The problem with staying in midtown near Penn Station is that there isn't a whole lot of good eats nearby. If you're looking for a good breakfast that doesn't consist of Korean stews or soups, Skylight is the way to go. My friend visiting from Korea wanted "American style pancakes," and that's exactly what she got here. Three layers of fluffy pancakes, complete with a big, sticky container of Aunt Jemima syrup. My challah french toast was huge and fluffy. The best part was that both dishes were about $6 each, and came complete with juice AND coffee. What a steal, right in the middle of New York City! Ambiance is a typical diner feel, and whether the place is actually old or just designed to look that way, I'm happy I was able to expose my visiting friend to a bit of good ole Americana! :-) read more

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Oh, come on REALLY? A service charge if you don't use cash???? I like their food, but I'm not here about that. I never carry cash, so imagine my surprise when they charge you EXTRA if u charge it. FORGET IT, NOT COMING BACK HERE AGAIN. And neither should u. Plenty of great diners in New York... this is not one of them. read more

Was on the way to Javits for the Meet the Breeds show last weekend and stopped in here for a bite and was very pleasantly surprised. A rare NYC diner without insane prices (Like the overpriced,over rated Vegas in my bensonhurst neighborhood). I had a good blue cheese burger that was cooked the way I ordered it,nice fries and a very tasty homemade cole slaw for about 10 bucks and my friend had a gyro platter which came with fries and a very nice greek salad. We got a seat by the window and the service was good. Solid place. read more

I've been here two times, and both times I was seated promptly, and the waitstaff was quite nice. The interior of this place is very spacious and decorated in a pretty typical diner style. Most recently, I came here for lunch/brunch with some friends. The menu is really extensive, though slightly pricier than other diners I've been to. Last time I was here, I had the California chicken wrap, which comes with fries and coleslaw. I also ordered a hot cup of coffee. Our waitress was super attentive and nice, and came by to refill our coffee whenever it got low, which I really appreciated. The wrap was pretty good - the chicken was yummy, though I did unexpectedly find a bone in there. I wish there was a bit more of the avocado salsa in the wrap, as it was quite good. The fries were thick cut and tasty. Overall, a decent diner with tons of space and very friendly waitstaff. read more

Skylight Diner - California chicken wrap with fries and a little cup of coleslaw (not pictured). - American Near Me - New York, New York

This is the Worst place ever!!! 1) asked for hot water, the server said they only have tap water 2) the dinner roll came rock hard, LOL! 3) ordered meatloaf with baked potato, the baked potato came with no cheese, no green onion, no butter! Only a little container of sour cream. When I asked for cheese and green onion, the server replied, cheese is $2 extra, no green onion 4) we were half way through our dinner, another server came up and asked, are you done eating? We barely touched our food and he was ready to take our food away. DO. NOT. EAT. HERE!!! read more

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I just found a one-star review about Jose on the first page here and this is about him as well. I live just a few blocks away from this diner so I occasionally ordered food via Seamless or take-out. Most of the time, the experience wasn't enjoyable but it was still tolerable. Today i came here to pick up my waffle and sausages for my Sunday breakfast and Jose was already irritated by something when I got there. He asked me what I ordered like a NYPD or something... and again got irritated cause i added a sentence that I already ordered on the phone. He put my waffle, butter and syrup on the counter so hard with a disgusting attitude but it was still okay for me until i realized he missed a fork and knife. So i came back to ask those and he threw me this attitude again insisting he already put it. What's the point of his madness? I believe he needs some therapy...or something. So i had to open the brown paper bag again to prove that i am innocent. The other guy next to him tried to give me folk and knife and finally Jose put those on the counter(not to me) throwing all the anger and rudeness. There were quite many people and I felt almost insulted by this guy. I asked the lady behind the counter "where is the manager?" and she told me manager is not here and Jose got mad because she was messed with two people already...? What does that mean? She sounded like... There are reasons on his rudeness so i have to understand him...? Oh also she added "anyway you got the fork and knife?" so what's a problem? This place is just so stupid and they literally ruined my weekend morning. I won't never come back. I found most of the customers here were tourists. if you're local you'll definitely have a bad experience at some point just like me(before i left this review my yelp reviews were all five stars). read more

Skylight Diner is no better than most diners 10 blocks north or south. Its a typical place with a convenient location, solid prices, and apathetic service. Its also a diner, hence, most of the food will be your typical American diner fare. Service has been good and often times bad, but in a way where they were lackadaisical, not necessarily mean. Most of the time it took more time for them to fill up my water than it did to bring out the food. I've come here several times before heading to the movie theaters across the street and used to come here often because my friend lived around the block. It was not impressive then and still too typical for me to anoint as a unique diner joint. Breakfast food is subpar and so are the burgers. Delivery can take forever at times as well. If there is anything I am relatively impressed with is their French Onion Soup and their very solid Crabcake Sandwich. read more

Diner food at its best. Yet another place I've come to for many, many years. You can't go wrong with brekkie at $8 that keeps you full long past dinner hour. Three stars is a great rating for a diner because let's face it, this is a greasy spoon we're taking about. But it's a top of the game place! read more

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My go-to diner when I visit Jacob Javits. Come to think of it, there isn't much options currently by the Jacob Javits Center. A deli, a McDonald's, or eating at the Center during a convention (overpriced and mediocre). What would I rather do? I rather walk down a few block for a decent diner. I rather go to Skylight! I generally order their breakfast there. They make good eggs and bacon. Gotta love good bacon. And their home fries. Love their home fries. FYI, they have special soda. Gourmet cane sugar soda. Boylan's. Fancy that. read more

My friends and I stopped by for a quick dinner after work because this was the one of the few places that was open at 1am. The diner itself was pretty spacious and when we got there, the venue was pretty much empty aside from 2-3 other parties. We were seated down immediately near the back of the diner and we were set to order. My friend and I settled for pasta dishes and my other friend had a wrap. The pasta dishes came with a choice of soup or salad. I opted for the salad instead. Overall, the food tasted like what typical diner food should taste like. Everything was inexpensive and we were all pretty much satisfied with the service and the meal itself. Would I be back? Sure read more

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I only have two because the girl at the register and staff is very very nice and hospitable. But the food is nasty. Wouldn't eat here again. I had chicken fingers and fries. No seasoning or taste whatsoever. It looked as though the chicken was red cooked and froze for the next day and the steak cut fries looked a little oily and way too dry. At least my sprite as good though. Also. They gave me a honey mustard sauce which was mostly mustard. read more

Having always been a big fan of diners, I am glad to add Skylight to my list of enjoyable experiences. I ordered a chicken salad platter (which came with cole slaw, hard-boiled egg, and potato salad) as well as a bacon cheeseburger with french fries through SeamlessWeb. Yet based on the 3.5 star rating on Yelp, my expectations were tempered. When the food arrived, it certainly did not disappoint. Portions were hearty and the food was very fresh. It is rare to get a salad platter that includes cole slaw and potato salad staying in true form by the time it was delivered. The cole slaw cabbage was crunchy and light on mayo. The potato salad consisted of neatly sliced potatoes and was light on dressing. The 9oz burger, which came with lettuce and tomatoes, even though SeamlessWeb leads you to believe there is a $1 charged for those. Fries were ordered separately thanks to Dana G.'s review, and they were medium-sized, soggy-free, and crunchy goodness. It was a great first experience from Skylight. The quality trumps Stage Door and Tick Tock Dinner, and is definitely worth the few extra steps to 9th Avenue. read more

We had half an hour to kill before catching a bus & the phone was almost dead. Waiter let us charge the phone, which was a huge relief. He was super speedy & quickly brought us French onion soup quick (tasty with browned melted cheese) as well as some NY cheesecake (not bad). I wouldn't think of Skylight Diner as a destination, but it was a pretty great rest stop. I'm grateful for the helpful service. Food's around 3 stars. read more

My all time favorite diner in NYC. As a Jersey girl, I love diners. I haven't been here since summer 2014. Unfortunately they increased their price. My two favorite dishes and to be honest the only meals I order here have increased by $2. The "Vegetarian Chili Omelette" is now almost $10, and the "Mucho Nachos with Shred Steak" is now $14.95. By the way, you can find the nachos in the "Specials" menu (small white menu inserted in the middle of the big menu). All in all, I still love this diner. The food is still good. I'm still amazed by the steak last night, well-done but still juicy. A little pricey now for a diner but it's NYC so I can't complain too much. read more

Skylight Diner - Vegetarian Chili Omelette $9.95 & Mucho Nachos with Shred Steak $14.95 - American Near Me - New York, New York

Awesome food and service. Janet is New York's finest service! We stumbled on Skylight and will return!

Does not look like much. It's mad busy and rushed but that's what you would expect on a 34th street diner. Food is average and it is what a standard diner food is. Love the atmosphere, and comfort of finding a classic diner in New York City. We had the Vegetarian Chili omelette, California omelette and classic Florentine (Spinach and Feta cheese) along with Nutella French toast. I would come back again and recommend! read more

Skylight diner needs to really kick it up about 10 notches of they wish to remain in business with all that is happening in this area. Some new diner will pop up nearby and put u guys out of buisness!! You have the location and the diner. Do something quick!! The waitstaff makes mistakes on your orders at least 4 out of 10 times and this is unacceptable for a diner that is never very busy. Everytime I come in there... the occupancy rate is probably 30% Seamless is also hit or miss. You make an order and just cross your fingers that it comes out the way you requested. Food quality has also declined in recent years. read more

It's not a bad place at all if you'd like to get some typical diner food! I think this place deserves 3.5 stars. It's a step up from ihop, affordable, and I didn't have any issues with their service like the other reviewers. Our waiter was very pleasant and our food came out quickly. They're also open 24 hours and serve beer. I ordered the fried egg and sausage on a roll which was cheap and filling. I also tried some of their French fries which my friends and I really enjoyed. They were a little too greasy for my girlfriend, but we loved the flavor embedded in the fries. My friends also enjoyed the pancakes, but I was too full to try any. read more

Food was good. Nice traditional diner nestled on a busy street. The interior design was nice but the service could be a bit better.

I was looking for a quick bite after a run along the Hudson River with a friend and we came across the diner on our way back to hotel thinking it would have good breakfast options. It did have good options but sadly the taste and presentation was just blah. I do not recommend their Denver Omelet,,looked more like a scramble to me and the hash browns were awful if I go back it will be for desserts. They have yummy looking homemade desserts. read more

Skylight Diner - American Near Me - New York, New York

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If you miss the feel of a typical American diner, this is the place. Coffee is great! I had steak and eggs. Eggs were actually tasty, steak was MEH. Still, the waiter patrolled with his coffee mug, refilling coffee mugs for free. It was unpretentious, CHEAP and sooo different from all the chichi brunch places I've been. I kinda like that. This is a true American diner and if that's what you are looking for, you should go visit. I didn't check out the restroom, but the overall diner looked clean and well kept. read more

Skylight Diner - An old school diner! - American Near Me - New York, New York

I don't have high expectations when I go to diners, and I've been to the Skylight several times pre-COVID, so I didn't expect it to be stellar. But even with my relatively modest expectations, I was still underwhelmed. My omelet was burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside. Next time I'll stick to the Tick Tock diner (in spite of the sometimes annoying crowd). read more

Good service, good diner food for a good price. Recommend for breakfast, we had egg sandwiches, oatmeal with fresh fruit. Kept out energy level up all day while in the city. read more

We had a mid-morning brunch at the Skylight - along with three friends - in 12/06. The Skylight is open 24 hours/day and it does indeed have a (big) skylight over the back section. The interior is a good size and it's art deco style, plus the exterior is also very attractive. Our server was very friendly, although he didn't check back with us and later I had to finally flag down the busboy to get more coffee. The food was good, as was the coffee - and the portions were quite sufficient, with reasonable prices. (Update on 8/28/16): Almost ten years elapsed until I returned there today, for a late lunch with two friends. I ordered the grilled portobello salad and it tasted good, plus the portion was quite sufficient. Also, our server was very pleasant. read more

What can I say? This is what a diner should be. Skylight has a really nice "welcome home" atmosphere. To heck with elaborate neon lights and themed diners (maybe). I go here every Sunday at 9am and sit at the counter with friends. Jose comes over with coffee within seconds, memorizes all our orders and we usually get it within 5-7 minutes. Food is diner quality. Portions are medium-sized and of course fully customizable. Old school 25" tube tv at the counter distracts us plenty. Only problem is, occassionally they get jam-packed at the counter and we have to sit in the booths. It's not a big problem really but we're not small guys, we need our space :(. Food is always consistent and that's not a bad thing at all. Means I won't ever be wow'd OR be disappointed. read more

I've been here 3 times now. The food isn't phenomenal, but the fact that it's open 24/7, there's never a wait, and you get a ton of food for relatively little (considering it's NYC) it's a great option! Classic diner with a HUGE menu (literally and in food options.) Hubby and I came here for a double date before heading over to AMC to watch "The Dark Knight Rises" (sidenote: the IMAX in that theater is NOT a true IMAX - go to the one in Lincoln Center instead!!) Service is quick and they let you make side substitutions on your order. The pancakes are yummy! read more

The portions are huge here. And such a variety of selections. You can get breakfast all day. The dessert case looked awesome with tiramisue, strawberry cake and eclairs, just to name a few. Went for an early dinner around 7pm and got seating easily. My friend ordered the breakfast and it was huge and the bacon was crispy. I order the Cordan Blue with veal, mashed potatoes with a mushroom gravy and I couldn't finish it. Mine was around $15. read more

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Classic New York Diner with the perfect service, the design, and the vibe. The wait staff and the ambience are excellen.

What happened to this place?!?! I used to order here alllllll the time. For years I've been ordering here and never have I been so disappointed. I ordered the chicken souvlaki which in the past has been pretty good. This time, it was NOT edible. The chicken was tough and just disgusting. The french fries were soggy and the whole thing was just bad. read more

So today (8/7/19) I sat in a booth and a roach fell from the ceiling and hit me in the head and then ran down my arm and onto the table. Disgusting. Immediately got up walked out told the employees and they just put their heads down as if they were saying. Oh no not again. Just disgusting. read more

If there was a zero star option, I would give them that. I haven't even eaten their food yet. We called to ask if they were delivering, he gave us attitude and then said yes. We place our order, estiamted time is 6pm, it's currently 6:31 so I called to ask for an update (since he didn't call us). He said it's delayed because of weather (we live up the street), which he followed up with "isn't that common sense?" And got nastier, didn't apologize for our food being 30 minutes late once. Instead he said why don't you wait another 15 minutes. This will be the last time I ever order food from them again. This was the rudest person I have ever spoken with. Without your customers you're not in business. Just a friendly reminder. read more

We ate here several times during our stay in NYC. Their food is amazing. Chicken and waffle was by far the best we have had anywhere. Their chicken is probably the best as well. Fried to perfection, has amazing flavor, and just the right amount of crispy. We will be back! read more

Best bacon cheeseburger I've had in NYC!!! Very friendly staff. Quick service. Sidewalk dining right now and it's heated. read more

Skylight Diner - American Near Me - New York, New York

I've eaten here about 10 times because I used to live across the street and I'm in the area often. The food is decent diner food, but the service is never great. You can come at 3pm or 1am and you're likely to never be asked if you need a refill or if your food is ok. Not a great experience, but it's in a great location when you're hungry from shopping. The best thing I've had is definitely the Reuben sandwich. read more

Skylight Diner - American Near Me - New York, New York

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Came thru on a recent trip to nyc I had a few hours to kill and hey when you're craving breakfast food at any crazy hour of the night slash morning this place will surely not disappoint read more

Skylight Diner - American Near Me - New York, New York

Good food and service. Definitely a place to stop at when In New York City. Service can be a bit slow so if you are in a rush. read more

Skylight Diner - California omelette with Sweet Potato Fries - American Near Me - New York, New York

I like this place BUT I recently ordered delivery and the Egg Cream was not delivered. When I called the person answering the phone was very professional EXCEPT, he asked if I wanted chocolate or vanilla. PEOPLE, there are no vanilla egg creams!! What is happening to NYC?! An Egg cream is by definition chocolate syrup, milk and seltzer NOT CLUB SODA, NOT STRAWBERRY OR MANGO.!! I'm sure they're delicious but call them something else. What's next? Asking me what color I want my black and whit cookie?! read more

Disgusting. I ordered 1 pancake because I wasn't that hungry. 1 pancake cost 3.50. This was not a big fluffy diner pancake. This was a small, burnt, tasteless piece of shit. I could make a better pancake myself. Aside from the pancake, the service was horrible and the maple syrup was in a dirty bottle that looked like it was reused for the past 15 years. Syrup was also tasteless and watered down. I will never come back to this place. If you want to be robbed of your money and eat garbage than maybe this place is for you. read more

Skylight Diner - Pancake - American Near Me - New York, New York

2.5 stars. Went here for a drunk meal this past Saturday night/Sunday morning since it's a two minute walk from my friends apartment and I was thinking about eating here ever since I knew it existed lol. The place looked clean but had a strong smell of cleaner which I don't appreciate when trying to eat. Two positive things were that the server was very nice and the food came out very quick, probably within 5 minutes. I got my typical diner meal- grilled cheese and a side of fries. The grilled cheese had a weird taste the first bite, but other than that it was average. The fries were thick cut and undercooked, not a fan. About $12 for this meal, pricey but it's NYC so can't fault them. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but I would go again if I was in the area and in a pinch. read more

Skylight Diner - Grilled cheese with fries - American Near Me - New York, New York

11/2017 Some irate prominent employee/manager/owner stormed in at 1AM upsetting all the customers by loudly yelling and swearing at several of the counter employees. They asked him calmly to please tone it down, and he began to yell more, curse, and instigate a fight with them. Truly unprofessional. Terrible dining experience with not an ounce of respect towards the dining customers who had to tolerate this behavior. read more