happened to by chance stopped in for lunch. my cheeseburger deluxe was very good as were the fries & coleslaw. inadequate amount of lettuce however and quite pricey at $19.00. my wife ordered pancakes with a scrambled egg. egg was fine but she had to return the pancakes which were inedible. very tough. she had them willingly replaced but again not tender enough to easily cut into. again pricey at $19.00 for pancakes & a single egg, & how can pancakes not be correctly prepared ? a glass of soda $4.25 & coffee $4.25 is a no go. service was good & congenial but does not negate unfortunately the food & price issues. read more

My friend had hyped up this place for quite some time, and although it was good, I did not live up to all the hype. I ordered the crunchy French Toast with strawberries. It wasn't as crunchy as I had expected -- in fact -- it was a little soggy. The cornflake/almond mixture was really good, but I've heard it is definitely not unique to EJ's. The good part was the strawberries -- definitely fresh and a good amount. It was expensive for what it was (ok c'mon, I got french toast w/ strawberries and a small apple juice and it was $17 (incl. tip)!? C'mon, I could make this better at home and it'd probably be less than $5 and I'd be able to feed a family of 4. If you're going for the atmosphere, the brunch crowd, or don't want to make your own food, then you're going to the right place. Otherwise, next time I'd probably skip. read more

Had a really good experience dining in about a year ago and was disappointed with the delivery I ordered today. The delivery was late and portion sizes underwhelming. My boyfriend ordered the southern country breakfast and was given tasteless grits instead of gravy. I ordered homemade corned beef hash based on how delicious it was when I dined in a year ago with huge pieces of corned beef and crispy potatoes. What I received today resembled something out of a can with rubbery scrambled eggs to supplement. After paying $40 for subpar, small, and late delivery, I will not be eating here again. read more

Meh - EJ's is fine. I end up going here fairly often for brunch because it's close and it has all of the breakfast staples. The menu is expansive and the setup is diner like but with a somewhat cute closed in porch area where it's nice to sit. The food is pretty much what you would expect. I've gotten a number of different egg dishes and they all have been acceptable but none amazing. The home fries that come with the eggs are pretty good. Service is efficient but spotty. I have found that sometimes they are on point, and others they are scattered and forget items / get dishes wrong. Not a big deal though. Price point is my biggest problem with this place though as it's really way to high for the type of food, service and quality in my opinion. For instance, a regular basic omelette is around 14 or 15, but to make any alterations (e.g. add cheese), there's a somewhat significant charge. I always end up spending around $60 for two people which seems crazy for what we get. I think there are more reasonable places in the area, but it's not a bad spot if you are looking for a diner breakfast. Just a note - they used to not accept credit cards (cash only) but now they do which is helpful. read more

Great service for sure. Massive portions. Solid everyday and brunch menus. Great shake options. One critique... used canned blueberries instead of fresh. This is an insult to the blueberry loving community. read more

Ate breakfast here this morning and it was great. A typical New York diner that is best known for their breakfast and brunch. I didn't have anything off the menu specifically, I ordered a few items a la cartel and made my own avocado toast with lox. The breakfast was delicious. I had a wonderful time at EJ's diner. The staff was friendly and efficient the coffee was hot and the waiter came around consistently to refill which was pleasant. We have a spot in the area and will be back to have breakfast here again soon! Definitely a great breakfast spot on the upper east side. read more

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

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the food was okay but the problem was that whatever they cook in that kitchen, I always go home with a stomach ache. it's only when I go to this diner so I'm officially going to stop because I'm not sure what they be putting in there or if they food is expired or something. the waiters were nice but the food got something in it. read more

So the food is great. But the service is terrible, the staff seems very aloof. I asked one guy to take away our dirty dishes and he said " that isn't my job, but sure " very weird vibe. Would recommend to go dining and not dining in. Badly trained employees. No one ever asked how our food taste. Everyone was just standing around while I clearly was looking around for assistance. read more

First time here and was recommended the BBQ burger (daily special). Initially thought it's was the run of the mill bbq burger but I was very wrong. Not overly sweet or excessive, the barbecued onions were just right, the truffle fries were crispy but still fluffy in the middle and would be a great treat on their own. The side coleslaw is of the quality that you'd expect at the likes of Whole Foods. But getting back to the burger - I decided to take off the bun to try and cut back on some carbs and was pleasantly surprised with a top rate smash style burger that intentionally or not had the right amount of charred edge that just took the burger to the next level. When tasing the meat sans sauce or sides you can really taste the difference - so much so that I called over one of the chefs (Steven) to see where / how they serve such quality burgers. Well the answer was the fact that the meat comes from Ottomanelli butchers. So I've now found the perfect spot for lunch when on the UES and also a butcher shop that I need to drop into. read more

Sat down at counter And food was terrible - soggy eggs cold toast old and soft hash browns. Told owner about it and he could not care less. He did make a point of telling me that he has been In that location for 30 years and is doing just fine. So arrogant and didn't care at all about the quality of his food. Better options all over UES pls don't reward mediocrity. read more

I stopped by here a few days ago while visiting a patient in Lenox Hill Hospital. I was wondering around Third Avenue looking for a light night meal. The first thing you notice when you enter the luncheonette is that it looks like a diner from the 1950s/1960s. The tables and furniture are from a bygone era. The second thing you notice are small booths. I was not terribly hungry at the time but ordered a quesadilla which was tasty, but not extraordinary in quality. The waiter was friendly, but too my surprise told me that I had to pay him directly. There was no cashier up front that I could see at the time. This was a little offputting because he was not terribly polite in explaining to me why he had to be paid directly. Was this form a payment from another era. I did not know, and he did not explain this properly. Would I go back there, well that's up in the air? read more

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EJ's has become a regular place for breakfast. I have never sat at a table here because I prefer the service at the bar. One of the reasons I come is the great service by Bar staff and attentiveness. The price is reasonable for the food and they are open to make custom orders. Great place for good basic means at an affordable price. My go to read more

Nice diner on the upper east side. It's always packed on the weekends but even during the week there's a good amount of people. Lots of options on the menu. I went with the chocolate chip flapjacks and they did not disappoint. Overall pretty good but standard diner. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Chocolate chip Buttermilk Flapjacks - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

The food is overall OK but nothing special. Ambiance is of a 50s luncheonette and the staff is very friendly and helpful. However, they have an annoying cash only policy. Those in the hospitality industry as a matter of principle should not limit how the customers want to pay. read more

I have had great salads and hamburgers here. However, I came in for breakfast. The sausages were overcooked, the eggs and pancakes were dry and the coffee was not good. I was shocked that it added up to $35. read more

We came here for brunch today. I absolutely love an old school New York City diner, so I was super excited to try this spot out. I already assumed the food was good due to the amount of people waiting to be seated. I went to check on yelp and saw it had three stars. I literally wanted to walk out and not give it a try but I was with a large group of people. At this point I had to just tuff it out and wait. The service was mediocre but the food was pretty fresh and delicious. I wouldn't go out of my way to come back here but If you are in the neighborhood stop right in. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Let's see what we find up in here - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

This place never disappoints. Friendly staff and even though there's not much to be expected from diner food, I leave the restaurant completely satisfied every time. Home-fries are delicious. Adequately seasoned, adequately cooked. I'm surprised their rating on yelp is not a 4-4.5 stars. read more

Delicious Chicken noodle soup with matzoh balls!Great French Toast with Strawberries and Bananas.

Thursday, late breakfast (~10:30). Busy but not crowded. Service was quick. Lox omelette was meh. Lox was overcooked and I rather have my onions chopped instead of thin strips which made it harder to pick up with a fork. Edible but probably won't order again. I wouldn't go out of my way to come but also wouldn't avoid it because I don't like waiting in line. A bit pricey for average food. Relatively clean. A solid 3-stars. read more

Very friendly service despite our complications! Ordered a completely ordinary turkey club, to go, since we were in a rush. It is DELICIOUS- fresh roasted/seasoned turkey, crispy bacon, on perfectly toasted multigrain. I'm impressed! read more

Way overpriced -$10 for a grilled cheese (plus $3 for bacon) and $8 for a 16oz chicken soup. I also got the sweet potato fries and they had no flavor. I won't be ordering again anytime soon read more

Great food and somewhat good service... We were a group of 6 and there were a bit too hesitant as to where they would sit us down. But I recommend the avocado toast and famous chocolate chip pancakes. delicious food ! read more

it's very packed and the food is not good tbh tastes like sams club freezer burnt fast food. it's definitely a family place if you like kids

Very good food in a classic atmosphere. Blue plate specials and soups are always interesting. A bit pricey but the portions are large. Service can sometimes be patchy but overall a favorite go-to. Note that the rest rooms are in no way accessible (down a narrow flight of stairs). read more

Super solid luncheonette on the UES. Sat at the bar, ordered a cheeseburger and got a hot, juicy (kinda greasy) burger in less than 10 minutes. Cooked right, fresh veggies and the option to pay $3 more for a grass-fed, antibiotic free burger made me happy. Pretty quiet for a 1 PM on a Monday, but it's always nice to find a sliver of quiet in the city, right? I'd come back, their blue plate specials looked pretty killer. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Burger! - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

I love this place. I've come here for brunch a couple Of times and have always had a good experience. The food is good, big portions, but a little over priced but that's to be expected in this location. The service is great as well. I've gotten the egg white frittata and the Greek salad and both have been great. My mom always orders their avacado toast and is obsessed with it. Their sweet potato fries are also a must! I definitely reccomend this EJ's... it has become a favorite. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Greek salad - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

Over priced diner. The coffee was burned .... and my date thought watery. I should have pointed this out to the waitress but probably not worth it considering whatever she replaced it with probably wouldn't have been good coffee anyway. He got the eggs Benedict with salmon which was good. I had a standard Belgian waffle, with ice cream on top. They do a $3.50 up charge for real syrup. Fresh OJ was good but not really great or anything. There is challah on the menu but no challah French toast which didn't make sense to me. After waiting 25 minutes to be seated at 12:30 on a Sunday, Our simple "diner breakfast" ended up being $50+ for basically a $35 meal. I guess this is what you get on the Upper East side! read more

Remember when Elaine orders the big salad on Seinfeld? It's healthy but plentiful, perfect for a power lunch, and EJ's Luncheonette has a bevy of them to choose from - I would even suggest renaming the salad section on the menu "the big salads." I had the kale turkey Caesar with cranberries. This place is a great diner - it has all your greasy spoon classics, but balances out the selection with the aforementioned salads and some dishes have a healthy injection of California cuisine (think avocado toast). Unlike a traditional diner, this place is clean and the decor is a throwback to the 1950s but tastefully updated for modernity. Love it! read more

This staff at this restaurant are absolutely repulsive and disrespectful. Their food is extremely unappetizing and tastes disgusting. They add on a massively inappropriate tip and demand It be paid. My friends and I go out every weekend. I am very well aware of the appropriate amount to tip and that giving a tip is not mandatory but it's important to tip speaking as waiters do not make minimum wage because of the tips they get. It's very rare that I do not tip at a restaurant but this place should be paying me to eat there . The manger has no issue yelling and cursing at customers. I will never return to the shack unless there is a gun to my head. If you are look for a diner there are many others such as: Green kitchen, Gracie's diner, 89th street diner and bocado cafe. Enjoy your time eating! read more

I really like this place. Has a warm diner feel to it. Omelette is great and tastes like one. Looks aren't everything and rare that anyone can actually achieve that taste. Had simple cheddar omelette with Bacon on side. Has a 'small' order if flapjacks. This consisted of 3 medium sized. I ate only two by choice would have loved the 3rd but living on the road too long. There is a full bar here too with premium liquor which could come in handy. Offer limited milkshakes but one being chocolate or vanilla with Nuttella. Why not. I believe the owner works here which keeps all running well. Great attitude if employees. Very family friendly. Clean. Tidy. What would I change ? Make jalapenos available to throw into an omelette and that's about it. Stay close to here so shall return. read more

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Love the gluten free pancakes and bacon! Food is always good but it is quite expensive and the wait is always long. Will be back and I'm sure I'll love the meal, but only when I have time to kill and $25 to spend on breakfast. read more

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

Let me use the restroom Food is good too Spacious for UES Has clean restrooms Yelp has a minimum I prefer Haiku read more

One of the last remaining spots that hasn't turned into a bank or a target. EJ's is just an institution. Everyone knows EJ's. You know it's good when there is ALWAYS a wait. I challenge anyone to try and get a table on Saturday or Sunday at noon. Good Luck it's easily the hottest breakfast/brunch spot in the Northeast!! My elevated triglyceride levels are well worth it! read more

A small diner reminiscent of a time and place different than the usual hustle and bustle of the big city life. I had the New York Strip Steak sandwich with sweet potato fries and vegetables. The portions were very large, so plan to bring leftovers home or give them to someone on the street! The steak was a little hard at parts, but the sweet potato fries were very delicious. I ordered the mile high s'mores cake. It was named cake because it consisted of pancakes. Slightly unexpected, but tasted good. read more

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

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My fiancé and I moved to the UES two summers ago and had been searching for a good neighborhood diner we could grab some breakfast or a late night meal at! EJ's was just that! The place is super cute and cozy! We have been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have always enjoyed what we've ordered ! From pancakes to burgers and milkshakes to their French onion soup - you can't go wrong! They also have some pretty great dinner specials ! read more

Affordable, family-friendly, and adult beverages! Quality, tasty portions in a fun retro environment. Feels like a safe haven from tourists, but this is an easy walk from Central Park. There is a Kids' Menu, a rarity in New York. One thing you need to know is that EJ's is CASH ONLY. My daughter and I had burgers. My sister got the salmon sandwich, a little spicy, but good nonetheless. Several people in our party got breakfast, which is served all day. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Cool retro feel and quality portions at an affordable price. - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

A breakfast fav with me & my family whenever we visit our daughter in NYC. Food is decent & service is fast & all the servers are really friendly. A little on the pricey side for breakfast but still it's served all day which always works for us because we visit from LA, CA and our timing is always off for breakfast since we are late sleepers when visiting NYC. read more

This place should be your last resort for brunch in the UES. Every aspect of our dining experience left a lot to be desired. Our server lacked personality and generally did not tend to the needs of the table (water refills, coffee refills, etc.). The food was mediocre at best, and in some cases, just terrible. Avoid the corned beef hash. Additionally, our orders were delivered incorrectly and incompletely. We were charged for items that were never delivered to our table. read more

Comfort food. The chicken tortilla soup is outstanding. Great job on breakfast. Servings are plentiful, and Service is always good.

The meatloaf dish was not good at all. It smelled fowl when I took it out of the bag from my seamless order. I did not enjoy it and had to discard the entire dish. I won't be ordering from them again. read more