Retro diner w/ Korean & Japanese flair. Known for mind-blowing pancakes & killer katsu club.
This Chinatown diner offers a modern take on classic American fare, infused with Korean and Japanese influences. Expect a lively atmosphere, often buzzing with patrons eager to try its well-hyped dishes. It's a popular spot, so be prepared for potential waits, especially during peak hours.
Golden Diner is celebrated for its American diner classics with a Korean and Japanese twist. The honey butter pancakes are a major highlight, frequently described as 'sick,' 'heavenly,' and 'fluffy,' though some find them too rich or sweet. Other popular dishes include the Chicken Katsu Club, Korean Fried Chicken Wings, and the Chinatown egg sandwich. Some reviews mention the Korean fried chicken can be inconsistent, with one user finding it too sweet and overly battered.
"The honey butter pancakes are a must-try, often described as fluffy and unique. The Chicken Katsu Club and the Chinatown egg sandwich are also highly recommended savory options."
Customers generally have a very positive impression of Golden Diner, with many praising its unique fusion dishes and standout pancakes. However, a common complaint is the significant wait times, especially during weekends and peak hours.
Important Note
Wait times can be significant, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Some diners find the pancakes overly rich or sweet, and the Korean fried chicken can be inconsistent.
"This commenter noted that Golden Diner was legitimately great and reasonably priced before the pandemic, but implied that current prices might be higher."
Positive"Golden Diner's menu is available all day, and it's recommended to go in the evenings during dinner time to avoid crowds."
Positive"The tuna melt at Golden Diner is described as divine."
Positive"Golden Diner is listed as a recommended spot for a tuna sandwich."
Positive"The wait at Golden Diner is not bad during dinner, and it's also an option to take food to-go."
Positive"This commenter noted that while Golden Diner is a good option, they are hesitant due to potentially long wait times, but would keep it in mind."
Neutral"Golden Diner is recommended as a place for a tuna sandwich."
Positive"Suggests swapping Golden Diner for Katz's, as Golden Diner requires waiting over 2 hours for a table."
Negative"Questions if walking into Golden Diner is difficult now, recalling easy walk-ins for one person on weekday afternoons. Also notes Golden Hof is an option for pancakes but lacks the diner atmosphere."
Neutral"When waits are long at Golden Diner, suggests giving your name/number and visiting nearby art galleries while waiting for a call when the table is ready."
Neutral"Mentions Golden Hof as an alternative to Golden Diner and notes its easier accessibility from anywhere in NYC."
Neutral"Confirms that obtaining pancakes at Golden Hof with no wait is possible, having done so recently."
Neutral"Recommends Golden Hof for pancakes and also mentions Super Nice Pizza's brunch for a similar dish and Sal & Cookies for masa pancakes with spiced honey butter."
Neutral"This user stated that Golden Diner, despite recommendations, was not better than IHOP."
Negative"Suggests Golden Hof as a 'hack' for pancakes and advises that looking for same-day or next-day dinner reservations at Golden Diner is usually easy."
Neutral"Suggests Golden Hof as a sister restaurant or visiting Golden Diner for dinner, as reservations are easier to obtain then."
Neutral"Notes that Golden Diner is typically busy for breakfast and brunch with a wait, but has space at the bar or empty tables for dinner. Also mentions Golden Hof as a good alternative for pancakes, though without the blueberry compote."
Neutral"Suggests visiting Golden Diner for dinner instead of breakfast or brunch."
Neutral"States that the pancakes can be obtained at Golden Hof with no wait."
Neutral"Recommends Golden Hof, a sister restaurant with the same owner, as an alternative to Golden Diner for pancakes with little to no wait."
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