Iconic American diner with Asian-American fusion, famous for its fluffy, sweet pancakes and hearty katsu sandwiches. Be prepared for a long wait, especially on weekends.
Golden Diner is a highly acclaimed American diner with a distinctive Korean and Japanese fusion twist, earning rave reviews for its innovative menu. Patrons frequently rave about the pancakes, often calling them the best in NYC, though some find them too rich or sweet. Other popular dishes include the chicken katsu club and Korean fried chicken wings, with many recommending a visit for brunch or lunch. Be prepared for a significant wait, especially during peak hours, as the diner is extremely popular.
Golden Diner offers a unique blend of American diner classics with Korean and Japanese influences. The pancakes are frequently highlighted as a must-try, often described as fluffy and delicious, though some find them too sweet or heavy. Other popular dishes include the chicken katsu club sandwich, Korean fried chicken wings, and breakfast burritos. While most reviews are positive, a few mention specific dishes like the wings or certain sandwiches being overrated.
"The pancakes are the most frequently recommended dish, often described as fluffy and delicious. The chicken katsu club sandwich and Korean fried chicken wings are also highly praised."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Golden Diner, praising its unique Asian-American fusion and standout dishes like pancakes and the chicken katsu club. However, a significant portion of feedback mentions very long wait times, which can detract from the overall experience.
Important Note
Wait times can be extremely long, often exceeding 2-4 hours, particularly on weekends. Some diners find the pancakes too sweet or heavy, and certain other dishes are considered overrated by a few.
"This user listed Golden Diner as a place with green tea coffee cake."
Positive"This comment mentions the green tea coffee cake from Golden Diner."
Positive"The pancake at Golden Diner is a dish this commenter would return for."
Positive"Golden Diner is mentioned as a great place to eat."
Positive"This user suggests that Manhattan burritos are a disappointment compared to those in Santa Fe, New Mexico, specifically mentioning the green chili."
Negative"This user recommends ordering pickup or delivery from Golden Diner to avoid the long lines. They mention the burrito travels well and there are no lines for takeout."
Positive"Golden diner is mentioned as having a pretty small dining room where the entire space, including the kitchen, is visible from most seats."
Neutral"The user acknowledges that the pancakes at Golden Diner are delicious but points out there are many other amazing brunches in NYC, and waits can be long on weekends."
Positive"Golden Diner is described as AMAZING for brunch and very hard to get reservations. The user notes the pancakes are delicious."
Positive"This comment is a direct endorsement of Golden Diner's coffee cake, specifically highlighting its matcha and hojicha flavors and excellent crumb texture."
Positive"The commenter is obsessed with Golden Diner's matcha coffee cake, questioning if it sufficiently differs from a traditional crumb cake. They also provide instructions on how to purchase a slice to-go without a long wait."
Positive"If visiting during the week, trying to get a reservation at Golden Diner in the morning for pancakes is suggested."
Neutral"Golden Diner is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Positive"The user mentioned they have already visited Golden Diner and found their breakfast burrito amazing, but thought their fiancé might not like the pancake flavor."
Positive"This user recommended Golden Diner over Clinton Street for pancakes, noting both are great options."
Positive"Golden Diner is mentioned as a good brunch spot in the LES, though it typically has a long line."
Neutral"The commenter agrees Golden Diner isn't special enough to justify long waits or high prices, suggesting typical American diner food in NYC isn't significantly better than in other major US cities."
Negative"Despite not being a huge pancake enthusiast, the commenter considers Golden Diner's pancakes the best they've tried in New York, even after having those from Clinton St Baking Co."
Positive"Golden Diner is listed as a casual dining spot, potentially with bar seating, suitable for solo diners."
Neutral"The commenter believes no pancake is worth waiting in line for over an hour, calling such a wait "lunacy.""
Negative
