Hands down one of my local favs, The Diner on Clifton at West 117^th, draws a diverse mix of people while offering great comfort food at competitive prices. 

Reminiscent of a 1950’s style diner only due to the patent red leather booths, dining bar with stools, open kitchen, and big splashes of chrome adorning the décor, this little corner diner has a comprehensive menu of casual dining fare. 

Since my move to Lakewood last year, I have visited The Diner at least 25 times; I have tried over half their menu items and never been disappointed.  In fact, I’ve been pretty impressed with the high quality of food this cozy spot pumps out.  There aren’t too many places where you can get a good old-fashioned malt anymore, but The Diner is one of them – and they are delish.

Saturdays and Sundays get very busy at The Diner during their breakfast hours that last until 2pm.  Whipping up delectable omelettes, fantastic scrambles, and Diner specials like their chorizo sausage and egg breakfast burrito, and their fabulous French toast on French bread, it is not surprising that breakfast at The Diner is packed with loyal, repeat customers including families, friends, couples, and seniors.  This is definitely a place everybody can agree upon. 

Appetizers are pretty standard, but you are guaranteed to love whatever you get.  Their most unique, and my personal favorite, appetizer, is the lemon-pepper pita chips. The chips are skillfully baked and seasoned.  They are wonderfully crispy, but still maintain that thick pita integrity, which is why I always order a side of hummus to use for dipping.

For a nice and dark, and full of “stuff” salad, The Diner’s Mesculin Salad with chicken is mouthwatering.  Tossed with fresh mesculin greens and honey-balsamic vinaigrette, this sweet salad features Gorgonzola, red onions, and pecans.  By adding the chicken breast for a mere dollar, this salad could easily serve as a healthy, balanced lunch.

The sandwich/wrap portion of the menu is impressive and everything is a good choice.  Just to list a few special ones, their Manhattan Turkey Reuben is always stacked to perfection and delectable paired with The Diner’s sweet potato fries; the Santa Fe Chicken Wrap is spiced up with roasted corn-blackbean relish, a jalapeno-cheddar tortilla, salsa, and guacamole; The Diner Dog is comfort food-central with its chili, cheddar, and red onion topping oozing all over the all-beef kosher dog; and Heather’s Wrap is a unique recipe combining shaved turkey, bacon, cheddar, garlic mayo, and the secret ingredient – potato salad!

And now for the hearty portion of your dining experience.  The center of The Diner’s menu is dedicated to full entrees and “Hot Favorites.”  Entrees like Spinach Gnocchi served in a Gorgonzola cream sauce and Honey-Dijon Glazed Pork Chops taste exactly as good as they sound. 

The Hot Favorites section features comfort food such as a Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Hot Meatloaf served open-faced on sourdough (this is not your mother’s meatloaf, unless she was a chef), and my favorite, the Chicken Pot Pie topped with a great, flaky pastry crust.