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There are few things as characteristic of New York City as the luncheonette. These small, informal dining spaces used to dot the urban landscape as much as Starbucks does today. Although their cheap meals and neighborhood-friendly atmosphere are now far and few between, we’ve compiled this list of the best luncheonettes still in operation. So, in no particular order, here are our picks of the eight best luncheonettes in NYC that are still serving up great grub at good prices.
Located on 328 Dekalb Avenue in Clinton Hill, Mike’s Coffee Shop is the epitome of a traditional luncheonette. With their signature neon-lit sign, Mike’s is a sleeper hit in Brooklyn and is loved best for their selection of cheap breakfast food. A good place to start on their menu would be breakfast staples like grits, egg sandwich, and their delectable blueberry muffins. It’s also conveniently located right off of the G train (when it’s working).
Not what you’d expect from its name. This is an old-fashioned luncheonette with a book-like menu filled with omelets, burgers and milkshakes. An old-fashioned blender sitting next to the register, and framed photos of famous patrons line the walls. Located at 28 Eighth Avenue near 12th Street.
Lexington Candy Shop is one of New York’s most recognizable and much-loved luncheonettes still in operation. Located on 1226 Lexington Ave., the corner restaurant’s largely unaltered vintage storefront harkens back to the New York City of yore. You can take a seat at one of their red pleather stools and enjoy a classic malted milkshake or butter burger for a decent price. Unlike some of the other low-key eateries on this list, Lexington Candy Shop accepts credit cards.
This next luncheonette takes us to 142 Tulip Avenue in Floral Park, Queens. The Floral Park Diner is a local favorite and, although the prices are bit higher than you would expect from a typical luncheonette, the quality of their food more than makes up for the inconsistency in price. Couple that with a great 1950s style interior set-up, The Floral Park Diner makes for a great breakfast pit stop if you find yourself in the outer-boroughs. Their classic chocolate chip pancakes is always a wise choice and notable specialties include baked skillet mac & cheese as well as their Country Scramble.
Back in Brooklyn, George’s Luncheonette on 2157 Utica Avenue is one of the boroughs best kept secrets. This tiny local hot spot does not dabble in vintage decor. Instead, what they do offer is exactly what you would expect from an authentic 1950s luncheonette, which means great service and great food for little money. They are a family owned business has been serving the Mill Basin community for 45 years and their breakfast menu particularly shines. A good place for a quick but plentiful bite on the go.
John’s on 481 Myrtle Avenue is yet another Clinton Hill establishment that, similar to Mike’s Coffee Shop, is an outrageous bargain. For $3.50, you can get a breakfast platter consisting of meat & potatoes, toast, and two eggs of any style. Comparatively, this kind of bang for your buck brings you back to the good old days of the neighborhood luncheonette of the fifties and sixties in a way that a vintage decor never could.
The Eisenberg family opened their luncheonette in the heart of what was then called “Ladies’ Mile” in 1929. Although not owned by the Eisenberg’s, this tiny luncheonette looks very much the same as it did then. Located at 174 Fifth Avenue, between 22nd and 23rd Streets.
Tucked away under the High Line, in the shadow of The Standard Hotel, you will find Hector’s Diner. For many years, it served the workers at the numerous meatpacking plants at all hours of the day and night. Today it serves as a little piece of old New York as well as a favorite film location for many of the old Law & Order episodes. Located at 44 Little West 12th Street.
If you enjoyed this list, don’t miss our roundup of top 10 hidden New York City restaurants.
Contact the author @DouglasCapraro
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