New York NYC
673 Madison Ave.
No Credit Cards
Where To Eat After A Run In Central Park
All the restaurant motivation you need to finish your run in Central Park.
Viand
Diner in Upper East Side
Chris Stang
Perfect For: Breakfast Classic Establishment Coffee & A Light Bite Dining Solo
When was the last time you went to a diner? A real diner, not some kind of diner-inspired restaurant concept in Noho that serves avocado toast. It's been a while, right? Well then sit down for a minute, because it's time we had a talk.
I am going to assume that you've been in New York for a significant amount of time. Actually, let me be more precise and venture a guess. You moved here about four years ago, right after college. You've got a pretty good job, some Ikea furniture, and a handful of friends that you predominantly communicate with an Emoji. You go out to dinner three nights a week, and you probably do brunch once or twice a month. Forty percent of these meals take place in the East Village. Kale is present in nearly all of them. You are, at least in Immaculate Infatuation terms, an average New Yorker. And you're missing the whole point.
Back in the olden days, the restaurant scene in New York was much different. We don't need to fully explore the history of dining for the purposes of this discussion, but let's just say that there was a time when the most intriguing pastry-hybrid in the city was a black and white cookie, and if you wanted one, you went to your neighborhood diner. As a matter of fact, when you wanted pretty much anything that wasn't cooked by a French guy or served with chopsticks, you went to your neighborhood diner. And when you showed up, they probably addressed you by name. They probably also knew exactly what you were going to order. When was the last time that one of the hostesses at Vinegar Hill House addressed you by name? Never, unless it's to tell you that the wait will be another two hours.
When I say that you're missing the point, I mean that we've all apparently forgotten about the great New York City diner, and what it means to a community. We're more interested in the new hot spots - places that we visit once or twice right after they open and then never go back to. But the New York experience is really about making this gigantic metropolis feel smaller. We're really all just looking for a few comfortable places with familiar faces in them to retreat to after a long day. Viand is one of those places. This diner on Madison Avenue has been serving its neighborhood regulars since 1976, and it also happens to have one of the best turkey club sandwiches you can find anywhere. But that's not what makes it great. What makes Viand great is the fact that every time you eat there, you'll see someone walk in that the staff knows by name. Maybe it's the stately older woman that they refer to as "Abuelita." Maybe it's the dad with his kids coming in for a milk shake. Or maybe it's one of the several women who frequent this place that look like a mix between Hilary Clinton and a very expensive hooker (this is the Upper East Side after all). Regardless, it's awesome, and it makes us happy that places like this still exist. So stop missing the point, and go to your local diner every once in a while. You probably need to take a break from the kale anyway.
Turkey Club Sandwich
Viand roasts turkeys in house every single day, and the result is some of the freshest, tastiest bird meat you've ever eaten. Piled up on a sandwich with some bacon and mayo, and it's even better. This is far and away the best thing we've had at Viand, and it's the best turkey club in town too.
Eggs/Omelettes/Breakfast Food
It's all standard diner fare, which is to say solid and reliable. We love the Western Egg Sandwich.
The owner of Viand is a very nice Greek man that you'll see hanging in the restaurant. We figure that explains the various Greek food offerings, including what is basically Spanakopita, or spinach pie. We like it.
Viand does a mean milk shake. Egg creams too.
Soft and sweet, just like you'd hope it would be. Order one for old times sake.
Breakfast Classic Establishment Coffee & A Light Bite
More spots in Upper East Side
Vietnaam
Vietnaam is a really good, casual Vietnamese restaurant near 86th Street on the UES.
It's time to up your Indian food game. We really can't get enough of this place. The food at Om is authentic, light, and incredibly good.
The East Pole
The East Pole is a restaurant where you should meet a friend for a martini in the east 60s.
Pho Shop
Pho Shop is one of our favorite places to get Vietnamese on the Upper East Side.
More Diner spots
Court Square Diner
Court Square Diner is a 24-hour neighborhood spot in LIC for pancakes and chicken parm at 4pm or 4am.
3 Guys Restaurant
3 Guys doesn't have the best food around, but it's a New York classic and still a great spot for people watching.
Reasons to visit Coppelia? It's cheap, it's open 24 hours, and for a diner, it's pretty good. Good enough.
Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is a smoked fish museum of deliciousness that people come from near and far to experience. A true NYC classic.
La Bonbonniere
Sometimes you don't want brunch. Sometimes you want breakfast at noon. There's a difference. La Bonbonniere is a Village safe haven from all things hollandaise, and one of the best true breakfast joints in town.
Over a century of Big Apple history lies within these walls, as does a pretty excellent burger. Come have a beer and pretend your horse is outside.
J.G. Melon
JG Melon is an Upper East Side burger institution. It's also the best and cheapest thing you can hit for lunch after the Met.
Fanelli Cafe
A classic New York City gem, still standing from a time when horse and buggies were bringing people here to drink. Eat the chicken club sandwich, drink a Stella from the tap, and imagine that you're about to head off for a sweet vacation aboard the Titanic.