The diner is a peculiar Manhattan tradition. Many of them are “Greek,” owned and staffed by immigrant families. This seems to be less true than it was 20 years ago. A typical diner features a massive menu, is open 24 hours a day and serves your meal fast.
On the upscale end, Hudson Corner, on Hudson and West 11th Street, produces a great hamburger and fries. I’ve never had a mediocre meal at this diner. Be prepared to spend 12 bucks, including tip, a princely sum by the standards of McDonald’s or a Midwestern greasy spoon.
If you’ve got the dough, the sandwich is worth it. The burger is big (8 ounces) and the meat is high quality. While I prefer steak fries, the shoestring fries are crisp and tasty. Notice the presentation of the plate, and the slice of lemon in my glass of water. Always, the staff strives to make everything pretty. I’m fond, also, of the spaghetti marinara, along with a glass of Chianti for dinner.
The exterior and the dining room are beautifully decorated. This tempers the fast food feeling one so often encounters in Manhattan diners. And the food takes a few minutes more to arrive at Hudson Corner… an indication that nothing is prepared in advance. So, if you are really in a hurry, this is not the place for you.
The wait staff is always friendly and professional. Often, a waiter or waitress has a story to tell… life in the theater or TV. I almost always get into an interesting conversation, because the waiter or waitress wants to hear about my work as an artist.
According to a recent Times article, some diners in the Meatpacking District and other areas with a lot of nightlife are starting to act like nightclubs themselves during the late-night hours, with bouncers and velvet ropes at the door, guest lists, dress codes etc.
Posted by: Peter | Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 12:15 AM
Cool post, I love diners, and the kind of nostalgia they usually bring. I'm always on the hunt for cool restaurants. Thanks for sharing. A diner I discovered kind of more uptown is Mayrose, in the 20s and Park I believe.
A little bit more chichi than this place sounds but great burgers AND fries too!
Posted by: Mona | Monday, October 10, 2005 at 01:33 PM