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I'd rather listen to Bowling for Soup than Pink Floyd. The experts are often wrong. That's my explanation of why I hesitated to review Diner for months. The Caesar salad was a knockout as was the burger. With the passage of time I can't recall the particulars of the Fitzcarraldo but I liked it. It was priced like one might expect in an ironically named Brooklyn venue but they were generous with the good stuff. Even the bread was impressive. So this isn't my usual spot but I'm glad that more highbrow out-of-town friends chose it. The absence of a formal menu in favor of the server writing down the day's option may be a gimmick, but after a few bites I was swayed. Better to be king for a day than dollar pizza for a lifetime.
We came here based on a recommendation from a friend who said the servers are super kind and knowledgeable. They were right, the service was incredible. There is a lot left to be desired about the food. We ordered a burger and it came out almost raw. The fries were burnt, and way too salty. The train car ambiance is fun for a quick drink at the bar but not quite the place you'd like to go for dinner or a date. It is also rather load given the design of the space so it will be difficult to talk to your party while dining.
Food was flavorful and well done. Fresh ingredients, good consistencies, and balanced flavors and original. Limited vegetarian options. Cozy interior, but the concept seemed like...trying too hard to be different and hip...? Why do you make your waiters write down the menu on the table for each group of guests? Doesnt even save paper since those menus are not reused. And honestly, our waiter's handwriting was sometimes hard to read. Also, quite pricey. The crab pasta was $35, the celery root was also $35 (like what?!), the squash was $23, and the Caesar salad (not pictured) was $22. Service was friendly and knowledgeable on the food but slow.
Food is really good and the menu experience is quite interesting- I love that they're constantly changing it and I love the farm to table concept.. service is quite lovely here as well. Ambiance, GREAT! I do think the food is a little rich for me though, as a personal opinion. Maybe I just have a lighter palette.
This is a cute spot that's cozy and has a good brunch. The menu is really small, so I would look at it before you go just to ensure there's something you like. The burger and the egg sandwich are both good and they have good cocktails
solid brunch spot with an interesting menu. was gonna go for the burger but saw the beef tongue hash and was glad i tried it. it was very flavorful and the eggs were beautiful but a bit heavy for me. on the other hand the gravlax was lighter and refreshing compared to lox. service is great and cute interior but seats were a bit sticky.
One of the most memorable dinners I have had in Williamsburg, thanks to both the food and the incredible service. Our waiter Benjamin set the tone right away. He came to the table, unrolled white paper, and literally wrote out the menu for us, walking us through every dish with so much detail and enthusiasm. It felt personal, special, and set the stage for the meal to come. We started with the crudo, which was absolutely out of this world. Fresh, bright, and paired with the most insane garlicky dip in a little ramekin that we shamelessly saved to dunk bread into after. Next up, the Caesar salad. They called it "robust" and they were not lying. As a Caesar purist, I can confidently say the anchovy dressing was perfection. The sweet corn risotto was probably my least favorite. I expected it to be a little "cornier" (ha) and thicker in texture, but everything else more than made up for it. The brick chicken was a showstopper. However they flatten and crisp that bird, they brick the hell out of it and lock in every bit of flavor into the skin. Absolutely unreal. And dessert. I did not know ice cream could be this sinful. The Wendy's Ice Cream Sundae was unreal. Chocolate, cherries, bordeaux. It was decadent, nostalgic, and had me literally drooling at the table. If you want a dining experience that is both elevated and full of character, Diner is it. Benjamin made the night, the food blew us away, and I am already planning my return.
Very high quality and fun culinary experience with different menu options nightly. Starwe: Bread butter (great) Meal: Black Bass(unreal)
Very cozy diner near ferry station. Has good brunch but also dinner vibes. Service is great and ambiance is even better. Stopped their for just a hot drink and some dessert-Liked my chocolate cake slice. Will defo return for dinner! A lil towards pricey side though.
This is one of those restaurants that literally caught my eye as I was walking past. The exterior was interesting and peaking inside, I thought it was super cool. So I just had to try it for myself one day. I had the burger with coke and it hit the spot.
I literally wish i knew what some of the negative reviewers are talking about. This place was incredible! Our server, Charlie, was so attentive, knowledgeable and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious. Their menu changes frequently so you can always expect to experience something new and delicious. Can't wait to return. Ambiance was beautiful. Music playlist was on point! Thank you for the wonderful dinner experience. Didn't photograph it but the cucumber and melon salad! Omggggg. A must try! Thanks for the recommendations, Charlie
I stopped at this place while I was in Brooklyn, my lunch was amazing! The hamburger was delicious and full of fries!!! I would say, a perfect American lunch experience since I was sitting at the counter. I really recommend this place!
Came here for dinner with my friends and I go the catalan fish dish. It had black sea bass in it and monkfish along with potatoes. It was super delicious and great for a cold night. The broth is a white broth but very unique. All the fish was cooked perfectly. We sat outside in the heated dining. Only minus is the table on the otherwise kept the door open making it a bit cold for half the dinner. Plus was they gave you warming blankets which was definitely a nice touch on top of the heaters. The waitstaff was attentive and very nice. This is definitely a neighborhood staple I will be happy to go back to!
Food was very tasty but the prices are a bit steep and I found the "writing the menu on the table" shtick to be silly. They also ran out of some things we wanted, including the famed fried chicken sandwich, so that was a bummer. The pancakes with plum were delicious, and I think that was the first time I've had that kind of topping. Burger was also great. Iced coffee was weak, though. Would give it 5 stars if it weren't for the prices, but overall I had a nice experience. read more
2 years ago
We had a really great brunch here. We got the burger, the fried chicken sandwich, and the French toast. Of the three, the chicken sandwich was my favorite, and my wife's was the burger, but we really enjoyed all three. read more
6 years ago
First staff encounter, we were asked for personal information in event of COVID-19 contact tracing. After ordering, we greeted with the typical diner plating style. (Small(er) plates, large portions) My grassfed burger looked delicious! Brought to me medium-well as I ordered. But little did I know, there were several factors that tainted my experience. The top bun was slightly burnt, greasy and soggy. I ended up eating a deconstructed burger. Beef patty had no flavor and lacked juiciness. WORST OF ALL, the french fries were EXTREMELY SALTY. It made me thirsty throughout my entire meal. After all of the above, I thought it might have just been my dish. But unfortunately my partner's "Chicory Salad" was also EXTREMELY SALTY. ON TOP OF THAT - what would've been a dinner charge of around $60, I was mistakenly charged $180. I was told the expense was immediately refunded and the waiter closing us out sincerely apologized. This could've been avoided if we had one staff member dedicated to our table. (We had a total of 4 staff members service our dine in experience) Sadly I couldn't say that I'd ever give this place another chance. read more
I just left the restaurant, I'm typing this review while waiting for my wife to get a haircut. This place is too hip for Williamsburg! Picture it: This place was a diner 50 years ago. When I tell you the floor is slanted? This place looks retro but cool-hipster. Lots of good booze and a high end espresso machine. Check. We're given cocktail menus at 10am. Where are the food menus? We were expecting a "diner" with diner food? My wife is not a breakfast person. She doesn't eat or like pancakes, waffles or a big bowl of carbs. My hell, it is what it is. However! She will eat egg whites. And bagels. Let's check out "Diner". The hipster waitress with $200 jeans and a wool hat comes to our table. I ask for a breakfast menu. She says Scootch over, I'm going to write the menu down for you. Dang! She's going over the menu, everything is freshly made, all organic BS. My wife is asking for the salmon with egg whites. Lemme check on that for you. No the chef says he will not do egg whites. What the eff?! Now I want to go in the back and say, are you stupid? There is nothing on the menu then so she'll have $5 toast and I'll give her my Fresh ham. I ordered sourdough toast topped with ham and scrambled eggs. Man.. that's some damn good ham! What type of cheese is that? Man... friggin hipsters. Haha The bill comes, there is no tipping at the restaurant?! $5 toast, stupid.. You had me at the awesome scrambled eggs but I'll never come back to this place again. Man, that burger and fried chicken sounded awesome... read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
The waiters were quite rude, though they wore ridiculous outfits, which I appreciated. Pricey for the quality and serving size, though tasty. Beers were overpriced and at a small selection. read more
3 years ago
Pretty cool space down in Brooklyn. The interior is a train car, and looks like a very old timey diner. You can't really tell it's made from a train car, especially from the outside. Interior looks like a Seinfeld episode, down to all the waitstaff dressed in somewhat normcorey clothes. The service was very sub par. I walked in and the hostess was just completely missing. Multiple staff walking around but no one actually doing something even after we complained that there were plenty of open tables and no one to seat us. After we were seated, service was spotty in general. Completely forgot to bring out condiments after we asked twice (we never got it), no coffee refills ever until we asked, never got the nondairy creamer as well. I got fed up just stopped trying to ask for things after a certain point. Just generally very spotty and inattentive, and I felt like there was a lot of staff whizzing around so it didn't seem like they were short. The menu items were a little pricey - $55+ for two entrees and two coffees all in is a little steep even for New York. They have a kitsch where the waitstaff sits down at your table and writes down the menu on the paper sheet on top of the table. I literally have no idea why they do this. 1. It is not actually environmentally friendly to have menus if it means that they have to have a huge sheet of paper on every table that they need to change for every patron, rather than just wiping down the wood; 2. It is awkward, a little invasive and slow to have the waitress sit down and painstakingly write the menu down for 10 minutes; 3. They didn't give a full drinks menu, so you had no idea about what else there was on the menu they didn't mention; 4. You don't really get a full menu to think over, only "eggs, $18" scribbled on the table trying to remember what exactly your waiter said it was. The food overall was pretty okay, tasted well made but wasn't very different that most of the brunch fare you get. I like the no tip policy, made everything easier at the end. I think overall it was an interesting experience with solid food, but given the other great brunch places in the area, I don't think I'd be coming back. read more
There is not much to say in this small, albeit intimate diner. Aesthetically, you might find it to be rambunctious and scrappy- reminiscent of an inn from Reno, NV with that Brooklyn twist, respectively. You'll find the tastiest $20 Caesar that is well-dressed in anchovy goodness. I would give five stars, but they served my partner burnt bread and had to ask for it to be removed- great recovery with a supplement of bread on the side, but unfortunately is what I remember from the experience. Friendly staff and the energy of the place is far from dull. read more
5 years ago
Cute place and friendly staff. I have some expectations at first but it takes a bit long waiting for the order and when I finally got my food it is burned... Tho staff give me a new one but just a little bit sad read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
My roommate went out of town and I was feeling a little lonely, so I took myself to dinner! Diner was perfect for that. Not too crowded, soft lighting, great place to have a glass of wine and read my book. Menu apparently changes a lot, but the pork chop was a delight. I truly love a spot where dinner alone feels just right read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
Loved the atmosphere inside. Super unique. The food was good but plain for how much we were paying. read more
I've lived near Diner for a while but hadn't been in yet, but saw it was always busy. Diner is not your standard run of the mill diner on the corner. It's a small restaurant in southern williamsburg that serves really great but expensive American classics. My boyfriend and I showed up on a Saturday a little after 6pm and were able to get some seats at the bar. Otherwise, make a reservation. It gets insanely busy. We didn't get the cutesy server sit-down, written menu on paper BUT the bartender gave us the written menu on that old skinny paper accountants used to do taxes on. Remember that paper? Anyway, we ordered the burger (classic) and the risotto, not really knowing what to expect. Both set us back $23 and $28 per plate, respectively, but they were both delicious! Our server/bartender convinced us to get the flourless chocolate cake and good thing - it was not too sweet, so I don't feel like absolute crap right after. She was also just genuinely nice and attentive, despite every person and their mother coming to Diner on Saturday night. Diner is a great date night spot, maybe a dinner with your parents. I'd like to try their restaurant Marlow & Sons down the street. They seem to know what they're doing. read more
10 years ago
This place is great! The food was good, limited menu daily that changes(except the burger, I hear) Got the burger, medium. Mine was rare to medium rare. That's okay as I prefer med-rare but be warned if you like your burger cooked more. The ketchup tastes different, so I think they make it there. It is tasty but just know that it's a little different flavor. Fries were definitely made there. I am not sure about some of these things because this little railroad car Diner is so loud that you almost cannot hear the waitress. But she writes the menu on the table. And expect to pay whatever they charge as no menu means no prices. Great bar - bartender looked like a mad scientist mixing drinks meticulously. I got a beer which was great. My friend got the shandy citron, which he normally avoids, and he really liked it. Overall great experience. Gave 4 stars just due to crowded loud atmosphere. Still charming & cool read more
Diner is a really cool restaurant in Williamsburg. It quickly fills up so I would make a reservation or go earlier in the evening. It looks unassuming from the outside but it's larger than you'd imagine and it's very cozy. Diner's menu changes often and there isn't a printed menu. Instead, the waiter will come by and write down what's on the menu at your table with a pen. It's a really unique experience. Their wine menu is expansive... surprisingly known for their natural wines and the servers are knowledgeable in helping you pair your meal with the wine of your choice. We started off with lentil soup which... I normally don't care for but it was one of the most delicious soups I've ever had. They made it perfectly with toasted seeds on top, which created a perfect crunch. We ordered a kale salad and a squid dish to finish our meal. The salad was good and the squid was a little salty. I'd say the soup was their most notable dish. I'm looking forward to coming back to Diner and trying their other dishes. read more
I found Diner on a list of best burgers in NYC and expected it to be a basically a normal diner, dressed up slightly for Williamsburg. Then the first thing they wrote down on our table (because there are no menus and the servers hand write the day's offerings -- this is kinda cool, but also I forgot all the ingredients in half the dishes when our waiter left our table) was Lettuce for $17. Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy our meal, but don't expect the classic diner experience or prices. We ordered the crispy fried mushroom, the burger, and the buckwheat spaetzle. All were very good and more interesting than I expected, would definitely come back here and try more things, especially since the menu changes daily. I secretly wanted to hate the vibe of the old dining car, but I loved it. Although, I would avoid coming here with a bigger group -- the booths are tiny and all the groups of 4 looked very cramped. read more
3 years ago
Food is amazing service is always great. Service style is unique ambiance is great I am perfectly recommended everybody read more
5 years ago
Small menu. Excellent food. Very cool establishment. Impressive cocktail menu. Absolutely unique. Worth every dollar spent. Best pork chop that I've had in my life. read more
2 years ago
diner offers consistently good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. a concise yet reliable drink menu. the menu changes daily, with a few exceptions, but i recommend getting the specials (i've always enjoyed the specials more than the burger) read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Wonderful dinner at Diner! Loved the seasonality of the menu and the staff are great. Really interesting wine list (not the easiest to work out) but got a great bottle not overpriced. The food was wonderful - a celebration of ingredient led cooking - be warned though - big portions and am glad we shared our appetizer between two ! Would go back in a heartbeat. Was enjoyed by my husband and my 70YO mother (apart from the bathrooms which could do with a bit of love). read more
3 years ago
Great food and service. Cool spot on the corner and the side street was blocked off so no traffic. read more
One of the best burgers in NYC. Burger was well seasoned and great size for the money. Pickled onions, crunchy lettuce, and good bun. Only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars was because I wasn't a huge fan of the fries which seemed too crunch and more odds and ends of potatoes than actual strips. But this burger though - very very good! Would def come back! Btw, very cool vibe inside. Might be a little loud for some however. read more
8 years ago
My husband and I went yesterday for the Friday lunch menu. When you walk in, you get that nostalgic feeling of being in a diner as a kid. It's cute and cozy. The food is brought in fresh everyday - that being said, the menu changes daily. With it changing everyday, they do not print food menus. Instead, the waitress writes the daily menu on the piece of paper that's covering your table. Many reviewers didn't like this, as they didn't have any food descriptions to look at, but I found it endearing. One thing they do always have on their menu is the burger. For starters, we ordered the "lettuces" and the steak tartar. The lettuces of the day was a simple salad with carrots, celery, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, in a lite vinaigrette. The steak tartare was perfectly minced with a whole lot of flavor. Now, our friend is the sous chef there, so she surprised us with an additional starter. She made fried shrimp with this perfectly fresh cilantro-herb-cucumber salad. Underneath was a delicious sort of remoulade, which worked harmoniously with that crispy fried shrimp. I ordered the burger and it did not disappoint. Juicier than any burger I've ever had, with a white cheese, pickled onions, on a toasty potato bun. Then served wit a heaping portion of fries. My husband ordered the fried chicken sandwich which was the best fried chicken sandwich I've ever tasted. Fried to perfection, topped with a great vinegary coleslaw, on a toasty potato bun. I really enjoyed our lunch there. It was different, fresh, and delicious. Cant wait to go back! read more
7 years ago
This is one of the best meals I've had in a long time. The restaurant is small, it's an old train car they've converted into the restaurant and it's super cute with no frills. We had a 630 reservstion on a Wednesday and the restaurant was about half full. We were recommended to try something called the "orange wine". It's like a white rose, it's made with the peels mixed in with the grapes and it was delicious. I highly recommend it. Diner has no menus. Your waiter comes over and explains that nights specials and writes everything down on the parchment paper on your table. Most appetizers range $16-20 and the entrees were around $25-35 with the burger which is always on the menu for $23. We split the broccoli tempura to start which was served with greens and feta ($17) and was so yummy. For mains I got the duck with ratatouille ($30) and my friend got the burger ($23). My duck was good but I'm just gonna say it, that burger was the best I've ever had. I extremely regret not getting it myself and I'll definitely be going back to get it read more
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6 years ago
We always have such a great time here and the food is consistently amazing. Tonight, we came for dinner and started with fritters to share - the perfect appetizer for 4 (or even for 2!). We had the skate, burger, and mussels - all were so flavorful and satisfying. This will always be a place I bring friends from out of town and is a neighborhood favorite - great atmosphere, great food - we love Diner! read more
More info about Diner
85 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11249
South Williamsburg
Directions
(718) 486-3077
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http://dinernyc.com
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