9 New York City Diners with Big Portions and Good Value

Diners have long been a part of American culinary culture. They emerged after World War II and quickly spread across the country. However, by the late 1990s, their numbers began to decline. Despite this, the classic diner tradition remains alive in New York and New Jersey. Tastingtable shares a selection of New York City fast-food restaurants where you can get large portions without overpaying.

The list includes both time-tested institutions, as well as new places.

Waverly Diner, West Village

• Address: 385 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA.
• Phone: (212) 675-3181.

Waverly diner

Waverly Diner is located in the West Village and is known for its trendy a cafe and high rent. The diner has been operating since 1979.

The interior is decorated in a retro style, with leather sofas, dark wood, ceiling fans, and photographs reminiscent of the 1970s.

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The menu features classic American diner dishes with Italian and Greek influences.

Examples of prices and dishes:

• Pancakes cost about $15 and are served in very large portions;
• A bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a bagel costs about $10.

Most dishes range in price from $10 to $15. More complex items are more expensive.

Bridgeview Diner, Brooklyn

• Address: 9011 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.
• Phone: (718) 680-9818.

Bridgeview Diner is located in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, a quieter, more suburban part of the city.

The establishment has been operating since the 1980s and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The menu, which runs over 10 pages, includes American and Greek cuisine.

Popular dishes:

• breakfasts cost on average $10–$15;
• Greek yogurt with nuts and fruit;
• scrambled eggs with bacon and toast;
• large portions of pancakes and waffles.

Lunch meals cost around $20, but include large combination plates.

Example: Souvlaki with meat, French fries, Greek salad and tzatziki sauce - approximately $17.

EJ's Luncheonette, Upper East Side

• Address: 1271 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA.
• Phone: (212) 472-0600.

EJ's Luncheonette Located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the establishment has been operating since 1992.

It's a classic diner with a "counter culture" where you can sit at the counter and get your food quickly.

Prices and portions:

• main courses cost approximately $15–$25;
• the portions are very large, people often take them away;
• You can easily share dishes between two people.

Popular positions:

• waffles;
• breakfast sets;
• burgers and sandwiches;
• chicken and waffles.

Dessert:

• Sunday - about $13;
• Milkshakes - $9,95.

Tom's Restaurant, Manhattan

• Address: 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA.
• Phone: (212) 864-6137.

Restaurant is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, near Columbia University.

The interior is simple and classic, with a counter with bar stools and booths.

Menu available:

• Pancakes or French toast - about $12,60;
• burger with fries - $10–$15;
• Spaghetti with meat sauce - $17,95.

The portions are large and the prices are considered some of the most affordable in Manhattan.

Court Square Diner, Long Island City

• Address: 45-30 23rd St, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA.
• Phone: (718) 392-1222.

Across the East River in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens is Court Square Diner. It is an area with high-rise buildings, restaurants and a family atmosphere.

The diner has been operating since 1946. The interior is decorated in a retro style and was updated in 2009.

The space resembles a classic diner car, with cozy booths and a counter.

The menu is about six pages long and serves breakfast all day, as well as lunch and dinner.

Price:

• Most dishes are in the $10–$20 price range;
• French toast with ham, bacon, sausage and eggs - $16,95;
• Omelet with cheese, toast and potatoes - $12,95;
• Chicken strips – $11,45.

The portions are large and the dishes usually fill the plate completely.

Westway Diner, Hell's Kitchen

• Address: 614 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA.
• Phone: (212) 582-7661.

Westway The diner is nestled in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, near the theater district.

Despite its touristy location, lines here are usually short. It's a popular spot for meeting friends and having a relaxed dinner.

Prices are relatively affordable for the area:

• Most dishes cost $10–$11;
• Hell's Kitchen Wrap with eggs, turkey, jalapeños, cheese and potatoes - about $11;
• Chicken salad or tuna sandwiches are often under $10.

The portions are large, and guests note that the food is very filling.

Veselka, East Village

• Address: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA.
• Phone: (212) 228-9682.

Veselka — is a Ukrainian diner in Manhattan's East Village. The establishment has been in business since 1954.

There are locations in Williamsburg, Grand Central, and Madison Square Garden, but the original restaurant is in the East Village.

Popular dishes:

• latkes (potato pancakes) – $22;
• handmade pies (8 pieces) – $20;
• first courses (borscht, mushroom soup, matzo soup) – $13 per plate or $7 per cup;
• breakfasts (omelettes, waffles, etc.) – up to $15.

The portions are large and very filling.

Squire's Diner, Financial District

• Address: 80 Beekman St #1, New York, NY 10038, USA.
• Phone: (212) 285-2600.

Squire's The diner is located in Manhattan's Financial District. It looks simple from the outside, but has good reviews and a 4.4 rating on Google Maps.

Visitors note the friendly atmosphere and large portions.

Price:

• Most dishes are between $10 and $15;
• maximum – up to $18;
• Large pancakes - $8,50;
• pancakes with eggs and meat – $14;
• Quesadillas: $12,95;
• salmon with side dish - about $20.

Three Decker Diner, Greenpoint

• Address: 695 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA.
• Phone: (718) 389-6664.

Decker Diner is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a quiet residential neighborhood with plenty of local eateries.

The diner has been open since 1945 and is open 24 hours from Tuesday to Sunday.

The menu is characterized by very low prices by New York standards. Many dishes are under $10. Main dishes range from $12 to $17. Sandwiches, breakfast items, macaroni and cheese, and burritos are on the budget side.

Visitors note that the portions are large and completely fill their plates.