5. La Bonbonniere

La Bonbonniere in Greenwich Village
La Bonbonnerie offers all-day breakfast as well as classic soda fountain treats.

Despite its slightly faded sign and unassuming appearance, La Bonbonniere is a New York favorite, an old-fashioned luncheonette with a soda fountain, snack bar, and extensive menu. Located on Eighth Avenue near 12th Street, it has attracted a famous clientele and serves up all-day breakfast, milkshakes, omelets, and its famous burgers. A West Village favorite, the restaurant is cash only, a throwback to neighborhood diners of the past. 

La Bonbonniere is best known for its breakfast items, including pancakes, French toast, omelets, bacon, and milkshakes. Although it can get crowded on weekends, the service is quick, and it attracts legions of devoted locals. A pay phone still hangs on the wall and an old-fashioned blender sits near the register, symbols of the restaurant’s storied past.