Surprisingly there are a few places with diner type of food and prices for $6 -$14 dollars for a meal. Sylvia's and Amy Ruth all have platters at diner price points but are probably viewed as tourist attractions by many or unhealthy because of the southern food angle. A breakfast of sausage and two eggs is $6.50 at Sylvia's but most folks probably do not think to go to the notable tourist attraction for a regular meal. The interior also tries to be a bit too formal for a regular visit. Basically it all comes down to packaging. Diner food is definitely not healthy but more for comfort and an approachable environment. This comfort appeal trumps all health concerns and people generally go to them regularly because they feel more accessible in a day to day fashion.
Since some eateries uptown already have these diner price points, then why the lack of diners? It might be the case that these moderately priced business have long term leases and deep roots in the community that help them keep monthly rents low. New businesses have considerably higher rents and would have to charge more because of that fact. To make the monthly overhead, newer establishments are now heavily dependent on liquor licenses. Another point to note is that classic diners are also often multi-generational with family members working the business to help with the monthly upkeep.
So if any large families out there with restaurant experience wants to open a diner, than Harlem is ready. Just have a connection with the landlord or own your building to insure prices stay reasonable. Also have a casual, somewhat retro interior preferably with a classic service bar and stools in the layout. It does not have to be as intricately planned as Harlem Shake and can be on the smaller side also. Just get the decent food at a fair price down and folks will come.
I think the NY diner is so desirable as it somehow makes a neighborhood complete. The closest we have is Café Latte which offers the best of a diner with a restaurant ambiance.
ReplyDeleteI counted eight Jimbo’s Hamburgers in greater Harlem, these have the classic counter and can serve hearty breakfast from the griddle. They are a little down market compared to the encyclopedic menus of downtown diners but they seem to be surviving in the new Harlem. I think this proves there is room in Harlem for something in between a French Bistro and Jimbo’s Hamburgers. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHarlem desperately needs more neighborhood restaurants where locals can just drop in for a good (preferably nutritious, non-deep-fried, gravy-covered) meal without having to pay the high prices of destination venues like Red Rooster. I fear the high rents make it unlikely, though, for all the reasons you state.
ReplyDeleteDiners have decent economics, despite low price points and little to no revenue from booze. Unlike most restaurants, they truly do serve all day and usually have a decent crowd from early morning to late night. They turn diners over quickly. And most of the ingredients are cheap (eggs, flour, american cheese) etc. and non perishable. A diner needs volume though and needs to be located where it can get volume. That space that was supposed to be "honeycomb burgers" would be great ...
ReplyDeleteMargie's Red Rose Diner on 144th & FDB is still open with great food - Margie's daughter runs it now.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIt also comes down to organic food being served as well as better ingredients being used which is much more expensive and having to pay higher rents and higher salaries – so charging $6.50 for eggs is almost impossible to do now.
Don't forget that Harlem Shake now serves breakfast - at good prices - and with all those windows is a great place to people watch while reading the morning paper.
ReplyDeleteAll of Manhattan is high rent and there are great diners everywhere but Harlem. Especially central Harlem. Someone who opens up a real diner, like the Greeks have would make a mint in Harlem!
ReplyDeleteI love diners and have also often wondered when one would come to Harlem. I do believe it has a lot to do with diners being multigenerational.
ReplyDeleteJap's Diner has been around since forever and is the last of original Harlem diners. St. Nick between 115/116, across from 1st Corinthian, open from 6am to 3pm only.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Harlem Shake is way too expensive for burgers etc.. We need a real diner that serves inexpensive food no matter what time of day it is.
ReplyDeleteWe recently moved to Harlem from the Village, and like it a lot. That said, we would love to find a diner. Harlem Shake's burgers are small and pricey. Ottomanelli's on 111th & 5th is better for burgers. Need some good Chinese restaurants too.
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