Montague Diner — Restaurant in New York

I remember Happy Days Diner, that was my go to spot almost every week. I miss the old staff, they were nice. And one of waiters knew who I was, so when I came in he'd say "the special". He knew my order by heart. Anyhow so passing by a few days ago I saw it has been renovated to a new name. The seats, outside seats, and counter seats were in the same position just a different color, the kitchen was the same, the bathrooms were changed a bit, different sink and floors and a "fancy" ish looking door. The entire diner has a dim setting. It was a nice Friday night I was in the area so I decided to stop in. I was greeted nicely and waited for a table to be cleaned, which took less than 5 seconds. After a few minutes I was greeted by a waitress named Kayla R. Her facial expression gave me a weird vibe, she seemed annoyed to be either serving a Black African American customer or just hates her job. I didn't pay it no mind tho, I was very pleasant and nice towards her. There was a little confusion with my order but she fixed the problem which I thanked her for. The whole night I was quiet minding my business because I was tired. She barely came to check in to see if I needed anything else. I did see her acting a little more nicely with customers who was the same complexion as her. Anyway when I was done, she just assumed I was ready to pay. So I asked her if I can see the menu again, so I can look over the desserts. Instead of bringing it she just said verbally what was available. Again her attitude was stink and nasty. When I told her the dessert I want she came back said "here you go" and threw my spoon on the table. So I called her and said "you dropped my spoon". She had the nerve to say "ok, I'm sorry you're having a bad night". So I'm like wth? I asked her if she had a problem specifically with me because I've noticed her attitude all night, she had bad energy. I've been really nice to her. And the way she was standing over me felt like she was going to do something. Trust me if she wanted that to happen, things could have turn left really quick. So I asked her again for a spoon, she went back, shaking her head and talking to another co worker who wasn't in uniform but wearing glasses. I don't know what her problem is really but she shouldn't be treating people especially Black African American customers that way. She eventually bought back another spoon with a napkin nicely and said "sorry about that". Her face was fixed like a bullfrog all night, but I ignored her, she's not important to me. But Kayla R. darling, you need to accept all races and work on your people skills or simply quit your job. Your attitude is disgusting and you seem unhappy working there. Overall the food was delicious, the other staff was...

Who said the diner was dead? This spot is for real! I rolled in with no expectations, said I was going to try some "diner staples" and figure out if this spot is legit. (Mind you it was dinner time so wasn't getting eggs). Started with mozz stix. How often is one impressed by stix these days at any establishment? (88:1 on FanDuel your answer is "always"). Yeah well you played yourself. These were amazing. Rarely impressed by stix but these were for sure never frozen and tasted like I made fresh mozz in the back of the spot and deep fried on my own. Yes they were amazing!

Order buff wings at a diner? Never. No "real" New Yorker will ever do this. What did the new York owners of this spot do? They bucked the trend. Try to find 1 bar in that hood that does better wings. Challenge. None such exist. Not even within 6 miles (yeah that's you downtown nyc) In a city where buff wings are rapidly becoming unimpressive, these stood out. Spicy and tasty (but not too spicy) crispy on outside and cooked to perfection on inside. Well played ... Next: Have to try the grilled cheese of cours?!?!?......Oh snap, I'm with a few friends and of course can't share a GC, what should I do? Well, welcome to MD (yeah that's Montague Diner hashtag crowd) where they have a massive GC on challah or Texas toast or something. Simple. Perfect. Amazing. 7 So my friend said he wanted the roasted chicken for last dish. I knew I wanted the tuna melt as that's the last diner staple I had yet to try. He was insistent and I was feeling accommodating so I said let's order both as I knew one would be disappointing (obviously that being the chicken as who orders a roasted chicken from a diner) Tuna melt was perfect as I expected. Proper tuna to mayo ratio with perfect bread and no crappy 🍅 slice to make my bread soggy (yes you can get tomato if you wish). Then I try the chicken. Do I love chix? Am I chix snob who is never happy with tasteless dry $48 "farm" chicken at these fancy NYC spots? Yes to both. Was this half roasted chicken cooked to perfection and super juicy? Yes it was...... No lie. Chicken was amazing

Someone ordered the pasta with sausage and broccolini which was solid but not amazing. Sorry pasta, the other 6 dishes we had set the bar too high. Just being honest to the review crowd.

All else was amazing. Liquor license always was appreciated. Another reity for a diner....

This will be a diner where the 2024 opening will be discussed for years to come. Facts. Go there. Will be shocked if anyone can dispute this review. Also just googled it as I wrote this and seems as though this address was always a diner. Well done. Makes one appreciate it even more ....

Thanks for bringing the OG diner back MD crew. You have saved a...

Edit to the owners comment below - I worked in everything from lower end pizza shops to fine dining for 11 years. I know canned food and cheap products when I see them because I worked with them day in and day out. You want to cope and whine when you get a bad review on overpriced canned food and burnt Latkes, it doesn't make me look bad bud. Do better with your overpriced establishment

Can't recommend this place, or, why this place was as busy as it was.

My review won't be of service and wait time because it was the holiday weekend and all things are out of whack during those times.

To put it bluntly, this Diner is ridiculously overpriced. Worst I've ever seen anywhere, and given the quality and portions, has 0 business demanding these prices. Borderline insulting to me as a consumer given I worked in the industry for years.

All main Meals are effectively $17 w/o homefries, which is $7 side order up charge, so if you want a full breakfast with poatoes and meat, it will run you between $24-$28 after tip for 2 eggs, toast, some small amount of meat and potatoes.

One of our guests ordered the burger; $28 for a single patty, wonder bread sesame bun, some veggies and a handful of frozen fries.

My girlfriend and I ordered Corn Beef and Hash with Eggs and Toast. $17 for Hormel Canned Corn Beef, Bagged Toast and two snotty eggs.

The Latkes were the most offensive. They were just shredded potato strips with egg and some flour binding them. Not to mention Overcooked/burned, flavorless. That was also $17 for 3 of them, which came with sour cream and motts apple sauce.

Milkshake was the best thing they had, but again, it was small, and costs $8. More Milk and Ice than Ice Cream

After all was said and done, the bill came to $120 after tip for 3 and processed small meals, mediocre service, and insanely long wait time (hour and a half for 3 people). We left hungry and with a much lighter wallet for our trouble.

Only thing this place has going for it is a good vibe, great classic looking space and a bustling group of people who clearly like this place for reasons I don't understand.

Crossing this one off the list for future trips. Do...