When you think of the borough of New York, Queens, you probably don’t think about the diner scene. Besides, the airports and hosting the US Open Tennis Tournament, Queens can tout that they have some amazing old school diners. It’s rather sad, but diners are a fading part of what we think of as classic Americana. Next to bodegas, diners are life for many New Yorkers. Unlike traditional diners in other states, NYC diners have a sprawling menu that includes Italian and Greek cuisines. Many NYC diners also typically have a pastry case and serve cocktails and alcohol.
Below are 11 authentic diners in Queens guaranteed to please. Be sure to order breakfast or a tasty tuna sandwich. However, don’t be that person that orders the lobster or sirloin at a place that specializes in eggs (just saying). If you are hankering for a good steak, see our article on the best steakhouse in NYC.
1.Bel Aire Diner
Bel Aire is your classic Greek diner with chrome accents located in Astoria, Queens. They are open 24/7 and have of course a delectable dessert case (a staple of the NYC diner). In 2001 and 2005 it was named New York’s best diner by The Daily News.
Tina Fey and The Sopranos cast members once dined here. We recommend ordering the Greek omelet. Their coffee is quintessential diner coffee. It’s perfect for those of coffee drinkers (hello) who value endless refills and lighter roasts that don’t remind us of bitter Starbucks.
2. Good Eats Diner
Good Eats Diner is a modern, no-frills diner in Maspeth. Their portions are touted as HUGE and affordable. Their menu is traditional dinner options with a twist. They have quinoa bowls for the health-conscious, as well as various loaded tater tot bowls for the not.
They also have decent panini and pasta options. For brunch, their Cajun Eggs Benedict or the Traditional Irish breakfast sounds pretty fantastic. People also flock for their unique cannoli or red velvet pancakes.
3. Georgia Diner
The Georgia Diner in Elmhurst does a decent diner breakfast. They also have a jukebox (cute). It’s nice, they have a holiday menu.
4. The Classic Diner
The Classic Diner is in Richmond Hill. Their French toast is no joke, and they have about thirteen omelet options and both a Benedict and Nova Eggs Benedict. As a Greek diner, I recommend always ordering a bomb Greek salad.
5. Crescent Kitchen
Crescent Kitchen is in Astoria. As an aside, “Crescent” would be the perfect name for a fictional werewolf diner in a Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse novel, right? (True Blood fan reference.) It’s smartly located near Mount Sinai Hospital and perfect for medical personnel and visiting patients’ families. Consider ordering coffee and dessert like an iced cappuccino and a chocolate cake. Tasty treats are provided by Martha’s Bakery.
6. Atlantic Diner
Atlantic Diner in South Richmond Hill has great service and a free two leveled parking lot. Their menu is large and affordable. They have triple-decker sandwiches with combo options. They also have steak and seafood meals. However, if you prefer to stay close to home with your diner food, they have a fun selection of Belgian waffles. Also, you’ll feel like the Little Mermaid, the booth seats are sea shelled shaped.
7. Jahn’s
Jahn’s Diner in Jackson Heights is an old school classic. It’s an ice cream parlor as well as a diner. They are famous for their “kitchen sink sundae.” Other ice cream creations include: “The Boilermaker,” “The Suicide Frappé,” Screwball’s Delight,” and “Joe Sent Me.”
8. Jax Inn Diner
Jax Inn Diner is another go-to in Jackson Heights. You know the drill, good portions at affordable prices and open 24/7. This joint also has a Fish &Chips (dinner first). They serve alcohol and Wednesdays have a special on wine. If you have never had an egg cream, you can get one here. (It’s a New York famous beverage.) Their pistachio malts look unique and tasty too.
9. Neptune Diner
Neptune Diner lives up to your Astoria dinner standard. The 80s decor gives you all the feels. You can get a mean Gyro after clubbing nearby at Don Coqui. They have shrimp cocktail and shish-kabob which is unique. If that’s too adventures, their Greek menu looks bomb.
10.Tower Diner
Tower Diner is in an old bank in Forest Hills. The unique architecture with the high ceilings and large windows makes for great people watching and views of the sunset. They have great homemade soup and turkey burgers.
11. Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole in Astoria is your classic diner with a more modernized menu. This place is a family operated join that has been around like many of these establishments, since the 1970s. There are multiple locations in the Ti-State. They have an open kitchen, which creates a fun atmosphere.
The likes of President Clinton, Denzel Washington, and Jennifer Aniston have been spotted. Perhaps, the celebrities caught wind of their mouthwatering burgers. Jackson Hole is famous for its chicken sandwich, “The Bronco,” which is marinated and served on a garlic roll with a side of steak fries. Can you say nom?
