EJ&#x27;s Luncheonette

364

103

4 years ago

I've been wanting to try this place since it is one of the only spots on the UES that has a good old fashion diner breakfast! I came here today to get breakfast but I knew I didn't have time to eat there so I sat and had coffee and ordered my omelette to go. The omelette came out very quick and was delicious!! It's always packed on the weekends, but week days are usually pretty clear! read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Coffee outdoor patio - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Health Kick Omelette - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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

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Emily M.

137

309

1007

4 years ago

Some people like this place because it is an old school looking diner. That may be true, but it also has the dubious honor of having hands down the worst service I've ever experienced at an eating establishment. Ever. Time is money, and these days places have posted signs that parties are limited to only 90 minutes. You'll find no such signs at EJ's, but expect to be treated like cattle and rushed. If your party is there for a half an hour, that's too long for these servers. There's no time to hand you a straw, you'll get it thrown at you. Expect employees to stare daggers at you if you're not inhaling your food. Expect them to try and take your plate away even if you are actively consuming food on said plate (only place I've EVER had this happen before). And DON'T expect a refill on your coffee, ain't nobody got time for that! The food may not be terrible, but there are a million other places in this city you could try, and actually get treated like a human being. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Chicken and Waffle - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Madeline A.

111

676

1659

4 years ago

Loved this spot! Classic diner food with some unique twists. It was super hot on a Saturday evening. We sat outside and ordered two salads. I got the Granny Smith salad with fried chicken (instead of grilled) and my friend got the salmon avocado bowl. Both salads were huge and worth the price. The service was great; very attentive and our food came out quickly. Their menu is extensive so I'm excited to come back and try one of their brunch options. read more

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Alexander L.

3 years ago

After 5 years of hesitations i decided to give EJ's another chance. I must admit that I wasn't disappointed. The food was fresh, the avocado and tomato's was fresh as well. They also had Matzah brad. I know its easy to write bad review and hard to right a good review....so here is a good review, they deserve it. read more

Business owner information

Robert E.

Thank you for your feedback and we are so sorry for your experience.…

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Monika M.

3 years ago

Amazing - delicious breakfast & attentive staff. They have cold brew coffee now, which is delicious. Eggs Benedict was great- excellent hollandaise sauce! read more

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Kevin P.

2 years ago

I stopped in to try the meatloaf. I had been told it's delicious. I find it unbelievable that a good meatloaf is impossible to find. PJ Clarke's had the most amazing meatloaf but stopped selling it as soon as they found out that I loved it, lol. E.J.'s meatloaf was especially yummy and if in the neighborhood I will definitely stop there again. The staff is super friendly. It's not fancy but who cares as long as the food and service are awesome! read more

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Smeeth W.

820

1692

3 years ago

I would praise their staffs. They are so nice and kind! I'm very impressed by their services. We were seated outdoor with cover so it wasn't hot even during a hot summer day. The foods are great. I ordered their salmon salad. The grilled salmon is fresh and perfectly cooked. And they added some avocado which is very healthy. The dressing is just olive oil and vinegar and it's also very healthy. They have have a large menu and you'd be able to find something you love I'm sure read more

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Farrell G.

2 years ago

Gross food. Asked for a medium burger and got rare (very rare instead. Also the heavyset chef in the kitchen wasn't wearing gloves. Pricy to boot. Next! read more

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Estie S.

Elite 23

101

206

378

3 years ago

I looooove a good diner. The service is quick and they have a perfect menu filled with all of the best comfort food. I needed a quick meal before a flight and stopped by to grab some of the fluffiest French toast I've had in a while. They also sell Ess-a-bagels here! read more

EJ's Luncheonette - French toast with banana - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Audra B.

3 years ago

I used to go on EJs on the west side when I was a kid 15 years ago and loved it so of course I had to go to the one on the east side. The host was very nice and accommodating - the waiters not so much. I had to ask for mustard three times, and the first two times I tried to get their attention they blatantly ignored me. Other than that I'd say the food was fine but overpriced. I had the avocado toast and they put black beans on it which kind of ruined the taste for me - it made the meal a lot drier. But love the atmosphere! I was just full of nostalgia. read more

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Susan K.

377

2897

5 years ago

EJ's Luncheonette is a neighborhood gem on the UES. We ordered on line and were told a pick up time but we waited an extra 15 minutes for the food to be ready. The inside seating and outside seating were packed. We heard walk ups asking the wait time and they were told 45 minutes to an hour. Crazy. The food is good here. Kids BLT and chicken tenders with fries were good. The chicken salad was good. The other 2 salads were good. The soup was very good. Everything was packed well which is always nice. read more

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Elizabeth G.

3 years ago

This was a great little diner to have dinner. I had the honey dijon chicken wrap with fries and a salad. It was such a good meal but the portion was so much I saved half to take to-go. The servers were kind; I got my order quick but I didn't feel rushed to leave when I finished my food. The space was clean and had many areas to chose from for seating. Its really cool for people watching since most patrons seem to be locals enjoying a quick meal or having a drink at their counter. I wouldn't hesitate to come back and bring friends/family. read more

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

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

EJ's Luncheonette - Honey Dijon chicken wrap - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Elaine C.

Elite 25

208

3 years ago

EJ's is a cute retro looking on the UES for diner breakfasts but ultimately nothing about its food or service sets it above the dozens of other diners in uptown Manhattan. Service is ok (had to flag people down for coffee refills), prices are about average aka shockingly expensive if you remember what diner food used to cost - $19 for a breakfast burrito?! - and ultimately while the experience was fine, there was not enough deliciousness or ambiance to make me want to go again unless it was the only thing open. read more

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Nancy C.

522

557

5 years ago

With so much amazing food in NYC, this place is so-so. Service was good, portion size was good, but taste was mediocre. There was nothing wrong and nothing standout about any of it. Just typical diner food. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Italiano burger with slaw and sweet potato fries - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Tuli S.

109

662

1179

7 years ago

We were in the area looking for breakfast/brunch and there wasn't a wait! The tables are tiny and the walkways are super narrow. Just FYI if you are not a small person because it's a tight fit (patio area). We all ordered the French toast with add ons (+ $4). It NYC so I expect things to be pricey. It came to $22ish per person which was a little steep for breakfast (no drinks). The French toast was good and the fresh fruit was a great add on. The "maple syrup" was terrible! You can order real maple syrup as a side but we figured the fake stuff would be fine. It didn't taste like Boston fake syrup. It wasn't sweet and tasted diluted. Def could work on that because there is plenty of good fake syrup! Anyways it was good but there are way better spots in NYC at the same price point! read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Challah French toast!! - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Margie A.

317

432

1953

4 years ago

We were walking down 3rd and this restaurant appealed to me. There were tables both inside and outside. We opted for outside. It is basically a diner menu with several upgraded choices. Breakfast is served all day which was tempting! But I opted for the triple cheese quesadillas and I am glad I did! They were absolutely delicious and the guacamole was superb. The prices were certainly decent for the Upper East Sode. The waiter was attentive and friendly. I would definitely return here when in the neighborhood! There is a bar in the restaurant though we didn't choose to indulge tonight. Next time I think I will go for one of the tempting breakfast choices though! read more

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Diana O.

140

5 years ago

A real nightmare, zero recommendable they have no idea of the concept, the quality of the products is terrible and the attention to the indifferent customer, we must as clients receive a dignified treatment. Una verdadera pesadilla, cero recomendable no tienen idea del concepto, la calidad de los productos es pésima y la atención al cliente indiferente, debemos como clientes recibir un trato digno. read more

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Lauren L.

2 years ago

Been coming here for years. Decided to try again today as it's been awhile. Easy to get a table, waitress was nice. But what I ordered and what I ate was different. I'm not sure what happened in between, but it was different. Still good, but there was a disconnect. Ambience was fine, hasn't changed. read more

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G v.

2 years ago

Excellent local spot! A bit pricey but great food and service. Don't miss the pancakes!!

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Sheila H.

170

221

645

7 years ago

Cutest little diner-esque restaurant located in the Upper East Side. I loved Ej's because the inside is so vintage and authentic it brings you to what dining in the 1950's was like. We had a party of 4 and were immediately seated, and were fortunate enough so have a window seat! Just like most NY restaurants, the seating is very tight, and the restaurant is very busy and loud, so be prepared to hear the full convo going on right next to you. Our server was great! He was very attentive and answered all the questions we had. I decided to order the club, with a side of chicken noodle soup (highly recommended). The soup came out first and was the epitome of a classic homemade chicken noodle soup made by your nana herself. I slurped every singe drop. The club sandwich was good! It was your average club sandwich but well made. If you are in the Upper East side area, hit up EJ's for a cute lunch during the day, it wont diappoint! read more

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Elruby T.

3 years ago

Breakfast @ Ej's. Not my usual eat on the on the upper east side.They are positiinrd of the corner of Dallas BBQ. And i always mean to stop in, but I often visit the BBQ instead. My server Jaime G was so attentive from the time of the most considerate pass off from the hostess. I was quite happy with the seating and the flow of the restaurant. Being melinated I love the sun so I enjoyed the window seat. While most of my non-melinated counter parts shift away from the light. Lol. I choose breakfast, Belgian waffle, an egg scramble and bacon. The waffle cooked through and through, along with almost burnt bacon who's fell apart in my mouth made the eggs delightfully fuller tasting. I would suggest if you are in the neighborhood try something allot different. A litte pricy but you know your budget. They got the flavor, you order according to your budget. It's worth the treat. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - "Breakfast @ EJ's" - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Mike H.

398

321

2 years ago

Memorable diner that I would always want to go to with my mom when we would be in the area. I remember it being bright and welcoming and packed and delicious. read more

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Bryan R.

Elite 23

455

3 years ago

Good diner spot that still has that retro feel. The food is pretty good as well. Definitely feels like a neighborhood spot and was pretty busy for 8pm on a tuesday. If I were in the area I'd stop by but wouldn't go out of my way for it. Worth stopping by if JG melon on the corner has a crazy wait! read more

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Casey S.

Elite 22

126

111

4 years ago

Love this diner spot on the UES! It was bustling during a late lunch on a Friday afternoon, however, we were immediately seated at the counter and approached by a server to get drinks ordered. Food - delish! Cozy diner staples and some massive fresh salads. We tried the Mac and cheese appetizer which was creamy with Al dente pasta. The power greens salad with salmon was massive with crisp veggies and lettuce. The salmon was perfectly cooked. The side of sweet potatoes was also a huge basket - I wish they had an aioli dip for these. The turkey club was huge and my BF had to save half of it. The turkey was slice nice and thick which IMO is how it must be for a club sandwich. They brought some extra basil Mayo for the sandwich when requested that made it even better. My BF devoured his fries before I even tried one so I assume they were also good. Service - friendly and efficient Atmosphere - bright and clean and very cute old-school diner vibes Prices - the prices are a bit high for diner style food, however, the food is really fresh and the portions are massive. You could definitely share a dish and a side here and be full. Highly recommend stopping in for a lunch or brunch and catching up with a friend at this spot. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Mac and Cheese and Turkey Club - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Power Greens Salad with Salmon - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Business owner information

Sarah E.

Thank you Casey!

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Matteo S.

1 year ago

After I told the waiter I couldn't pay for a tip because I'm just a child, he started insisting on the fact that gratuity is mandatory. He kept giving me dirty glances and snide comments. Overall, I am extremely displeased with the service. I would strongly advise against eating here. There are other local diners with waiters who don't beg for tips. read more

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Carlie M.

311

1069

2157

5 years ago

Stopped in today for brunch with a friend around 10:30. They had indoor dining open so we sat inside. It was pretty crowded! They have a lot of outdoor heated dining as well. It took a long time for our waiter to come take our drink order and they didn't give us menus. So we had to ask. We started with coffee which came out quickly. I ordered the pancakes with chocolate chips and bananas. My friend ordered the biscuit and gravy Benedict. For diner food, this place is expensive!! The pancakes were very ehh. Not my favorite place. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Banana chocolate chip pancakes - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Joey M.

1 year ago

sophia and the host were incredible. thank you to the chef and cooks as the chef brought our food and made sure it was served to his liking. thank you for charging my phone and being wonderful. read more

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Be H.

2 years ago

The service is great the grilled salmon sandwich is delicious they give you plenty of food it's my favorite diner . Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Comfortable, seating window seats to people watch Or main room with booths or tables never had a problem been going there for years read more

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Sofia P.

Elite 23

4 years ago

We decided to do the outdoor dining since it was a nice night. But I went inside to use the bathroom and I was amazed at how spacious and spotless it was. I'd definitely come back to sit in the indoor area. And for the food of course. A lot of times, you think of a burger, there's that possibility of grease. Not here, fresh, warm, bacon not over or under cooked. A great pickle on the side- can really change a meal around. It added to each plate- loved it! read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Cheeseburger Deluxe With Bacon - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Bacon - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

EJ's Luncheonette - Hot Pastrami on Rye - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Lunden C.

100

3 years ago

Got take out the other day and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the Chicken Caesar salad, but with kale instead of romaine and was pleasantly surprised. The kale was fresh, the chicken was tender, and the dressing was great. Note that the kale does not come massaged so you have to spend some time tossing it with the dressing to get it to soften. This would be the perfect salad for a quick lunch. I also got a side of mashed potatoes that tasted really good as well. Very creamy, and not too salty! If you're looking for simple, well executed staples this place is worth a try! read more

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Mariana B.

110

2 years ago

Really wanted to like the chocolate chip pancakes here after wanting to try them for years- however, the pancakes were not great. They were a bit gummy and didn't have much flavor. I would go back though because the salads and grilled cheese looked good and the staff were pretty friendly! read more

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Michael V.

Elite 22

106

6 years ago

Went here on Friday night for dinner. Decent crowd and they have a lot of outdoor seating. The menu is mostly standard diner fare with a few specials. Their outdoor seating is spread out with seating both and 3rd Ave and the cross street. I decided to keep it simple and go with the cheeseburger deluxe (I figure you can't go wrong with a burger at a diner), but was also intrigued by some of their breakfast options. Burger came out cooked perfectly and the Angus beef was flavorful. Decent size portion and good fries too for a fair price. Also as a pleasant surprise, EJ's sells alcohol and their beers are pretty reasonably priced for UES. I had a Sam Adams which was only $6. My GF had the half Bell and Evans chicken with mashed potatoes and spinach. Chicken had good flavor and the potatoes were buttery and delicious. For dessert I had the coffee cake and my GF had the chocolate cake. The coffee cake was great but the chocolate cake was just okay. Service was alright. They were friendly and polite but really slow. We waited a good 15 minutes after finishing our main course for them to come by to ask about dessert. Then once we finished dessert we had to wait about 20 minutes for the check to arrive. Had some issues with some loud patrons (I think that we had just gotten unlucky with our table), but not really EJ's fault. Overall, a good spot and I would definitely try it again as their breakfast options looked great. read more

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

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Eric M.

2 years ago

Wandering around the upper east side, we were looking for a little breakfast spot for maybe some pancakes or some eggs and we found EJ's. (Where have all the deli's gone?) EJ's is an old-school breakfast diner that is fairly popular. We sat at a crowded bar and ordered off the large menu...Gluten-free flapjacks with a blueberry compote and turkey sausage links and a couple eggs over medium with bacon....The flapjacks were weirdly dry and the compote was nothing to write home about, or even write to you reading this post. The eggs were just ok for over medium..overall the place lacks much of anything. The staff is not super accommodating and the place feels unwelcoming. We would have rather eaten off a food cart on the street. read more

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Claudia P.

6 years ago

It was Sunday after 4pm and I really felt like going to a diner... after realizing that all the diners around were already closing at that time, I stumbled into this place, which I am glad I did! Their outdoor seating area is very large and nice (Covid19 times...), I liked that the whole area is covered. I ordered the Garden Club Sandwich with french fries, and my friend ordered the breakfast burrito, everything was delicious! My sandwich was huge! You can choose the type of bread and my choice was the baguette, could only have half of it and had to pack the other half to go. Our waitress was very sweet, we didn't feel rushed at any time. Overall, it was a nice experience and I would definitely come back! read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Garden Club Sandwich with fries and Breakfast Burrito - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Serina T.

3 years ago

One of my faves for comfort food on the UES (they got the BIG menu!!!). All of their pancakes and french toasts are delicious, but the savory options are great as well. Snag a seat at the bar if you can and check out their amazing handmade pie selections. It's always busy during lunch/brunch time but wait time is fairly short. Most guests are locals coming to pick up takeout orders and it's a great place to people watch. read more

EJ's Luncheonette - Buttermilk flapjacks with strawberry, banana and maple syrup - Diners Near Me - New York, New York

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Mic W.

3 years ago

Came in here starving. I haven't eaten at an EJ's since they closed their Village location, and that used to be my favorite place for breakfast or lunch. East side location was convenient to me yesterday, and I felt nostalgic walking in. We were greeted warmly and shown to our booth. Waitstaff was initially responsive; quickly took our order and brought out our salads and drinks. Entrees arrived in due time and were hot and fresh. But upon first bite, our experience abruptly changed. We both ordered 1/2 roast chicken, which arrived hot with our respective sides. The chicken was rather dry and tasteless. We dipped the meat into gravy to make it more palatable. After dinner we sat with a table full of dishes for at least 20 minutes while three waitstaff stood and talked amongst themselves within earshot of us, neglecting us- and we were the only table in this section. It took us prompting them to clear the table and offer us options for coffee/dessert. No water refill or checking on our experience. Still, a nice remembrance of past experiences at the Village location. If only for that we enjoyed our visit. read more

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Crystal B.

3 years ago

Challah French Toast I'm very dissatisfied, I read the negative reviews & thought nothing of it when coming here, but to my shock they were very honest reviews. I ordered challah French toast to go expecting it to come like the picture with fruits, but instead it came like this, very soggy. I still paid full price. I will never order from this restaurant again! read more

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Michael M.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

414

1545

4098

8 years ago

So I have been coming her for years. Today is no different than any other day. Our server was very friendly and attentive. I ordered coffee and OJ, both delicious. Brioche french toast and sausage links were plentiful and oh so tasty. Another fine visit to EJs read more

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Sarah M.

157

2 years ago

Steak was way overcooked (asked for medium). Staff was friendly and drinks were good. Nice local spot. Just didn't LOVE it

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Emanuel B.

2 years ago

Disgusting open pastrami sandwich Got food poisoning here No clue what the big fuss is here 1st time and last time I will step into this establishment You want good pastrami go to 2nd ave deli read more

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Page 3 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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We did a walk up on a Friday morning and got there around 10:30, which gave us a 90 min wait. We…read morewere fine to wait, and walked around china town to kill time. You will get a text when the table is ready with 10 min to get there. It is a very small diner, with a cool vibe. You're there for the food, nothing fancy. The staff were very kind, and quick with our requests. We came for the pancakes, and they were absolutely worth the hype. Hands down the BEST pancakes we've ever had in life. 1 plate comes with 2 pancakes and are enough to share. But not too much if you're only getting pancakes for a solo serving, you'll be able to finish. We shared the pancakes and also got a breakfast sandwich.

I've been wanting to try this place out since 2021, but never got the chance. I got here on Monday…read moremorning at around 11:00 am to put my name down for a table of 2 and there was already an hour and 45 minute wait. After running a couple of errands while waiting for the table to be ready, we were seated outside at the patio after an hour and 45 minutes. We ordered the famous honey butter pancakes, the korean wings, and the breakfast sandwich with hash brown, scrambled eggs, and sausage. The honey butter pancakes were pretty good but kinda drenched in the butter that made it hard to finish. The korean wings were also alright but the batter to me was kinda thick and heavy and lacked crispiness. The best item we ordered was the breakfast sandwich with hashbrown, scrambled eggs, and sausage. I think the eggs are cooked with cheese, and as someone who typically does not eat cheese, I didn't mind it. I don't know if I'll be back again - I think the concept of an asian twist on the classic diner does sound intriguing but difficult to execute. I also wasn't a big fan of the wait time. If you typically like heavier, diner food then this spot might be the place for you!

Smaller than I thought. Now I know why there is always such a long wait.

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Outdoor seating

Food was amazing here, our waiter Alex was super nice, helpful, and was very attentive to…read moreeverything we needed. Will be coming back here, not just for the food but for the service and attentiveness of service at the restaurant

Our experience at the Carnegie Diner was nothing short of great! We booked a reservation for…read more11:45am on a Saturday and are glad we did. Do not show up here without a reservation, as it is very popular! The interior is your typical diner vibe. We loved seeing the pastries on display in the case while we queued for the table to be ready. I had the avocado salad with chicken, and my mom opted for the salted caramel waffle and hash browns. Everything was delicious and huge portions. Our waitress was very slow and didn't check on us much at all, but the great food made up for it. Make sure to stop by here with a reservation!

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Times Square Burger

Friedman's

Had reservations for 2 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. We got there about three…read moreminutes late, but they seated us within 5 minutes in a booth. It was our first time eating at a Friedman's location. It had a nice diner feel to it, with a mix of booths and tables. The brunch menu has a variety of breakfast items, salads, sandwiches and burgers, starters, and entrees (fish tacos, grain bowl, fried chicken). I like that several of the items are naturally gluten free, and some can be made gluten free by request. We decided to go with three breakfast items from the brunch menu: I got the shakshuka, my sister got the Nova Benny, and we got the lemon ricotta pancakes to share. All 3 dishes were great. The shashuka came with grilled ciabatta, perfect for dipping into the sunny side eggs and tomato sauce. My sister loved that the poached eggs and smoked salmon of the Nova Benny came on top of a crispy potato latke. The pancakes were fluffy and the lemon ricotta and lemon zest elevated their flavor. Our server was friendly and attentive, and he asked us if we had any allergies when he took our order. He came by several times to check on us and refill water. I would return to Friedman's when I'm in the Herald Square area, or check out one of their other locations in the city.

Came on a busy Thursday morning at nine am. Got a decaf iced vanilla latte and a nova Benny and the…read moreMac and cheese. And lemme just say the food came out sooo quick. The Benedict was so delicious. I've never had it on a crispy hash brown type before. It was good and a massive portion. Mac and cheese was alright, though I would probably opt out of it next time. I was so full I totally forgot to drink my latte but the latte was good too. Ambiance was nice clean and very busy.

Interior

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

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Vanilla Cafe Latte

Ellen's Stardust Diner

This was my son and I second time going to StarDust, and this time we had two friends with us and…read morethey really really enjoyed it. Upon arrival, I was shocked that there was no line because I always see a line when I'm in that area. When we got inside, the hostess told my friend and I that she could not bring in her pulley. Now my friend she is an elderly woman and that was the first time we heard that at any restaurant. So another hostess came out and he told us that we could drop the pulley off at the hotel around the corner and they charge five dollars so said so done. I took it for her as that hostess gave her a chair to sit down and by the time, my son and I came back, they were already seated waiting for us on the first floor, which was great. The ambience is diner style. Hence the reason for their name, and I understand why they don't allow any pulley's or luggage because the area is tight so keep that in mind. We looked over the menu and the performers/servers started to sing, and it was fantastic. We all pulled out our phones and started to record and sing along. I ended up ordering the chili cheese nachos my friend got the chicken nachos my Son ordered the French toast and his friend ordered the tater tots scrambled eggs with bacon. Everything was delicious and I our nachos was humongous, lol and satisfying. The performers/servers were phenomenal as usual and I highly highly highly recommend this experience and will go back time and time again so thank you for your service until next time. Cheers.

10/10 Experience!…read more Stardust Diner was absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in, the energy was incredible. The singing servers were unbelievably talented and made the whole experience so much fun. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was unlike any other restaurant. Every performance brought smiles to everyone's faces, making the meal feel like a Broadway show. If you're visiting New York, this place is a must. An unforgettable experience--10/10, and I'd definitely come back!

Bright lights that shine as bright as the staff inside!

The best milkshake creations!

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The trucker hat your closet is missing!

Mom's Kitchen & Bar

Service was amazing and food was delicious! Definitely recommend stopping in if you're visiting…read moreTime Square. Ask for Courtney - you won't regret it!!!

I visited this location for brunch with a friend that lived nearby…read more Loved the theming of the restaurant. The decor was fun and nostalgic, and the menu had some great call-backs and references. There was a wide variety of brunch items on the menu. I especially enjoyed the mocktail menu, and ordered the Blossom Lemonade. Service was quick and easy. Will definitely recommend to others in the area looking for a fun, themed brunch location!

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Times Square Diner

Quick, friendly service. Food was great. Pancakes were huge! Corn beef hash was yummy. Great place…read morefor breakfast near Times Square.

This diner was just a few blocks from our hotel. We arrived early Friday morning and were seated…read moreright way. The restaurant is very small so during busy times I could imagine there being a wait. Service is verrrrry fast! It seemed like our order was ready within 5 mins of ordering. The portion sizes are ginormous. I can imagine a lot of food goes to waste simply because it's difficult to consume it all. Omelette and latte were delish! Pancake was average and hash browns were just okay. Overall it was a pretty good food experience.

Interior

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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

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

Food and service was amazing. We were there right before the kitchen closed a d they still took our…read moreorder and food was delicious. Server was friendly.

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

Great food. Great workers. Real old time burger Every time I get a delivery or go there to eat,…read moreit's great. Old time place.

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

We got the mixed platter - check and lamb with hot sauce on the side!…read more The line for pick up order was only 5 people vs 25+ people trying to order! The Pita bread that comes was not good (tasted like it was baked in caked greasy pan) BUT the FOOD WAS SO GOOD!!! Loved all the seasoning of the meats that were tender with yellow rice. Hot sauce was actually hot and very flavorful!

Move over Halal Guys...there's a new kid on the block*!…read more I got the lamb plate with half yellow half spicy rice, white sauce on top, green (cilantro) and red (hot) sauce on the side. The plate was generous, the lamb was nicely seasoned and both rice options hit the spot. The fries on top are a must. I love the Indian flavor twist! The line was halfway down the block at 11:30pm on a weekday! It went fairly fast and I got my food within twenty minutes. Slight discount if you pay cash. -------------------- *well, technically four blocks down.

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

YUM YUM love the burrata and the cheeses. yes i do dislike standing in line BUT! this brings me…read moreback to my college days doing this at Seaside Donuts in SoCal haha. just be assertive when you get your food and you'll be okay! can bring food next door as long as you purchase a drink. My party was watching like hawks for a spot though so this wasn't an issue. Just don't be a Karen and make the workers's lives more difficult and it'll be all good

{Overall: 3; Food: 3} Ambiance: 3; Service: 5…read more L'Industrie pizza is either overrated or caters to a very specific preference in pizza style. The slices were very dry; the crust was dry and the cheese was dry (not gooey at all) even though the slices were fresh out of the oven. *Burrata Slice: Very simple. A cheese slice topped with a scoop of burrata. Decent, but not memorable. I would skip this in the future. *Fig Jam & Bacon Slice: My favorite of the two slices I tried. The combination of fig jam and salty bacon was unique and worked really well together. *Pistachio Soft Serve: Very nutty in the first few bites before mellowing into a smooth, creamy soft serve, lacking in flavor other than from the overpowering salt flakes sprinkled on top. It's a good option if you like soft serve that's very creamy and not sweet, but I would recommend skipping the salt. It was basically the only thing I could taste. *Carrot Cake: Decent. It was very fresh, but a bit flavorless. The service was the standout. For a place that is so viral and consistently busy, everyone was incredibly friendly and patient, especially the woman working the register. I visited around 11 a.m. on a weekday, and the line was either nonexistent or very short during the 45 minutes I was there. There are several standing areas in the small restaurant where you can eat.

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!!!

So, first off, the place is 98% take out. 2 sets of table/chair inside. Nothing more. So you'd…read morebetter be ready to take out. Pizzas are their main deal and I believe there are sandwiches too! We ordered pizzas and boy, they were good. Not sure if this is Detroit style, but it is pan pizza. Tasty! Overall a good cut of pie!

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Golden Diner

Smaller than I thought. Now I know why there is always such a long wait.

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

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Honey Butter Pancakes

Szechuan Mountain House

The food was delicious and so FAST! Our waiter Frankie was so nice! Will definitely be coming back!…read moreThe vibe inside was relaxing and the seats were comfortable.

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.

Swing Pork Belly - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Mapo Ma-Po Tofu 麻婆豆腐

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Mala prawn

Very Fresh Noodles

Love this place and go here every time I'm in Chelsea Market! The service is quick, price is…read moredecent, and their dishes are pretty simple. There was one time I got the dry spicy beef noodles and the beef came kind of uncooked. We sent it back and they were able to quickly remake it for us. Hasn't ever happened again though. Not too much seating available here, but if you walk around the market, there are other places you could probably find seats.

Personally, this meal was not my cup of tea. I thought the noodles were quite expensive for the…read moresize of bowl you get. Having gotten the Taiwanese beef soup noodles, I didn't feel like it tasted authentic, and the quality of the beef did not seem great - it was tough and chewy. Maybe I should have gone with the cumin noodles instead. I did enjoy the lychee lemonade, which was refreshing!

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

1068

521

12553

5 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.

24 days 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.

24 days 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 July 2026

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When ordering take out, every sandwich topping costs an additional $1-$3. That would maybe be…read moreunderstandable if they actually gave me the additions that I paid for. While we are on the topic of price, why does this place have to be THIS expensive? I get that it is on the UES and I understand that everything costs a ton these days but $27 for a tuna sandwich and waffle fries with lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese seems ridiculous to me. Let's not forget that no lettuce or tomato were given. The food itself is probably a 4? and the staff seem nice and friendly. But fix your prices or don't call yourself a diner...

We stopped in for a late night snack. It was so good that we went back the next day for lunch…read more We were on the way back from the theatre (Death Becomes Her, a wonderful show!). We were hungry, it was cold outside, and Gracie was between our subway stop and where we were staying. On a whim, I ordered a bowl of their lentil soup. What I got was a LARGE bowl of thick and delicious soup. It was almost stew-like in its consistency and I could have probably finished the bowl with just a fork. Except that I couldn't do that because, as good as it was, there was just too much. For $8, this bowl of soup may be the best food value in the city. I was back the next day, at the crack of noon, for lunch. This time I had their Old School Burger. Similar theme... huge and tasty. The burger was cooked the way I ordered it and was flavorful on its own. The bacon slices were thick and their flavor really came though. The melted cheese and fresh onions rounded everything out to a sandwich that would make Chef Slowick sit up and take notice.

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I'm from out of state. When I came with my family. The restaurant had a big bug come out the…read morekitchen and hair in the my sister law food.

Green Kitchen

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

Walking uptown at dinnertime, I offered my husband two options for an al fresco meal. I knew he'd…read morepick Green Kitchen. While my choice would've been the Chinese place across the street, Green Kitchen was a-okay with me. Bottled wine was 50% off, which may (or may not) be standard on Wednesdays. The cab we chose was fine at $30 .... but no way would it warrant a $60 tab. I wanted a gyro sandwich and side salad. Our waitress suggested the platter, which comes to about the same price and includes fries. Perfect! My husband was really happy with his generously-stuffed Reuben. I didn't think the cheese was adequately melted, but he disagreed. We both tacked on a cup of avgolemono. After hot & sour, Greek lemon may be my most favorite soup. Green Kitchen is a NY institution and a reliably good place to get breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like this location better than 75th Street though the menus I believe are identical. Seating, inside and out, is more comfortable here.

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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.

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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.

Beach Cafe

3.0

(359 reviews)

Beach Cafe is my go to neighborhood spot on the UES. Between the welcoming staff and incredible…read morefood, I always find myself coming back here. Not to mention the burger is my favorite in the city! I could go on and on talking about how great Beach is! Go check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed!

When we walked in and saw all seats taken, we hoped the food was going to be amazing. It was not…read moretop notch and it was not disgusting... I personally enjoyed the potato cakes but my husband did not because they're made in a special way here. The French dip was good. Onion soup was not good. Sliced new York strip 10oz was not worth it. $37. Overall it was OK but we probably won't return.

Sidecar

3.8

(104 reviews)

•$$$

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.

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!

Sarabeth's West

3.5

(1.1k reviews)