In the mood for some diner food, my friend and I dropped by for lunch last Saturday. From a menu that offered a wide selection of typical diner fare, I opted for the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato, and my friend opted for the grilled portobella sandwich with a side of fries. The grilled cheese could have been better cooked- not all of the cheese was completely melted- but it was decent nonetheless. And the bun of the portobella sandwich was a little too soggy for taste, but the other ingredients appeared to be fresh. Utopia: something that I'd always wanted to try; something that I knew never existed. read more

Place was smaller than I expected but yet we still got seated pretty quickly. We all had omelettes, which were pretty good and our waiter was even kind enough to split our bill into 3 separate checks without us even asking him to. The diner is very conveniently located to the west side subways so I would definitely come back if I am looking for a no thrills kinda brunch. read more

This is one of those old-fashioned diners that could use a face lift. You know, booth seats held together by tape....that kind of place. I had read reviews before we went, so I knew what to expect. The food was nothing to write home about. As others have said, standard diner food. But, I didn't see "the huge" portions that others wrote about. However, for an "old fashioned diner" the prices were high. I wanted an omelet, but not the potatoes. There was a $2 surcharge for that. Not allowing a piece of tomato for potatoes is a pet peeve of mine. I ended up ordering a spinach pie and a Greek salad. The salad was small. They didn't put any kind of bread on the table so I assume that would have been extra. My husband ordered brisket, which came with a potato and a vegetable. He always orders "2 vegetables" instead of the potato. Nope, not allowed here. They also never asked if he wanted more coffee, nor did they refill my water glass. We paid cash so no 4% surcharge. We have friends in that neighborhood with limited mobility and eating issues, so if we go back to see them we'll probably come here. But, otherwise, for the price we paid I'd go somewhere else. read more

This had been our go-to neighborhood diner for over 20 yrs. We recently returned from a 10-yr job relocation to Europe. Going to Utopia was an annual treat during summer holidays, but this time I noticed some distinctly negative changes. Longtime waiters are gone. Staffing has been cut by half. It used to be a perfectly run operation where upon being seated you were given menus, water, asked whether you wanted coffee right away and quick follow-up to take your order. Today when we walked in and sat down we were given menus but no water, no coffee and a long time until our order was taken. We took the breakfast specials, which include juice and coffee refills, but they never brought the juices and after politely calling after the wait staff who zoomed past our table, I finally had to get up and ask the manager for coffee. The breakfasts were not worth the prices. Two eggs, potatoes and 2 pieces of toast was $11. Those formerly timely coffee refills never materialized I didn't feel like chasing down the manager for more coffee. What a disappointment! We are done. I'll not return. Times are tough but with service and value like this, I can't see how they'll make it. read more

The food is very good and the wait staff is very attentive. The owners are also friendly. It's a great place to get whatever you'd like to eat. If paying by credit card, please beware of the "check out surprise"...a 4% administrative fee is added to your bill. I just hope people don't reduce their tip to make up for it...the staff is great. read more

What to say? The jokes about "utopia" are too easy to make when it comes to this diner. A bold name for a not-so-bold place. It's a stand by in the UWS and the staff is friendly enough and it is a diner, so expectations aren't all that high, but blah. Decor: Eh. It's diner decor in the way you think of diners--as in pretty cheesy with a hint of uncleanliness. I mean, it could be worse and I am pretty sure I've seen worse, it's just that it is pretty-not-awesome. Service: The high point of Utopia. They are generally friendly, helpful and accommodating. Food: I've been here a few times with friends and I've tried a number of their dishes and I cannot say I've enjoyed anything. I disliked one of the omelettes had there, but it's been awhile, so I don't remember which type I had gotten. Their burgers are...passable. Their coffee is "eh". I can't really recommend anything. These days, I tend to just grab some fries with a friend when we are both in the area and need a place to sit while we catch up. It suffices in a pinch. read more

Had a breakfast and it was pretty bad. Scrambled eggs and potatoes were tasteless, turkey sausage was too greasy. Tiny juice was so bad we couldn't finish. Environment is noisy and messy. read more

Awesome, tasty, affordable. Hard to find a good diner these days but these guys are really great. Good customer service with hot fresh diner fare. read more

Utopia - Great sunlight in a Saturday afternoon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Being a regular at utopia for countless years, I have leaned on this diner and relied on it to suit my breakfast and lunch needs. Utopia is a solid place which is great for both small children and adults and has an elaborate menu which consists of anything from a burger to a healthy omlet. Despite its reliability, Utopia contains inconsistency in both service and food quality from time to time which has significantly damaged how much I come to the restaurant. For example, a meal can ranch anywhere from 15-50 minutes depending on the server and time of day. Even despite its recent disappointing performances, I still view utopia as a good spot to get a good quality and speedy breakfast or lunch. read more

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We've lived around the corner for the last year and just now tried Utopia for breakfast for the first time. I can easily see this place becoming our regular spot. The service was prompt, the cost was fair, the food was decent, and the coffee flowing... Don't expect anything trendy - just good food & good people. read more

Bacon was over cooked to the point is was like eating a potato chip. I gave my order then he asked my girlfriend "so same thing for you?" really bad vibe from that assuming she wanted the same thing. then rushed us through the entire process, threw the check down before we were done eating. rude I will never go to it again, better one on broadway near 79th on the right hand side. coffee taste burnt and watery.. read more

Last week after a doctors appointment on the Upper West Side, I went to Utopia Diner for breakfast. I am a big fan of diners in Manhattan so I always like to try a new one for comparison. All Manhattan diners offer a "Special Breakfast". The offering at Utopia was well below expectations. The scrambled eggs were done properly, but the potatoes were very overcooked and tough. The coffee was as usual for diner coffee, but when I asked for milk to add to my coffee, the waiter came with a pitcher of hot milk and filled up my then half empty cup to the top with milk. Very strange. Then the bill arrived at $10.80! With a $2.00 tip that came to $12.80 for a very mediocre breakfast. read more

I ate hear on a Sunday afternoon. The service was prompt and the place was busy but not too noisy. The people watching is great if you're next to the window with a lot of foot traffic right outside the 72nd and Amsterdamn subway stop. I had pancakes with bacon and it was perfect. I definitely recommend for some cheap eats. read more

Yuck. HAIR cooked right into the grilled food and no real apology from the staff or management. I think that says it all. (FWIW, they did recook the meal, but not my date's meal, so it was eat at different times or eat cold food. And when they brought out a new piece of salmon, it was a steak cut instead of the original filet cut and we couldn't eat it for all of the "pin bones" throughout.) Oh, and it isn't "diner" cheap. Stay far away. read more

The waiters are nice guys and the food is mediocre while overpriced even for the area. But I'm only bothering to write this review because I was utterly irritated by the 4% surcharge on credit cards. We're not talking under $5 or $10 dollars. I spent 28 bucks and was charge an annoying extra $1 on my bill. I did not take it out on the waiter's tip but I was thoroughly offended and told the manager so. I will never go back for this reason. It's a matter of principle. read more

This place had very poor atmosphere. They charged over $70 for 2 people (remember, this is a diner, after all). We ordered cocktails that we're still not convinced had any alcohol in them. I ordered fetuccini Alfredo with chicken. The Alfredo sauce was tasteless and I had to add tons of parmesan to get any flavor going. The chicken looked like it had been prepared for use in some orange chicken type dish at a Chinese takeout place. On top of everything else, they charged $3 to run a credit card. I didn't even know places still did this. The bodega around the corner doesn't even charge, so that's inexcusable. I would recommend going to the taco stand nearby for a tastier and more fairly-priced meal even though it has no seating (even if it was snowing). Just don't come to this place, unless you're into overpaying for untasty food. read more

I have not eaten here in awhile and walked into a warm environment both temperature and customer service. The spud were delicious and so was the patty melts!!! No WiFi though but still delicious read more

Very good and pleasant service. Food is average diner fare. Some dishes could be more tasty.

So I would have given this place 4 stars since I come here all the time on the weekends and bring all of my friends for the omelets.... But the only reason why I didn't is because of coming in today I found out something Appalling. I usually always order an egg white omelet with potatoes no toast --- and it's always delicious. The service is usually on point and I've never had any complaints. The turkey burger and sweet potato fries are AMAZING!!! But today I ordered my usual breakfast and asked for a side of avocado... Which I expected to pay maybe $2.50 for--- but the check comes and the side of avocado is $6.95!!!!! $7!!! For a side of avocado. I was appalled! I told them I could go across the street to Trader Joes and get 4 avocados for that price!!! .......... SO having said that...... I would definitely go back because I love the food and the food is good. BUT ..... The owners seriously need to rethink their pricing for sides. ON A POSITIVE NOTE - they took the avocado off of the check but It was still in my bag when I got home... So that was very nice of them to do, but note to the owner: a side of avocado should only be like 1/3 of an avocado or 1/2 at the most. I feel like what I got was WAY too much. So I would consider lowering your portions and your prices to like $2.50 for a side. read more

Utopia - My normal breakfast. Egg white only veggie omelet with hash browns and avocado. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Pretty expensive diner. But the food is good and the service is great. I will keep coming here for sure. It's about the same price as most diners in this neighborhood. Have eaten breakfast and dinner here. Both were great. We just moved to the neighborhood and we will sure to be going back. read more

My favorite neighborhood diner- great service and decent menu. Also, great burgers... BUT don't opt for delivery! I just did that, it took close to an hour, the order was wrong- I ordered a regular cheeseburger, they gave me a deluxe with fries ;-), no mayo or mustard sides, AND it was seriously overcooked and warm-ish. Dry and disappointing. But if you're eating in, you're fine. Just go elsewhere for delivery. read more

This used to be one of my favorite diners, with good food at reasonable prices. Returning tonight after a couple years, I found the prices way up and the quality way down. Hamburger Deluxe now $13. I ordered medium rare and it arrived overcooked and dry. Fríes came lukewarm and tough, as if they were sitting in the basket all afternoon. Mediocre Merlot, eight bucks. I mean, if a diner can't do a burger right, is the rest of the menu much further behind? AND, to top it all off, they charged me $0.89 for paying by credit card! The Utopia Diner is now the Dystopia Diner. Plenty of other dining alternatives on Amsterdam Avenue; pick one. read more

I am. Lifelong New Yorker and a grilled cheese sandwich fanatic. I can say with absolute certainty that the American Cheese grilled on multi grain bread is THE BEST available anywhere in NYC! read more

This is your typical, maybe archetypal New York coffee shop. I give this place an extra star for the service. Gruff but friendly with real concern for your meal. read more

Good and calm place to dine. The food is delicious and always presented as requested. Their service is excellent and very timely.

Of all my experiences of being seated stupidly fast in NY, Utopia was the first and perhaps the best, we were being shown to our seat before I was even fully through the door. Even better, it was a mini-booth 1-a-side special, my favourite! I spell favourite with a 'u'. I am English. Drinks were fast, and even though Utopia was jam packed, our server was with us in about 5 minutes and apologised for his tardiness. He was friendly and jovial and pretty much the kind of server I like. I ordered the choc chip pancakes and he seemed very pleased with my choice. As was I. I ate those pancakes like a mofo. Nice service, kitschy interior (it a little dated) and booths AND bar seating along with pretty good food for my first NYC diner experience? Done. read more

The food here is good, as in oily, greasy finger-licking good, service is friendly, and relatively fast (i think judging by the other reviews they are normally faster than they were when i went in which was fairly busy). I did however, and I hate to say it FIND A HAIR in my caesar salad wrap EKKKK. Yet the deliciousness of it all made up for that food nightmare and I would probably come back if the mood so struck me. read more

This is my go to place when I want to get a bite to eat on a lazy sunday when I go to the movies. Always a seat open at the bar. As usual a huge menu like any other diner; however, these waiters are fairly friendly and not the gruff ones that throw down your plate on the table. read more

This might be my favorite diner in the city. I've been here a few times and their operations are very consistent Incredible omelettes and French toast. Prices are fantastic for the city. Service is amazing. Constantly checking up on customers. Never get orders wrong. Their staff is incredibly pleasant. I'm constantly recommending this place to friends and they love it too. Highly recommend it. read more

Best diner in the area in my opinion. The food portions are quite generous, service is good and the prices are very reasonable. I am especially fond of the chocolate chip pancakes...mmm... read more

No stars for this ripoff joint. I ordered two egg whites, NOTHING else. No Toast. No potatoes. Nothing. They charged me $7.25 for two egg whites. When I questioned them about this, they told me that was the price for the egg platter with an extra dollar for the egg whites. The manager couldn't care less when I asked him if he thought he was charging a fair price for what I ordered. Fine. I paid it, but that will be the last time I eat in Utopia Diner. They know nothing about customer service and are nasty and overpriced. What a ripoff. Too bad I couldn't rate this place zero stars. read more

We were here for a week and have been back four times for breakfast because our kids love their chocolate chip pancakes. I've had bagel (good and cheap) and their Eggs Benedict which was perfect the first time but, despite perfectly chewy english muffin, tasty Canadian bacon and abundant hollandaise, the eggs were under poached half the time. I give it 4 stars for overall performance, convenience and variety. read more

What can be said about Utopia? It's a typical diner. There's nothing horrible about the food, and there's nothing great about the food, either. You order it, it's served to you, relatively warm. The fries aren't horrible, but the burgers aren't assembled with love. You won't find anything out of the ordinary on the menu, but it's priced right up the middle for the area. I realize this is not a city of refills, but honestly if you're going to give me an 8oz glass of soda for 2.50 and charge me for every refill when you have a soda fountain clearly in view, just give me a fucking can of soda and call it a day. read more

I usually like to read yelp reviews, but last night we were out and hungry and since my boyfriend and I have stone-age phones without internet, we tried this place without a review. it was great! I had a wrap and he had breakfast for dinner -- pancakes, eggs, etc. Really great service, everyone was so friendly. It's funny the review below mine mentions an amazing waitress -- we had her, she was SOOO wonderful! Very sweet and friendly. will definitely go again, even though we live far away! read more

Bloody bloody bloody. This is my latest word on their latest burger, real time and not many are coming in. For those wishing a gastronomical delight, bloody, bloody, bloody. And us sitting near the window in prime real estate of Manhattan, declares regardless of funds or location, you need quality to tempt the fainted hearted or more the forbearing pleas of a midsummer night's dream. "Though she be but little, she is fierce." Bloody, bloody, bloody steak. And pickles with the iceberg lettuce. Upper West Side Elites obviously want it gone as it tarnishes the pristine image of their marketing and so do the other as they believe Utopia can get away in the Upper West Side. Utopia is more like purgatory and the Upper West Side is a veneer of a utopia. "I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody." read more

Very disappointing. Came here because of good review about corned beef hash and had a decidedly bad breakfast. Corned beef hash tasted like mush,barely warmed out of a can, and potatoes were not even completely cooked. read more

Wonderful Breakfast was had here! The service is great, prompt and punctual! They are friendly and get the job done. We ordered the Eggs Benedict and also some Pancakes. We could have easily just eaten the Eggs Benedict by themselves, because it was a hearty portion. The Pancakes were delicious and looked and tasted homemade. Very Very good food here! Will definitally go back and the prices are extremely reasonable. Our meal came under $20. read more

A friend and I met here today to have a bite and chat. We each got breakfast and coffee and once we were done, we were kicked out of our seats to seat other customers. The staff is totally rude and there was a pube on the salt shaker. Disgusting people. Stay away! read more

Typical American diner. Good pancakes and great service!

It is a diner. The food is good and not too expensive (for Manhattan). The waiter was helpful. The food arrived quickly. Will be back.