlen C.

3 years ago

EJ's is by far my favorite luncheonette to eat at on the upper east side. The service is great, friendly, knowledgeable, they are helpful in selecting items and describing selections. The food portions are generous and always delicious. They have the most amazing crispy French toast. I love their tuna salad. I don't know what they do to it, but it is outstanding. Their prices are fair. Their dishes are big enough to share. read more

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Lili C.

4 years ago

Not sure why so many poor reviews. We had a great breakfast which included the homemade corned beef hash, French toast fingers and southern breakfast. All were excellent. Service was good too. Glad we ignored the 3 stars and gave it a chance. read more

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Ryan C.

2 years ago

Food was ok. Love the atmosphere and the diner aesthetic and the host was very nice and attentive. That's where the good things ends, unfortunately. Asked for no coleslaw with my sandwich because I simply won't eat it. Still gave it to me. Never got a refill on water and the server only came to us to get our order and hand us our food. Had to flag down the waiter to get the check. Probably wouldnt come here again. read more

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Timothy G.

3 years ago

If you like tuna melts, then you will love EJ's. Everything on the menu is exceptional and the staff is awesome. The problem for me is I always default and order the Tuna Melt. When you visit EJ's you feel like you have gone back to the 1950's. read more

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Hana D.

445

245

5 years ago

We used to frequent EJs when it was on the UWS and hadn't been for years. I loved food - the omelette was delicious read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Two Eggs Any Style, Greek Omelette and the lox plate - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Grace P.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

199

4 years ago

I think the best thing were the fair priced drinks and the egg burrito! We didn't have to wait too long to get in and the service was very efficient. I would recommend. read more

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J F.

139

2 years ago

Look no further if you're searching for a place to spend $100 on brunch (including tip, no drinks other than coffee) on slightly above average diner food. read more

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Laura G.

2 years ago

Very good food prepared quickly and accurately. Excellent service. Enjoyed eating outside.

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Page 4 of 17

1271 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10021
Upper East Side, Yorkville
Directions
(212) 472-0600
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.ejsluncheonette.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does EJ's Luncheonette open?

EJ's Luncheonette opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does EJ's Luncheonette close?

EJ's Luncheonette closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does EJ's Luncheonette take credit cards?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does EJ's Luncheonette have catering options?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette does have catering options.

Does EJ's Luncheonette have a drive thru?

No, EJ's Luncheonette does not have a drive thru.

Does EJ's Luncheonette serve alcohol?

No, EJ's Luncheonette does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does EJ's Luncheonette allow dogs?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette allows dogs.

Does EJ's Luncheonette have TVs?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does EJ's Luncheonette have bike parking?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette has bike parking.

Does EJ's Luncheonette have outdoor seating?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette has outdoor seating options.

Does EJ's Luncheonette have parking?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is EJ's Luncheonette wheelchair accessible?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette is wheelchair accessible.

Does EJ's Luncheonette have free WiFi?

Yes, EJ's Luncheonette has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

EJ's is known for the Best Comfort Food in NYC. Featuring Breakfast all day, Blue Plate Specials with all of "Mom's" Favorite Homemade Dinners. EJ's has been recognized since the nineties as one of New York City's most popular restaurants/ diners becoming a New York City Landmark. It is often visited by both locals and tourists from all over the world. Most often reviewed for its best breakfast and brunch. Pancakes, Crunchy French Toast, large fluffy omelettes, milk shakes, large fresh salads, sandwiches, grass fed natural beef hamburgers and Blue Plate Specials. Tastefully designed with a warm 1940's decor. A must visit spot on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Conveniently located just blocks from The Museum of Modern Art, Central Park , Dylans Candy Bar, Hunter College,Manhattan Marymount College.

History

Established in 1992.

EJ's opened on the Upper East Side Manhattan in 1992. Ej's Luncheonette will celebrate 33 years on February 11, 2024. We owe our success to our loyal clientele that come from as close as East 73rd st and as far away as Australia. EJ's is proud to continue our mantra of providing the freshest comfort food that NYC has to offer with good old fashioned small town hospitality. EJ's Luncheonette has become a New York City icon and a destination restaurant for locals and tourists from all over the world.

More Info

Health Score

EJ's Luncheonette Reviews in Other Languages

French
2 Reviews

Ask the Community - EJ's Luncheonette

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Wall behind bar

Brooklyn Diner USA

Solid dinner with over the top friendly service (seriously) and quite possibly the world's best…read morePatty Melt! About the Patti Melt. It's insanely delicious. The onions melted into the cheese and the toasted rye took it to the next level. This is a must try sandwich for all carnivores. And about the service... We stopped by for lunch and learned there was a short 15 minute wait. What typically might make you slightly upset did the opposite as the two men at the door and seating people engaged with us and made us feel like regulars. The dinner has a classic look inside and out and seriously, everyone is beyond friendly and attentive. Now that my wife teaches on 54th, we are destined to become regulars. Highly recommend

Many, many, many moons ago, I was a poor college kid who passed by this place every single day on…read moremy way to my internship, thinking that one day, when I'm finally not broke as hell, I will dine at this charming, retro-looking place. Fast forward to 2026 (where I'm finally not broke as hell), the day has finally come, and I am ecstatic about stepping foot into this diner that surprisingly is still standing in 2026. The inside certainly feels like a diner, but not quite the old-school dinginess that I'm used to--it's clean. Given that it was Sunday at noon, it was very crowded in there and mainly flooded with tourist groups, but a table opened up for us pretty quickly. For a NYC diner, the menu is certainly small - this is probably done to keep tables moving faster. I got the Pastrami Hash & Eggs and it was just overdone and super oily and dry--almost as if they just refried everything except the sunnyside egg. Not gonna lie, I was very disappointed, given that I had waited for so long to come here, only to get food that was an attempt to give the staleness another chance by refrying and reheating. I actually beat myself up a little the rest of the day for finishing the whole thing, knowing that the oversaltiness was flirting with opening up some high blood pressure. It was also not moderately priced by any means (was close to $30), but I know I'm helping pay for that Midtown and proximity to Central Park pricing. Not sure if I'll return, which saddens me, but also knowing that they're part of a conglomerate at Fireman Group (and still run independently in a sense) makes total sense

French Royale Breakfast

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Inside the diner!

Carnegie Diner & Cafe

I rarely leave a review, but this place was fantastic. I had a tuna sandwich that was very tasty…read morewith wonderful coleslaw. And the french fries were good and the price was very reasonable for New York. The service was good and so is the New York style cheesecake. Thank you, Carnegie diner and Café.

Sunday brunch, busy, crowded, good food, friendly prompt service. I would return and recommend.read more

Pastrami

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Chicken Wings

Westway Diner

We go every Sunday, we call it our "church." Jeff who works the door knows we always want a booth,…read morethe ladies who host and run the checkout counter are always friendly, & the wait staff & kitchen staff always get our order right. I highly recommend ordering the fried chicken or the fried chicken tenders (whole pieces, not chicken patties)... the juiciest chicken, with the best crunch! The food is always comes out fast, so delicious & hits the spot every time!!!

Cute little (pretty sizable) diner that gave out that vibe of classic, booths,…read moremilkshake-sorta-vibe. We opted to share the hot honey chicken and waffles (chicken tenders) and the zucchini fries. Zucchini fries were plentiful but mostly just crust and the chicken and waffles was good - pretty fluffy and standard but nothing that stood out so much. The hot sauce/hot honey was something you drizzled on your own and the chicken was not coated in any sauce. Service was quick and cash gets you a little bit of a discount. Did we come off as touristy or foreign? Had a comment asking where we were from so take that as you will.

Red, White and Blue French Toast

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Biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and cheese grits

Joe Jr.

Great diner good food good atmosphere we didn't even have a long wait for a table of four on a…read moreSunday morning. Prices were reasonable though I thought it a little cheesy to charge $2.50 for "real maple syrup " but I am glad I did it. The service was pretty good too

TLDR: my disabled mother and I were denied welcoming service from Joe Jr. during my NYU graduation…read moreweekend because, as Joe Jr.'s neighbor put it, "[they] just didnt want to serve [us]." My disabled mother, who is afraid of flying and cannot walk or breathe well; who uses a mobility device and is in constant pain, flew all the way across the country to come see me graduate from NYU with my Master's degree. The night before the graduation, the school held a private reception for my program where my film was screened. At the end of this magical night, we needed to grab a bite before turning in. Cozys, by the campus, was already closed. Joe Jr was suggested to us, as it didn't close until 11. So we waited in the cold for a taxi, which my mother had significant difficulty getting into once it finally arrived. She had similar trouble getting out of the vehicle and walking to Joe Jr. once we got to the diner. This little spot definitely wasn't much to look at from the outside; dark, greasy spoon corner joint, but ok. We stood outside reading the menu through the window. No customers were inside. As we were looking at the menu, the guy who owns the business right next door was standing in his doorway and said to us, "Best burgers in New York." So we went on in. Three men were working in the restaurant. As we entered, one of them immediately ran to the back. Another one angrily scowled at us from the kitchen. The other one, older guy with glasses, did not look at us or greet us as we entered, but angrily threw two menus down on our table and said, "we close in half an hour, hurry." Odd: it was only 10p - they were not supposed to be closing for another hour, which was one of the reasons why we came here. We quickly browsed the menu while the two workers skulked and coldly watched us from across the room, mumbling to each other. They looked at us as such hatred and disgust. It was chilling. The menus felt dirty and sticky, as did the table. That, combined with the unfriendly and downright threatening energy from the men had me seriously realizing it was a mistake to go there, as it was starting to feel uncomfortably unsafe. Maybe 1 minute later, the guy, angry and seemingly agitated, comes back to our table. He says again, "we close in half an hour." At that point I told him very politely that we're just going to leave. He turned his back on us and walked away. I added, "it says that you close at 11." With his back turned, he sharply replied, "NO!" Nothing more. We left without saying another word. So, now we're back outside in the cold waiting for yet another taxi. The neighbor next door is closing his shop, and he says, "burger didn't work out for you?," to which we replied, "they said they're closing." He said, "Closing? Aw, no. He's not closing. I'm so sorry. HE JUST DIDN'T WANT TO SERVE YOU." Based on our experience, I had every reason to believe that he was correct. I knew it before the neighbor confirmed it. But, nothing broke my heart more than to see my poor, exhausted, very brave, but vulnerable mother who cannot walk, all dressed up, who was so proud of herself for flying across the country to see me graduate, struggle with all her might to try to climb back up into a cab with her mobility device with dignity, after being treated so unkindly and having been denied decent, welcoming service and food at this dip squat shatty little dirty diner in New York. It infuriates me to the point that it is bringing tears to my eyes just to think about it now. Denial on what grounds? You tell me. The neighbor sure seemed to know. When I looked back at the restaurant, the worker who had run to the back when we first walked in was watching my mother struggle to get in the cab from the window. He ducked back when he saw me watching him. I called Joe Jr. at around 10:55 that night just to see if they were still open, and sure enough, they were. That may very well have been my mother's last trip to New York. I wanted to cry - I apologized to her profusely even though I was not at fault; I was so sorry that this happened to us on what was supposed to be my very special weekend. Our treatmemt, particularly because of my mother's physical limitations, enrages me beyond words that I am even able to articulate. She handled it very well; just quietly. She just didnt say anything, which somehow hurts worse. The experience was so hurtful that we have never spoken of it again after that night, and I needed time to pass before I was even able to write this review. That night at Joe Jr. was one very dark blot on an otherwise beautiful and inspiring celebratory graduation weekend full of light and love and hope that I will never forget. Sadly, I will remember Joe Jr. for all of the worst reasons.

A fun design for a ceiling fan.

2 Eggs with Ham, 2 Eggs with Beef Sausage, Coffee, Toasted Bread

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Exterior. Entrance

Adel's Famous Halal Food

Awesome Flavors from this Halal Cart with the best rendition of a combo meal of chicken over rice…read moreplus lamb/beef combo over rice I've ever had. For about $16 or so you get a ton of meat perfectly seasoned, tender and moist served over a bed of yellow rice plus a couple of narrow slices of pita bread and just the right amount of white sauce by default. Absolutely delicious! Straightforward to the point service. Street Vendor Casual egalitarian Street Food kinda vibe. PRO TIP: (as others have said): Long lines here yes, but you can skip most of it if you just order ahead for pickup from GrubHub, as they have TWO carts here - a new cart dedicated for these online orders, and their original cart for walk-up orders with the longer line.

Come line up right when they pull up the cart, or else you'll be stuck waiting! We showed up ten…read moreminutes after opening and waited for about 40 minutes to get to the front, but food is served immediately! Pro tip: order from GrunHub to skip the lines, but be ready to forfeit a couple extra bucks. I ordered the combo plate, and they were super generous with the portions! It came with white sauce on top, but green and hot sauce were in cups that you can grab. The meats were super flavorful, and the meal was super delicious! Highly recommend for the flavor and value!

Combo (chicken and lamb) over rice and fries was well seasoned. Would recommend dranks while waiting with friends in line hehe!

Mix Platter

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Chicken over Rice Platter and Lamb Over Rice

L’industrie Pizzeria

Loved the pizza with hot honey and added arugula!!…read more Not a lot of seating but you get the whole stand-up and pizza experience.

Long story short, it's great pizza. I will say I prefer the Williamsburg location better, in terms…read moreof wait and quality of slice, but yeah, it's still banging pizza. I went with their namesake L'Industrie slice with prosciutto di parma and burrata. The wait was pretty decent for a 1/1:30ish weekday swing-by, but nothing too ridiculous. The slice was satisfying, and deserves the acclaim, though I feel like the Williamsburg location had pies a lil more generous on the toppings front - but, a very small sample size, so maybe just my poor luck - either way, it's still delicious and is in the upper echelon of NYC pizza spots.

IG: @nom.noms.only | fig jam & tartufo

Open kitchen interior

Burrata / Pepperoni

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Mama's Too

Realllyyyyyy gooood!!! Different style slice than the regular NYC style. I really enjoyed the…read morethickness, crispness, and unique flavors!! Both pizza slices were fire. The angry nonna pepperoni and hot honey. The Bufalina had blue cheese and chicken, it was really good but I'm not a huge fan of blue cheese. Not many seats inside, we stood and eat. The service was fairly quick and kind. We ordered: Angry Nonna 5/5 Bufalina 4/5 (I'm not a fan of blue cheese) Overall, I highly recommend trying their pizzas out. Especially if you love a thick slice. I was full off one slice of pizza. The pizza was around $7 per slice, but like I said, one slice is enough so I feel it was worth the price. I'll definitely come back!!!

Place was, as expected, packed on a Saturday afternoon but service was quick. I do wish there was…read moretape on the floor to indicate the line, because people had to move around to let people out the small front door. We waited about 15 mins on line, then about 10 mins for the slices to be ready. We took our slices outside to eat, as all the inside space was taken (a couple tables and standing counter along the walls). Remember to grab a lot of napkins. Both slices had a very crisp bottom and edges, with an airy dough. Cacio e pepe: could use more black pepper. Definitely tasted the distinct cheeses though. If you're into a 4 cheese slice, this is the one to get, but don't expect a cacio e pepe. Poached pear: gotta like gorgonzola to enjoy. I love the added sweetness of the pear, and the kick from the hot honey. Everything paired together well. Definitely a good Sicilian spot to try, just be prepared for a wait. I'd go back to try the other toppings.

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Golden Diner

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

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Honey Butter Pancakes

Szechuan Mountain House

We had a lovely birthday dinner here. The Szechuan fried noodles, and the stir-fried cabbage were…read moremy favorite, but everything was so good. The mapo tofu, green beans, twice cooked pork, and spicy (lazi) chicken were very flavorful. I thought the mala levels were just right, but it may be on a bit on the lighter side compared to authentic. The lamb spine came in a delicious broth, but it was a bit hard eating the lamb from the bone for not a lot of meat. The house steamed fish was also amazing. They don't take online reservations for groups over 5, so we called to make one for our group of 6. It was pretty busy Friday night, so would recommend. The service was great; they drew the cutest card when they found out it was my brother's birthday and let us bring a cake. And they also offered hair ties to the people with long hair. You order through an iPad which has a beautiful menu.

yummy food, just make sure you have an appetite for spicy foods or this place is not for you!…read moremy family and i were seated at a small table given we walked in without a reservation. they were kind enough to offer us a larger table after we had settled in, but declined. they were quick w service and always made sure to refill our waters. best dishes were the green beans and kung pao. I would skip the tripe.

Swing Pork Belly - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Mapo Ma-Po Tofu 麻婆豆腐

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Mala prawn

Very Fresh Noodles

Delicious noodles spot in the heart of Chelsea market. They have bar seating, and really fun, red…read morelighting ambiance. The very spicy dan dan pork noodles were indeed very spicy! Even for asian standards. But still very delicious, recommend pairing it with one of their boba teas for a balanced experience. The service is good, I got my food in 10 mins even though there were a lot of people. The price was moderate, $28 for a drink and a main (including tax and tip) I would recommend trying this place!

Very fresh noodle- Chelsea market NYC gets five stars…read more Ordered the mei Lai wa Taiwanese beef noodle soup. The noodles were delicious and the perfect texture. The meat was tender. The soup was delicious with a mild spice that was somewhat leaning towards a schesuan style spice. Hearty broth. Delicious. Very spicy pork dan dan mien also so delicious the best flavoring and sauce topped with scallions. Ordered the tofu drink which was okay. With tapioca and tofu chunks with somewhat of a horchata/soy milk base It was takeout style with seating options in front of there food stand where you could watch them pull the noodles in front of you.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

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These both weren't mine....but I did eat both.

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42 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Fiona C.

14 years ago

I visited EJ's luncheonette for an early lunch yesterday. The outside of the place is inviting with half of the restaurant situated next to a clear wall allowing customers to look out and pedestrians to be tempted by all the plates coming out. As I sat down I was immediately drawn to the sandwiches. I decided on the 1/2 soup 1/2 sandwich. For the soup I chose Gazpacho, and the sandwich was double turkey melt on 7 grain with honey mustard on the side in place of russian dressing. The turkey bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh roasted turkey tantalized my taste buds and was extremely satisfying. The honey mustard was the perfect accompaniment to all the flavors. The gazpacho on the other hand, tasted like a virgin bloody mary. There was too much celery and lacked spice. Since I was not a fan of the soup, I decided to get another half of the sandwich I had eaten to complete my meal. It was just as good as the first half and would highly recommend EJ's to anyone in the area looking for a delicious brunch, lunch spot. read more

James F.

See more unrecommended reviews

1071

524

12610

6 months ago

EJ's Luncheonette, a beloved Upper East Side institution since 1992, is the perfect spot to refuel after a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We arrived just in time to snag a table before the crowd rolled in, and I was relieved to find the booths spacious enough for my family. The menu, featuring nostalgic blue plate specials, was a delightful throwback. The friendly staff quickly took our orders, and I was thrilled to see cream soda on the menu--an NYC classic. I went for the meatloaf with a Caesar salad, mashed potatoes, and sautéed spinach. My sister enjoyed matzoh ball soup and eggs Benedict, while my brother-in-law opted for the same meatloaf. The kids chose chicken and waffles and chicken tenders. As we laughed and savored our meals, it became clear that places like EJ's are what make New York's culinary scene so special. We left full and happy, already planning our next visit. If you're in the area, EJ's is a must for classic comfort food. read more

Lilly V.

3 years ago

In search of solace, hungover, we did roam, To EJ's Luncheonette, a place we called home, Dreaming of quesadillas, warm and cheesy delight, But what we received was a terrible fright. For $20 we hoped for a taste of heaven's grace, But instead, they served an empty, cheeseless space, No comfort for the hungover souls we carried, Just a bland tortilla, our spirits nearly buried. EJ's, you failed us, left our hearts dismayed, With each disappointing bite, our hopes began to fade, No cheese to console us, our hunger grew stronger, Your quesadilla disaster couldn't have been more wronger. So next time we'll seek refuge elsewhere, it's clear, For at EJ's Luncheonette, disappointment's near, May our quest for the perfect quesadilla continue, But, EJ's, your cheeseless creation, we'll always rue. read more

Brutally H.

11 years ago

The Worst. I live a half block away from this joke of a restaurant so I've eaten here a few times just out of convenience. I've never written a Yelp review ever but was compelled enough to do so for EJ's because the world needs to know. The fact that people wait to eat at this place on weekends, or ever is ludicrous. First, I've been here roughly 10 times, and have found hair in my food 3-4 times. Is there anything more repulsive? Second, cash only? Pay your goddamn taxes like the rest of us. You have to earn the right to do this in my book (see J.G. Melon down the block). Third, they don't have American cheese? This is AMERICA. How on earth can you be a diner and and not have American cheese? It's absurd. I can go on, but I won't. EJ's = The Worst. read more

Penelope B.

1 month ago

A coworker recommended that my family and I check out EJ's over the weekend, and I'm so glad we did--we were not disappointed! They also suggested asking for Erica, and luckily she ended up being our waitress. She was absolutely fantastic and definitely deserves 5 stars. The food was great, but Erica's friendly personality, genuine smile, and excellent recommendations made the whole experience even better. She even received a surprise flower delivery while we were there, which felt like something straight out of a rom-com! It was such a fun and memorable moment. Overall, 5 stars all around. We'll definitely be back, and we hope to have Erica as our waitress again! read more

Diana Z.

11 years ago

I had very high hopes for this place, but unfortunately they let me down. The first strike was the incorrect order: rather than give us a rare burger, it was well-done. Now, this doesn't usually bother me, but the service that followed didn't help. What bothered me the most was that when I walked in, the person who escorted me to my table told me that cards were okay. When it came time to pay, my waiter informed me that they did not accept credit cards. Why tell me they take cards if they don't? Not only is it inconvenient, it is also cumbersome, especially if I have no cash on me and my bank isn't anywhere near the place. Definitely never eating here again. read more

sarmad s.

Elite 16

127

136

10 years ago

Food: Bad Service: Good Ambience: Ok Let me start of by saying the only redeeming quality about this place was the service. We went on a Saturday the place was packed and seem to be doing thriving business on deliveries too so I was hoping that the food would be good but I was throughly disappointed especially for the price. I ordered a burger and it was dry and flavorless, the regular fries were not impressive the were dry too. Overall this was a disappointing experience. Maybe we went on an off day or ordered the wrong thing other people seem to be enjoying their experience. read more

Kelley M.

176

11 years ago

My favorite upper east side diner. Nice sized portions and delicious food. I miss their homemade raspberry jam, but not besides that, not much has changed over the years. The brunch is good as are lunch and dinner. Love their salads and French onion soup. Can be really busy on the weekends, but they try to get people in and out. Usually no wait in the evening. Not sure where people leave strollers in bad weather... read more

Hector C.

13 years ago

went just because it's close to my place and seemed really crowed all the time. had bad experience there though. the food was good - much better than other diners, but the service was terrible. had to wait for waiter for a while, it was so crowded the one next to us knocked over water all over my sister, ruining everything she bought. food was decent but service was terrible... read more

Liz S.

12 years ago

I've only been here for brunch, but it's my favorite brunch spot in the area. The menu isn't a typical dinner menu nor is it huge, but it's always hard to pick something because everything sounds so good. Everything I've had has been yummy too! Staff is nothing exceptional. Prices are what you would expect for the area. read more

Nash A.

14 years ago

Generous servings, service ok--depends on the server, and they don't pressure or rush you out. Just remember, only cash is accepted, which the host or server should tell people in case they don't see the sign. It can get crowded Sunday afternoon but the line only takes about 10 minutes and it gets quiet Sunday evening. read more

Caitlin D.

14 years ago

One of the best places for breakfast or lunch! My girlfriens and I love the old fashioned seats and the feel of the dinette! the staff is always so friendly and they have the BEST french toast! They also have great lunches and I recommend to sit at the counter and grab a milkshale while your at it! read more

Tom C.

11 years ago

Stopped here for lunch early afternoon on a Sunday. There was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly. It seems to be a popular place in UES. I was pleased to receive a large portion of good food for a fair price and would return if I am ever back in the neighborhood. read more

Michael R.

1 month ago

Great food and even better service! Erica was amazing and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived, and she gave us recommendations that were perfect for what we were looking for. She made our experience even more enjoyable. We'll be back again and again. read more

Laureen L.

9 years ago

I was there with all my family for sunday brunch and was ok!!!!!! milk shake with poor ice cream, but the pan cakes was great!!!! i actually coming back but i hope not to see the same server ( blondie and slim women) was very rude with mi mother. read more

Bobby G.

16 years ago

Used to be so much better. Not sure what happened. Dry pancakes. Overcooked eggs. Not a fan. Not sure why anyone would wait 2 hours for a table for brunch at this place. Did I mention it needs a renovation. read more

Nicole S.

136

7 years ago

Enormous and fabulously delicious flapjacks (pancakes) topped with banana and nuts with bottomless coffee. No better way to fuel for a day's sightseeing in New York! Friendly service and clean too. read more

Gina P.

429

5 years ago

I've been wanting to go to this place for years!! It was worth the wait. The service and food was amazing! Highly recommend for breakfast. The lunches looked great too. Can't wait to go back! read more

Celia S.

14 years ago

EJ's is great for breakfast but lately the portions have gotten smaller and the service is worse. I really used to go here all of the time and I wish they would fix it up like before. read more

Joe N.

12 years ago

The food is fine. Nothing special. I don't get the lines, but then again, the UES and UWS have so many more families today that just want a friendly spot for basic food. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - diners - Updated August 2026

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This is a very special restaurant visit for me because I lived on this block for 3 years and walked…read moreby this diner Every. Single. Day. and never got around to going. So much so that I just turned it into a goal of mine that the day I move out of this apartment is the day I go to this diner as a farewell to the memories. That day arrived and let me tell you this experience was everything I couldve wanted and more. First off, the food here was ABSOLUTE GAS. I allowed myself to go full force and EATTTTT. Started with nachos and mozzarella sticks. Nachos were loaded to the brim and the chips stayed crispy even the ones on bottom. Mozza sticks had amazing cheese pulls. For the main, got the Chorizo Burger with Waffle Fries and a Chocolate Egg Cream to drink. Burger was gargantuan, like you literally cannot eat it with your hands you need fork and knife, seasoned perfectly, toppings were stellar, fries were super crispy. Incredible. First time having an egg cream and it was so interesting. To finish off I had an oreo shake which was the perfect consistency and so delicious. And then right at the end the brought a FREE piece of Baklava WOW. Service here was awesome, never felt rushed, attentive waiters, allowed me to move to the larger booths mid meal just to be more comfortable. And the music here is literally like they took my playlist off my phone. A shame I only visited here on my LAST day on the UES but I WILL be back nevertheless. So happy with this meal.

Shame on me for foregoing my usual bagel & wanting something different…read more My partner and I just left here after I found a ROACH in my food! In all my years, that has neverrr happened to me. Thankfully I usually pay attention to what I'm eating because it was well concealed in the hash browns. On top of that, I had to ask for a new glass because it was dirty with lip marks, the food was mid. The coffee was mid. Nothing had flavor & it's incredibly overpriced.

Three Guys Restaurant

3.1

(148 reviews)

Comfortable typical coffee shop. I have a cheese omelette with a buttered english muffin and 3…read moreslices bacon and it's fine. 2 of us meet at 11am and take a booth for 4. We stay for an hour. No problem

Insanely overpriced. The food is decent but nothing to talk about. The place resembles a Waffle…read moreHouse but has almost fine dining prices.

Green Kitchen

3.4

(301 reviews)

Mary Lu was the best waitress & the food was great!! Will definitely be back! It was also so…read morebeautiful!

Mom told me we were going out for brunch. I heard, "We're…read moregoing somewhere with tacos." Close enough. Green Kitchen is a cozy neighborhood diner with one of the prettiest outdoor setups I've seen. The entire corner entrance is covered in colorful flowers, and the wraparound patio makes it feel more like a garden café than a diner. They even have covered seating along the side street, which kept us cool while giving me an excellent vantage point to supervise pedestrians, squirrels, and anyone carrying bacon. I settled onto my cooling mat under the table and got comfortable while Mom and Dad ordered. Mom had the Short Rib Tacos with a Diet Coke. She declared them delicious. Dad went with the classic scrambled eggs and bacon. Guess which meal looked easier to "accidentally" share with the dog? Neither. Apparently both plates were under strict human protection. There isn't a dog menu, and no water bowl was offered, but the staff was friendly, the patio was spacious and comfortable, and the atmosphere made it an easy place to relax for a long brunch. Dogba's Verdict Beautiful flower-covered entrance? Large covered outdoor patio? Elite people-watching opportunities? Cool enough for a summer brunch? Dog water bowl? Taco samples for the dog? Also no. 4 paws out of 5. I'd happily return... but next time I'd like to negotiate at least one short rib taco as part of my appearance fee.

Gracie's on 2nd Diner

3.3

(280 reviews)

Decent dinner spot offering all the breakfast food you might crave for. I really wanted the egg…read moresandwich and it didn't disappoint, but it could use a slice of cheese in it. I also wanted a waffle and I was able to get both and create my own place for a fair price. The waffle doesn't look like much but was perfectly fluffy. The restaurant is quite loud but nicely decorated and the service is fast. This is not a place you plan on staying for long. You eat you go. The tables are very small for the large plates they serve the food in but it is common in dinners.

During the World Cup final, we walked into Gracie's Diner in hopes of enjoying a nice summer day…read morewith some fries and drinks. Other bars had been loud and crowded, but Gracie's was relatively spacious, so we were promptly seated. We asked our waiter, a portly, middle-aged man with jet-black hair (didn't catch his name) about portion sizes; he tells us they weren't large, so we ordered two plates of sweet potato fries at $11 each. The second he served them, it was obvious one plate would've sufficed. In addition, the fries themselves sucked: so plain--no seasoning, no salt, nothing. A couple fries in, we flagged him down to politely explain we weren't happy with the food. Instead of apologizing or offering any kind of fix, he got defensive and snapped, "What do you mean bring them back? No!" --even though the plates were almost untouched. We didn't want to escalate the situation, so we just left. This isn't how patrons should be treated. $26 on subpar fries and a prickly waiter? Don't waste your money.

The Mansion

3.6

(438 reviews)

Hark! An important update!…read more The 11:00 breakfast special with free coffee and juice is no more. (WTH!) No more free juice, only coffee -- and that ends at 10:00 a.m. Bring cash. You'll save some money.

Great diner in the UES…read more The Mansion has an extensive menu, you'll be able to find what you want. It has all the classics. You don't come to NYC looking for a Michelin starred diner, you come to a NYC for good eats and even greater people. The service is what you'd expect from a busy diner but they're honest and try their best It's playful and loud inside The Mansion, but that's what makes it feel so much better.

Cafe Luka

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(334 reviews)

Great diner in the UES! The omelette was amazing and the bacon was crispy. Definitely recommend. It…read morewas also crowded but we didn't have to wait which was really nice. A+

My wife has always liked Cafe Luka. When we first came back to NYC over a decade ago, it was a…read moresolid breakfast spot and a nice dinner option. Portions were good and prices were higher than average but within reach. We returned yesterday for an early dinner and while the food was good and service decent, the portions and pricing have gotten out of hand. I had a pizza burger and fries for $21. No, really. It was a tasty burger but not Minetta Tavern good. My wife had a choice to make, get the spinach pie appetizer for $17 or the entree version for $27. The extra $10? Got us a salad and I am guessing a larger portion of pie. That's it...for $10 more. I remember when they would provide salad, soup, potatoes, veggies, bread, and even a dessert, for much less. The waiter did bring two pickle spears and tiny cups of cole slaw to be fair. We had water, no dessert or apps, and spent $55 for a meal that should have cost $30, maybe $35. So, you get the extra $20 this visit but you lost future visits, seems like a risky move. This is not the only spot on the neighborhood that has gone off the rails with their menu pricing management and I realize costs around labor, ingredients, utilities, etc have all gone up. Problem is, the customers pocket is only so deep and it's becoming unsustainable to continue to push the majority of the expenses onto your menu for others to subsidize. So, we didn't have a "bad" experience but walked away feeling taken advantage of in what we received for the money. Now my wife is no longer going to push for this spot in the future and we will give others a try.

Midnight Express Diner

3.3

(565 reviews)

Good food, though note: somewhat unusual selection of fruit for French toast. Not bad though! Also…read morethe staff were very friendly, and clearly having a good time hanging out with their coworkers which is nice to experience.

Love this diner. Service was great, very attentive. The food was really good and done well. I was…read morealready thinking about what to get my next return (eggs Benedict or chicken and waffles) it looked so good. As for the burger and fries, quality! Thin crispy hot fries, medium well burger very juicy perfect runny egg on top! Omelette was STUFFED and the home fries some of the best I've had at a diner! Brunch special $30 A cocktail, entree, coffee, fruit cup. What an amazing value.

Sidecar

3.8

(104 reviews)

•$$$

Wow! What a gem of the city. My coworker recommended this beautiful bar and restaurant situated in…read morethe historic building above pj Clarke's. Yes - they do share a kitchen. We started off with a crispy tuna tarter tacos which were delectable and savory. The tacos were so unique, almost like Chinese fried crackers. Our waiter was wonderful, and amiable. My seafood pasta was perfectly seasoned and was better than some seafood restaurants! The bartender and manager both came over to introduce themselves - adding for a traditional, personal touch. Not only did we feel like values customers, but we felt at home and can't wait to return! What a special place!

Stopped by for happy hour after work with a friend and had a very pleasant experience. Despite not…read morehaving a reservation, staff was more than happy to have us and sat us down immediately. Bar service was great and very timely. I ordered a smoked old fashion and it was delicious. We also split a few oysters and they were also delicious. The place was intimate and not too loud which I always prefer and all things considered, it was a great evening. Would come back.

Sarabeth's West

3.5

(1.1k reviews)

Always a 10/10 experience at this location. I frequent here often. The service is always great. The…read morefood is always delicious. My favorite is the buttermilk pancakes and chicken sausage. However, they have other things on their menu equally delicious. The French toast, deviled eggs, and seafood Cobb salad are excellent!

Lobster clambake. Fridays Saturdays and Sundays for dinner…read moreonly. Comes with a glass of wine. $60 pp Excellent quality Excellent service! Adding to this review. I tried dinner special again. Really good again

Viand Cafe

3.4

(229 reviews)