Venue Image

Hours

24 hours

Nearest Subway Station

23rd St Station
23rd St & 8th Ave
C, E

Cross Street

22nd Street

Pricing

Low ($)

Empire Diner   

210 10th Ave # 1
New York, NY 10011
212-243-2736

Rating: 3 out of 5  (4 Ratings)   Read Reviews (4)    Rate and Write a Review
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If you have to choose only one element at this round-the-clock railway car diner that steals the show, it's certainly the ambience. 'The Great Train Robbery' wasn't shot here, but virtually every other movie was. For that reason, you'll recognize the red, white and chrome interior immediately, even if you've never set foot in this bustling slice of Americana in Chelsea. Still a detox-haven for late-night club-hopper spillover, the leather booths and 1950s decor almost beg for a Humphrey Bogart look-a-like to politely ask if your extra seat is taken. The corner kitchen's output will convince you that ketchup is one of the major food groups, offering a steady diet of beef, lamb and turkey burgers, club sandwiches, salads and chicken or tofu fajitas. Milk shakes and coffee are the drink of choice, but crunch-time is still brunch-time, when the counter's packed and the people-watching outdoor tables are full to the point of derailment. -- Yon Motskin

User Ratings and Reviews Rate and Write a Review

4 Ratings and Reviews

Order by: Oldest | Newest
chefwoo2
Review rating 4 out of 5
A beautiful Diner
By chefwoo2 on 02/26/2007
nice food, friendly service, trad pricey, but servings are huge!
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
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By kaysun on 11/10/2005
user image
Review rating 0 out of 5
waiter's bad day isn't a customer's fault
By jackieucr on 11/29/2004
Going there on Thanksgiving Day was a huge mistake! My party of 7 was not unruly, loud, or obnoxious; the waiter was. He was condescending and overall bothered by us ordering our dinner. He spoke down to us when we asked about the dinner specials and dessert menu. Even after such treatment we stuck around trying to make the best of it and really trying to enjoy the day. We asked about any nearby Blockbusters, he responded, 'I have no idea,' as he rolled his eyes and walked away. We ordered our desert then ordered a banana split. As he walked away, there came an audible 'ugh' from him, enough that someone in our party asked if there was a problem, the waiter just kept walking. It was Thanksgiving, how dare he ruin not only a great first time trip to NY but a such a warm holiday. After the manager confronted us as to why his tip was so low he did nothing to rectify our unpleasant and downright unacceptable experience. The music was pleasant and the wine was nice but this waiter had a total chip on his shoulder and ruined our experience. I'll never return and warn others of the possibility that the staff might make you feel as if you should be so honored to be in their presence with that haughty , conceited , downright unprofessional demeanor.
jericligon
Review rating 5 out of 5
Good Food, Good Music
By jericligon on 06/23/2004
The food was really good and Arnie Warmbrand was great entertainment at the piano. Great fun!
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