TLDR
75-year-old UWS institution serving elevated diner classics and craft cocktails. Quintessential pre-show spot near Lincoln Center.
Reddit Sentiment for OLD JOHN'S DINER(based on 28 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
The post celebrates Old John's Diner's 75th anniversary on the Upper West Side, highlighting its long history since 1951 and its role as a neighborhood favorite. It showcases the diner's classic charm, retro interior with a bar and "CANDY" sign, and a wide array of dishes from cocktails and matzo ball soup to steak frites, braised short ribs, and desserts like banana splits and carrot cake, emphasizing its appeal to generations of locals.
Visiting Old John's on the Upper West Side, a classic diner, allowed the author to indulge in an old-school dessert from their rotating dessert fridge. The lemon meringue pie was chosen and was highly appreciated for its thick custard, graham cracker crust, and a generous 'mountain of torched meringue.'
Details
With a 75-year history on the Upper West Side, this iconic institution offers a quintessential diner experience that blends nostalgia with modern, high-quality comfort food [1], [2]. The revamped menu features elevated classics like tender braised short ribs and thick, satisfying burgers, alongside an un-diner-like cocktail program perfect for a pre-theater meal [1], [3], [4]. Locals consistently praise its efficiency and reliable, delicious fare, making it a standout neighborhood favorite [4], [5].
Food Overview
The menu spans traditional American diner staples and more refined dishes, consistently receiving high marks for quality [1], [6]. Standout items include thick burgers [2], [3], matzo ball soup [2], and decadent desserts like cheesecake, carrot cake, and lemon meringue pie [4], [5], [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About OLD JOHN'S DINER
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Solo Dining Recommendations In Upper West Side
"A nostalgic diner located near the Lincoln Center, favored by locals as a pre-show spot."
PositiveFrom post: Place To Eat Lunch With Family Near The Lincoln
"The commenter highlights that it offers reasonable prices, variety, and is quick for pre-show dining."
PositiveFrom post: Place To Eat Lunch With Family Near The Lincoln
"The commenter confirms it is the best based on their experience living on the block."
PositiveFrom post: Place To Eat Lunch With Family Near The Lincoln
"Recommended as the best answer for a dining spot."
PositiveFrom post: What Burgers Should I Eat During A Week Off From
"Listed John's Luncheonette as a casual burger spot."
PositiveFrom post: Any Pancake Recommendations On Uws Ues Or Midtown
"This commenter recommends Old John's Diner, along with other classic diners, noting that diners generally do pancakes well."
PositiveFrom post: Any Pancake Recommendations On Uws Ues Or Midtown
"The commenter suggests trying Old John's Diner or other classic diners for pancakes."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now
"This user mentioned Old John's as making pretty good egg creams, similar to S&P."
PositiveFrom post: Soon To Be First Time In Nyc As An Irish Person
"Old John's Luncheonette is recommended as a less touristy diner option with better food than those in Midtown and Hell's Kitchen, noting its long history since 1951."
PositiveFrom post: Cheesecake
"This commenter recommends the cheesecake at Old John's on the Upper West Side, stating they order it every time they visit."
PositiveFrom post: Best Carrot Cake In The City
"This user mentioned Old John's Luncheonette for carrot cake."
NeutralFrom post: Tuna Salad
"The commenter had a great tuna melt at Old John's Diner."
PositiveFrom post: Help Us Find The Best Diner In Nyc We Want To
"User recommends Old John's Diner on the Upper West Side, calling it very good."
PositiveFrom post: Help Us Find The Best Diner In Nyc We Want To
"User notes Old John's is a step above a regular diner but still cute and quintessential."
PositiveFrom post: Help Us Find The Best Diner In Nyc We Want To
"User recommends Old John's Luncheonette on the Upper West Side, describing it as quintessential inside."
PositiveFrom post: Help Us Find The Best Diner In Nyc We Want To
"User recommends Old John's Luncheonette, upper west side."
PositiveFrom post: Breakfast Near Lincoln Center
"This commenter advises against Old John's Luncheonette, describing it as a hipster imitation of a diner. They suggest authentic NYC diners like Westside Restaurant or Utopia Diner as alternatives."
NegativeFrom post: Breakfast Near Lincoln Center
"A brief mention of 'John's' which is likely referring to Old John's Luncheonette."
PositiveFrom post: Breakfast Near Lincoln Center
"Old John's is mentioned as a potential breakfast spot near Lincoln Center."
PositiveFrom post: Breakfast Near Lincoln Center
"Agreed with the recommendation for Old John's Luncheonette."
Positive