Yesterday morning, Sunday March 6th, we decided to order in. My wife called Utopia Diner and placed two orders of French toast, one with turkey sausage. I heard her ask, "Please make sure the turkey sausage is fresh." She mentioned this because at least twice before, the sausage that had come with our meal was shriveled or old and could not be eaten. Our order took about 45 minutes to arrive but that was ok. We knew it was a late Sunday morning and they were probably busy. As my wife was removing our food from the containers, she called me into our kitchen to take a look at our order. I observed that the two orders of French toast were burnt. It's not the first time the order has been overcooked but this time, one order was literally black on both sides of the bread. I told her that we couldn't eat the food that was delivered and she agreed to call and ask for a replacement. As she described the condition of the food that was delivered, I heard the person from the restaurant say "You are always complaining about something, I will send another order this last time and don't order from us again." My wife looked shocked and asked, "What did we complain about last time?" He stated that we had called to complain that our food was once delivered to the wrong building. The doorman from the building across the street had to call for us to come and get it. He also said that she keeps complaining about the sausage. We couldn't believe what he had said and when she tried to respond, he hung up on her. I threw on some clothes and walked to the diner which was less than three blocks from us but since having back surgery two months ago, walking was not the easiest of tasks. I asked for the manager and was directed to a man who identified himself as "Mike." Mike stated that my wife always "complained" that she wanted fresh sausage, and she has previously complained a couple of times that the there was a problem with our order. I had to ask Mike if his restaurant was not an establishment where people paid to have food prepared the way they wanted. I also asked if he knew the difference between a request and a complaint. He was dismissive. He said that he never hung up on my wife, he was just busy. He repeated that he was tired of hearing her complain about the turkey sausage. At the same time he admitted that the sausage may not have been sent in the best condition at least once or twice, and that he wrote down the wrong address that's why the food was delivered to the wrong building. He really blew my mind when I asked him if today's complaint was unwarranted and he stated "You said both orders of French toast were burnt but only one order was burnt." So in his mind, his justification for sending inedible food was that some of the food, in his opinion, was edible. Instead of apologizing, he blamed my wife for calling to complain. Some of the customers who were seated nearby, kept shaking their heads in disbelief. I realized that Mike was never going to admit that he was wrong. So I told him that he seriously needed to work on his customer service skills. I then walked out of the restaurant. When I got home, my wife joked about getting money to bail me out of jail but thanked me for defending her honor. She knew I would handle the matter respectfully. My final message to Mike is that in my opinion, there is a difference between a request when placing an order and complaining. Even if he doesn't agree with how an order is placed, he should remember that he works in the service industry. I am not saying that anyone should disrespect you or your employees, which was certainly not the issue today. If the order is wrong or the quality is poor, just apologize and offer a refund or exchange. read more

This diner is a few blocks from Central Park. I liked the sandwich as a main course, and a piece of chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

This is somewhere you should NOT go. We had the clam chowder (floury and flavorless), a turkey BLT wrap (so dry you cannot open your mouth after taking a bite), and a special chicken sandwich where the chicken was so chewy that my boyfriend had to spit it out. Our meal was, to say the least, the most disappointing diner experience I have had in 5 years of living in NYC. Additionally, the staff was incredibly rude. The man clearing tables grumbled at my boyfriend to sit differently and not cross his legs, as so to preserve the pristine vinyl booths in this tacky atmosphere. Giving two stars because they had all gender (albeit TINY) restrooms. read more

This place must be avoided. Unless you like mediocre diner food and underwhelming customer service. I placed my order and literally called back the waiter to change it and he said "was already on Grill sorry". I had ordered pancakes and omelette, so it seems their grill should be on Ussain Bolt speed tournaments. So disappointed. I'm usually a diner hunter because I love American food the "old way", but this one is a fake. It is in a very nice location and seating was almost instant but what a shame they can't make up on the actual reason people visit them : to freaking eat and be served " Will not be coming back and surely not advising any of my acquaintances to do so. Waste of space. read more

This was the worst meal at a diner I've ever had. The soup tasted old and soggy. The chicken melt again tasted very off. The pickles tasted off. The yogurt sauce for the chicken soulvaki was curdled and tasted bad. We left feeling nauseous with a 48 dollar bill for nastiness. read more

Was looking for a simple diner style breakfast and we found it here. Eggs, bacon, corned beef hash and fried potatoes. The staples of a diner breakie. Staff was super friendly and very quick. read more

If this is Utopia, I'm not feelin' it. My nine year old son and I ended up here because he said he didn't want to eat fancy. And boy did he mean it! We ordered two roast beef and swiss on rye sandwiches and one was worse then the next. We were so hungry so we ate part of it. We shared the silver dollar pancakes and it was flat, pale and half-cooked. Oh and yes, it tasted worse than an actual silver dollar. We weren't going to take home our leftovers but a gentleman, in a wheelchair with no legs, was begging right outside by the door of the restaurant. The host of the restaurant went out and asked the man what he wanted and we witnessed him give the beggar a cup of coffee. Pretty nice guy and it made me want to like this place. Maybe the regular short-order cook had the day off. Who knows?!?! Notwithstanding, someone enjoyed the rest of our meal and at least has a full belly. read more

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My family has loved Utopia for years and it was nice to get there again. We had breakfast, bagel and lox - comes with a big square of fresh cream cheese and a very generous portion of lox. Bagel was toasted perfectly and I enjoyed every bite. My friend ordered the Greek omelet and I got to enjoy some of it too. She said it was very tasty but could have had a bit more cheese in it. Service here is fast and terrific, Jordan was friendly and enthusiastic. We wanted to try the Challah French Toast and he suggested he being it for dessert, what a great idea, it was wonderful! read more

Utopia - Greek omelet with hash browns - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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If you are looking for an old-school diner, check this place out. I never even realized this was in the UWS till I had brunch with friends here. The staff seems to know their regulars so you get that small-town feel and the menu is definitely very old school but they have gluten-free bread! I got a BLT with fries, and the portion was smaller than I expected but lootttssss of fries. If you want that diner feel, I would check this place out. read more

I must say it was great to see a real diner. Real Greek run nyc diner with the Greek owners actually there managing, hustling, greeting and chatting with guests. Really made you feel welcome. Friendly and helpful servers, I think mine was named Jorge. Our burgers were hot and yummy. I had the Italian burger. Pretty yummy. Fresh basil leaves and generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Service was prompt and servers were attentive and treated folks respectfully. I would definitely come back and recommend this place to folks. Menu had a lot of variety! Adorable decorations for thanksgiving. read more

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This is one of those places where "it is what it is." We came here for a quick dinner one night before heading to the Beacon Theatre for a show and since it seemed like the only place on the UWS that didn't have a wait, we decided to stop in and get a table for 2. As soon as we were seated, we were almost immediately brought water and asked if we were ready to order. The menu is pretty straightforward and you get what you ask for basically, but that's all that it was.. was just okay. I ordered one of the dinner specials which was all in the $20-30 price range but came with soup and some dishes came with a small side salad. It was nothing to write home about, and even writing this review - there isn't much to rant or rave because everything was "just okay." Prices were high but I attribute that to its location being right off the 72nd ave subway stop in the upper west side. Overall, the service was quick and efficient and everything came out as fast as I could have asked for, but I'd recommend coming here only if you really do have to be in and out of here quick and just want to get a quick bite. read more

Utopia - Moussaka dinner special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

The final straw was when I got chicken broth and two small matzo balls for $8. Like this is joke right?? I already had a sh it day but this really topped it off read more

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Had a thoroughly lovely meal here. The wait staff was fantastic. They were always available and attentive without being intrusive. They made us feel welcomed. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone. The food was very good. We enjoyed among us, a sirloin steak, a turkey burger and a Greek salad. Portions were generous. No possible room for desert read more

My favourite neighborhood diner - it's so close to the 72nd St subway too! It's classic diner food, big portions, and sometimes it's just what you want read more

We had the worst dinner ever at the Utopia Diner. I ordered the roast chicken and it arrived both pink inside and dry as a bone. Sides arrived later and were equally unpleasant. My husband ordered the spinach pie and it was so dry and sad looking that he couldn't even eat it. We both made do with our salads and now know never to go back to this place. The waiter was totally unapologetic and said that most patrons like the spinach pie crispy. Well, it was burnt on top and soggy all over. Really bad food. read more

So good! Steven and I stumbled upon this before dance club earlier this week and our thirst, and obsession, for a good diner was quenched. I got the grilled portobello mushroom salad and Steven got the Santa Fe chicken salad + the mushroom barley soup special. We were so full and so pleased. The service was speedy and the portions are massive; I didn't finish my salad... Great neighborhood gem! read more

service was nice but the food was actually disgusting, me and my friend both got french toast and neither of us could finish it. it tasted like freezer and bell pepper?? and the eggs were burnt. for what you're getting you're better off going elsewhere because the prices are outrageous, i've had absolutely delicious breakfast for the same price as this place read more

Love it here! They are always so friendly and their service is super speedy. I love coming here for their delicious burgers and breakfast items. read more

Went for brunch and it was really good. They were quick to bring out the appetizers and also quick with bringing the main dish. We're very attentive to when refills were needed for the mimosas/sangria. Very great taste in the food and options given. read more

Nasty food. Expensive prices. Really nice people. The food here was really bad! Perhaps I grew up a spoiled New Yorker - always eating great food- but I am shocked that a restaurant with such a great location, not to mention environment (its hard to find such cozy diners in Manhattan) would serve such dishes. I ordered a wrap and mozzarella sticks. The wrap was gross. The mozzarella sticks burnt. I returned my plate practically untouched but I didn't protest when I got the check - the people here were nice and I had a sad feeling they might be out of a job soon. read more

I WISH I COULD PUT NO STARS. The worst diner food i have ever had and it HURT my bank account. The milkshakes were milk and sugar, it was milk w no shake. The french toast was flavorless and overall terrible. The chicken tenders were gross and didn't even look right. Overall I feel like i got scammed. Will never be eating here again. read more

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The service was fast but perfunctory. The food was surprisingly weak. I ordered the Caesar Salad. The menu said their dressing was "famous." I do not think that word applies here. It looked and tasted like it was prepared by someone who doesn't know how a Caesar Salad should look or taste. I've had better Caesar salads at a gas station. I cannot recommend this place, unless you are in a hurry and aren't picky about flavor. read more

Whenever my friend and I are on the UWS for one of the movie theaters in the area we tend to have dinner at Utopia. Unlike most everything else in the area I don't need to see a loan officer before dining here. The place itself is as old school Manhattan diner as it gets, think the diner in Seinfeld, that kind of look. The decor is wonderfully tacky with vinyl booths and autographed head shots by the counter. On a recent trip I decided to check them out and I have no idea who any of the people were so if you are trying to get a lil exposure and have a head shot sign it for them and they will hang it up. The customers are as NY local as it gets, not a tourist trap. One trip here an old lady sat there ssssshhhing everyone who raised their voice an octave. On my visit last night I got better celeb gossip from the gay couple on the next table than TMZ could offer! The food is good diner food. I have had quite a few things off the menu and never been let down. Decent burgers and good sandwiches. A particular fave of mine is the Falafel platter which is a few nice sized falafels, hommus, baba ganoush, pita pieces and a small Greek salad. All are done better than you would think from a diner. Last night I had a Tuscan Wrap which was grilled chicken, roasted peppers,arugula and tomatoes in a wrap. It came with very crispy fries, a lil cup of cole slaw and a pickle. The service is always fast and very efficient so if you have a movie time you have to meet they will get you there. read more

Utopia - Tuscan Chicken Wrap - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Came here late on a weekend for a no fuss meal. Straight up diner food at reasonable (for the area) prices and no wait. Between two people, shared the Greek Omelet ($12) and Buttermilk Pancakes ($10). The omelet is LARGE - stuffed with feta, spinach, tomatoes, onions - just needed a little hot sauce. Dish also comes with potatoes, crisped and warm. The pancake stack was three high, and served with bananas and syrup. Pancakes are your solid fare; dark brown and fluffy. Service is fast and got to enjoy our booth seating in peace. No frills spot; no frills food. read more

Utopia - Greek omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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I wish I could leave an even higher review than 5 stars. My parents and I met for a meal and Alex (our waiter) and George (the manager on duty) could not have taken better care of us. The food was all delicious but as importantly the service was caring, patient, and above all else sweet. Best avocado I've eaten in New York side note - throw it on the Chef Salad! My Dad will be eating here before shows at the Beacon; as will I when I'm in the area. Couldn't recommend this higher. read more

If you like pretty good service but terrible food please come here. The waiters here have always been good, but the food has been going downhill for awhile. I recently ate here, and ordered the silver dollar pancakes. Well, I didn't actually think they would taste worse than an actual silver dollar. They clearly were not made fresh, and were just sitting in the back on a warmer, yet somehow were not warm. They were hard and frankly, they were far larger than a silver dollar. I guess the logic here is, let's give them a ton of very horrible pancakes. This place is overpriced garbage, and you can clearly find better food elsewhere. To top it off, they charge you a....SWIPING FEE! So if you pay with a credit card, it is an extra 4%. Be smart and just raise the price slightly of your already overpriced menu items. STAY AWAY read more

We visited this place for lunch several times in the past. Yesterday it was the last one. I could not recollect the restaurant where food is worse than here. My advice to tourists and NYC residents: avoid. Any place will be better than this. read more

Perfect NY dinner. The staff could not be nicer. And the food really honors the tradition of good unpretentious dinners. A secure good choice! read more

Great food and friendly, honest and old-fashion hospitality are some of the reasons that make Utopia a great restaurant. For these reasons, it has built a loyal customer-base of local residents who come here regularly as my fiancé and I do on weekends. They have a huge selection on their menu and even if you don't find what you're looking for, ask and they'll make it for you just as long as it's reasonable. read more

Utopia - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

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Service people have had bad attitudes and rolled their eyes every time my husband asked for something. Tiny glass of orange juice is 6 bucks. Food is mediocre and occasionally somewhat burned. I feel like two stars is generous. read more

Utopia - Tiny glass of orange juice costs double the cost of unlimited coffee. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Utopia is a friendly neighborhood diner with decent food and huge portions. We went here for brunch and the omelettes were big enough for me to bring back home and make another meal out of it. There are too many places in NYC for me to say Utopia is a regular spot for me, but it's good if you want standard, All-American food without any surprises or frills. read more

I ordered dessert galore, namely both a strawberry milkshake (which was delicious and I devoured in less than 30 seconds) and a Banana Sundae. The latter was my bad. You legitimately need two people to finish it. And I epicly food coma'd out and didn't finished it. But looking at the burgers and sandwiches that the rest of the people in my party got, it seemed pretty solid. Nothing spectacular though. It's also pretty pricey for the quality of the food. But they at least give you a good quantity! If I'm hungry and in the area, I might stop by for some food. But I definitely would not go out of my way for this place. read more

Very nice renovation. Good diner food . Pleasant and efficient service. Surprise at the register- 3% service charge on credit cards . NO warning or notification. Disappointed in the attitude odd the "cashier "when I mentioned it he responded-"I will void it for cash " . PS- I left a nice cash tip for the waiter. read more

solid choice for a nabe diner. Better and a bit cheaper than Viand. Big menu quick and friendly service. Id give a 3.5 if I could

Absolutely terrible service. I walked in on an empty dinner Jordan approached me and he refused to sit at a bigger table meanwhile 5 min later a customer walks in and seats at any table and without any problem they bring a menu. I asked can I please sit at bigger table I wanted to do some work on my computer. Nope he said I can't do it. Very disappointed to be treated like that. Been here for an hour none of the seats were taken. The food is ok nothing different from other diners. Never will return here read more

Ugh. Not great, but apparently open all the time. The coffee is horrendous. There are autographed pictures on the wall of people that neither you nor I nor anyone in their right mind has ever heard of. But the staff are really nice, and just for being open and nearby, they get one more than the absolute lowest rating. I had the "California" omelet, which sounded good but wasn't. At all. (But it's huge and can feed like 6 people.) Tip: be drunk, ready to eat; take what you get and deal with it. (From my July 2010 experience.) read more

Ya, so this is your classic NYC diner - the type with that standard 20 page lol menu with the same stuff as every other diner with all those stock photos of pancakes, burgers, and omelets. Yet, this place is very old fashioned and out dated. You are walking into the 70s or 80s. The wallpaper, tables, etc. are all old. Also, I am not obese, nor is my roommate, but neither of us could hardly fit in the booth. The end of the tables are glued or fixed onto the wall? The table was either pushed up against my chest or my roommate's. I guess they do this to fit in more booths. Lastly, the pricing is way too high here. I get a bit of an increase because this is in the Upper West Side, but the prices are even higher that that. Example - Chicken Tenders with Fries on a plate is $15. That doesn't include a drink. I can't say how the food tastes as we left after seeing the prices. read more

Average food, not bad but not great. Service was very fast, but was also rushed. Only two servers were on a decently busy floor. My server was a friendly guy, though, so that's good. I got a south of the border grilled chicken sandwich deluxe. Comes with fries and onion rings, pretty standard stuff going on here. A decent place to stop if you need what a Manhattan diner provides. Prices are standard for the neighborhood but high compared to normal restaurants anywhere but NYC. read more

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This "was" a staple of the WestSider eatery's in the day. Unfortunately, like many this place has joined the ranks of the slop house or better said, over priced Slop house. The food is only surpassed in decay by the service. Please take the time to view my photo of Moussaka which in the opinion of the writer bares a striking resemblance to dog food. To too bad, we use to lothe place, now we pray for a new owner or at least a new cook. read more

Utopia - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New York, New York

Emerging from the subway station we noticed this place and decided to walk over, check it out. I noticed they had many "Breakfast Specials" and decided to give it a shot. Looking at the menu closer, I found their prices to be high. The Challah French toast with bacon was around $14 (no eggs). My fresh squeezed orange juice came in something that looked like a shot glass. I found the French toast to be "OK". It seemed like glorified Skillet Texas toast. The bacon was good and the coffee wasn't anything to rave about. My hefty check was especially frustrating when walking down the street I saw the same Challah French toast for less than $5 at another eatery! On the plus side, I noticed almost everyone is greeted, our waiter was so friendly and happy. The majority of people who came in seem to be regulars and the diner knows all of them. It was definitely a nice, friendly neighborhood feel type of place. When paying the check the young guy helping us was also very sweet, offering candy and a genuine smile. So basically, the food is OK, not great, the prices are a little high, but a good Go To diner if you live in the area. If I focus on the Pro's it's definitely the down to earth friendliness here. I have a feeling that's why this place was full and stayed full our entire time and the main reason I would return. 3.5 Stars :-) read more