Want to pair some vintage yesteryear vibes with the perfect all-American breakfast? If so then run, don’t walk, to some of the best diners in Brooklyn.
After all, I’m a 30+ year New York City local who knows exactly where to go to get the best omelet, chicken and waffles, and pancakes that Brooklyn has to offer.
But, the best part? These low-key eateries are super budget-friendly and still managge to serve up some of the best food that Brooklyn has to offer…period.
So, whether you’re after an amazing early morning breakfast or need something super greasy to help you nurse that killer hangover, this list of the best Brooklyn diners of all time has got you covered.
Yup, there really are some egg-selent (see what I did there?) picks here for the best diners Brooklyn has to offer.
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🕒 In a rush and haven’t booked your accommodation in Brooklyn yet? I highly recommend Hampton Inn Manhattan-Seaport. It’s right across the river, is affordable and has a cool vibe!🕒
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Brooklyn
Not sure where to stay and what hotels are best when enjoying all the top diners Brooklyn has to offer?
If so then check out my handy local’s guide to the best places to stay in the entire area.
Because no matter what your budget is there really is a perfect hotel for you tucked away inside this incredible borough.
Then afterward, use all that money you saved on accommodations to shop at some of the best thrift stores in Brooklyn.
Aloft New York Brooklyn (Budget)
⭐️ Rating: 6/10 (902 Reviews) Price: $315 per night 📍Location: 216 Duffield Street, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
If you’re short on cash but are still looking for an epic place to stay then book a room at Aloft New York Brooklyn. After all, it’s right near the Hoyt subway station and offers plush accommodations that include flat-screen TVs, walk-in showers, and ergonomic chairs. You’ll also love that there’s an indoor pool and a rooftop bar here too.
Hampton Inn Manhattan-Seaport-Financial District (Mid-range)
⭐️ Rating: 7.9/10 (1,302 Reviews) Price: $256 per night 📍Location: 320 Pearl Street, Wall Street – Financial District, New York, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Okay, I know this place isn’t in Brooklyn but it’s legit right across the river in Manhattan. Plus, it has a chilled out vibe that makes it the perfect place to hang out. After all, rooms are well-priced rooms and feature wifi, customized beds, flat-screen TVs, and more. A sumptuous breakfast is also included with your stay, as is access to an on-site gym.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Luxury)
⭐️ Rating: 8.2/10 (651 Reviews) Price: $662 per night 📍Location: 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Situated right in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this swank five-star hotel has industrial-chic decor and rooms outfitted with Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, etc Just don’t leave without hitting up their epic rooftop bar and taking in the sweeping views from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Bensonhurst
1. Mike’s Diner of Brooklyn
Mike’s Diner of Brooklyn specializes in golden diner staples as well as Greek plates and sweet treats too.
So, the menu is pretty dang vast with a solid selectiong of burgers, hot open sandwiches, egg-based dishes, and waffles.
Meanwhile, their “odds and ends” menu will appease any lighter eaters out there who still want to enjoy the best diners in Brooklyn.
After all, this section of the menu features supersoft English muffins, gluten-free bagels, and various other things.
Truth be told, if you’re struggling to decide, Mike’s is the best diner in Brooklyn for Greek grub since they serve up amazing gyros and platters with epic veggie options too, including freshly baked spinach pies and falafel spreads.
This diner is also super chill with plenty of tables inside and all along the sidewalk. Walk-ins are also welcome but they do delivery and curbside pick-up too.
Address: 1454 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at $6.00 and up.
How to Get There: Take the B1 bus to the 86 St/15 Av stop and walk from there.
2. New Dyker Restaurant
Right around the corner from Mike’s Diner, New Dyker Restaurant is another Bensonhurst cafeteria to add to your agenda.
Plus, this place has a retro feel and the decor will whisk you straight back to the 70s.
Then, upon arrival, choose to spread out in one of their diner booths or sit at the bar and have a chat with one of the friendly servers.
And while eggs and omelets dominate the menu at New Dyker Restaurant, you can also go gourmet and order turkey breast or spinach with Swiss cheese in your omelet.
In fact, you can also customize omelets and get super creative with a huge list of ingredients to choose from.
New Dyker also has exceptional pancakes and French toast if you fancy something sweet – or have space to split a pudding with your latest and greatest bestie at one of the best diners in Brooklyn.
Pro Tip: You’ll also love that food proportions are generous and prices are fantastic – easily making this one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets.
Address: 8505 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214, United States
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Sundays when they close at 2:30 pm.
Price: Most entrees are around $10.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the D train to 18th Avenue and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Prospect Heights
3. Tom’s Restaurant
Everything from the black and white tiled floor to the open counter and the novelty trinkets works together to make Tom’s Restaurant feel like an old-fashioned, classic American diner.
The charm is also 100% legit since this is one of the best diners in Brooklyn that has been around since 1936.
In fact, this place has remained in the capable hands of the original family who owned it and they still serve breakfast all day.
However, their signature item is their cinnamon roll pancakes. Although, the lemon ricotta pancakes are only a few steps behind them in terms of popularity.
Additionally, the “Eggceptional” combinations include eggs made your way and served with tasty corned beef hash, crab cakes, or pastrami.
And any Vegetarians out there can head straight to the omelet menu since it includes just about every veggie you can think of.
Just be aware that Tom’s Restaurant only accepts cash and while there is an ATM inside, remember to have some dollars in your wallet just in case.
Address: 782 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
How to Get There: Take the 2 train to the Brooklyn Museum stop and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Williamsburg
4. Kellogg’s Diner
This historic eatery has been feeding the residents of Williamsburg since 1973.
And as with Tom’s, Kellogg’s Diner retains an old-fashioned vibe that includes huge booths and an emphasis on quality and value for money.
Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the menu here is pure gold, with a lip-smacking spread of sweet and savory brunch and diner favorites to choose from.
And while the Chicken waffles are delicious, don’t forget to save room for waffles or pancakes too.
Another awesome thing about Kellog’s is that they serve fresh grapefruit and have a drinks list that rivals the food menu when it comes to length.
Additionally, Kellogg’s Diner offers economical weekday specials that include your choice of tea or coffee and a small juice.
So, Kellogg’s Diner really is the best diner in Brooklyn for service around the clock since they’re open 24/7 and walk-ins are always welcome.
Address: 518 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Price: Most entrees are around $12.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the L train to Lorimer Street station and walk from there.
5. Diner
Diner is a swanky Williamsburg dining destination that fuses 21st-century hipster charisma with the concept of a vintage diner.
So, the upscale interior is modeled after a 90-year-old Pullman dining car. Meanwhile, the patio is covered to create a comfortable dining environment all year long.
Management at Diner is also committed to sustainable practices. So, they source ingredients from upstate New York farmers and craft their menu around the seasons, which means that the offerings here are subject to change.
Menus are also divided into brunch, lunch, and dinner options, with a superior wine and spirits list to accompany the food.
So, expect to find upscale diner items like frittatas with artisanal sauces, fresh herbs, and a European twist.
Therefore, Diner is easily the best diner in Brooklyn for a special occasion or dinner date.
Pro Tip: This is one of the best diners in Brooklyn where reservations are strongly encouraged although walk-ins are accommodated.
Address: 85 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and then from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $17.00 each and go up from there.
How to Get There: Take the L train to Bedford Ave station or the J train to Marcy Avenue station and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Park Slope
6. Daisy’s Diner
Another unassuming diner with 24/7 service and old-school decor, Daisy’s Diner is located in the heart of Park Slope.
And this laid-back restaurant is one of the best diners in Brooklyn that is armed with super hospitable staff to help you navigate the comprehensive menu.
Plus, omelets, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, and main entrees cater well to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
But, if you’re scratching your head at what to choose, their toasted bagels are perfection: thick and fluffy with just the right amount of cream cheese.
Their buttermilk pancakes, French toast, and Belgian waffles are also delicious and come dripping with syrup and your choice of sweet or savory toppings.
Therefore, even the pickiest eaters can find something at Daisy’s and the prices are totally unbeatable.
Address: 452 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 am, with extended hours until 4:00 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Price: Most entrees are around $12.oo each.
How to Get There: Take the D train to 9th Street station and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Prospect Heights
7. Neptune Diner II
Neptune Diner II is the best diner in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood for round-the-clock munchies.
In fact, this 24/7 eatery features traditional diner decor, patio seating, and awesome staff.
The menu at Neptune Diner II is also loaded with all your standard comfort food including meaty sandwiches, flame-grilled burgers, and egg platters.
Plus, any omelet fans out will love their crazy selection of egg dishes that include veggie, Tex-Mex, and fajita-style concoctions.
But, if you’re in the mood for a lighter or healthier feed – their crisp salads and light Mediterranean dishes will do the trick.
Plus, Neptune Diner II tempts with an awesome line-up of appetizers and platters for that dining en masse.
Otherwise, you can take your pick from seafood, wraps, and breakfast staples.
Whatever you do though, save room for dessert since you’ll want to dive into a decadent sundae or indulge in childhood faves like jello and rice pudding.
Address: 699 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Price: Entrees start at around $13.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the 2 train to the Brooklyn Museum station and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Greenpoint
8. Manhattan Three Decker
Manhattan Three Decker is a local diner with loyal staff who know the menu inside out and provide customers with wonderfully quick service.
The prices are also fantastic on a bread-dominant menu that features brekkie sarnies, triple-deckers, open steak sandwiches, and gourmet specials.
Their signature item though is the Pocono, which is the perfect marriage of turkey, bacon, and Pennsylvania smoked ham layered on an English muffin dripping with beer-spiked cheddar cheese sauce.
You can also find a steller offering of seafood sandwiches and heavier dishes including oven roasts.
Yup, all this in addition to an epic atmosphere that will guarantee you’ll want to return for seconds!
Just note that Manhattan Three Decker is usually pretty busy. But, table turnaround is pretty quick and there are plenty of seats to go around. Therefore, queues aren’t usually all that long.
Address: 695 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Most entrees are under $10.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the G train to Nassau Avenue and walk from there.
9. Sunset Diner
Sunset DIner is a typical old school American spot. You can get everything your heart desires here and it really does not matter whether you head here for breakfast or for dinner. Mind you, it’s not uber fancy but it is always bustling. People come here for camaraderie and the excellent food.
Things that you definitely want to try here are the pancakes, the waffles and the coffee. The burgers with cheese are also delicious! The breakfast menu is comfort food at its best. The early morning hours bring in the local patrons, people looking for a hearty meal and the late night clubbers who need a good meal in the morning.
All in all, Sunset Diner is a place that is loved by pretty much everyone who visits. Which is why they have a steady stream of regular clientele.
Address: 593 Meeker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours a day!
Price: Prices start at $7.50 a sandwich.How To Get There: Take the train to Nassau av and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Downtown
10. Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery
Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery is the best diner in Brooklyn for getting your fix of creamy, and – word of warning – addictive, cheesecake.
In fact, some say that the cheesecakes on offer here are the best in NYC. But, you’ll probably need to nibble on as many cheesecakes as you can get your paws on to decide for yourself.
Now, all cheesecakes at Junior’s start with the original, plain, New York-style cheesecake. After all, this simple flavor is always a crowd pleaser.
However, you can also sample flavorful toppings that include strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry whirl. So, it practically counts as one of your 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day.
Deluxe varieties also comprise of red velvet, chocolate fudge, and carrot cake cheesecake.
What, looking for something more substantial? Well, Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery also serve savory dishes for lunch and dinner.
So, dig into all of your diner faves and then top off your meal with a slice. Also remember to sign up for their email list and you’ll get a free slice of cake on your birthday.
FYI, in case you’re seeking the best diner in Manhattan: Junior’s has two outposts there too.
Address: 386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and then until 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Price: Cheesecake starts at $8.00 per slice.
How to Get There: Take the D train to DeKalb Avenue and walk from there.
11. New Apollo Diner
Looking for breakfast at a diner in Brooklyn? The New Apollo Diner offers breakfast at all times of the day and is one of the local favorites. It’s a simple classic diner with places to plunk down and eat your meal in comfort. Nothing luxurious or fancy though.
The food on the other hand is where New Apollo Diner shines. Bacon, eggs and fries are definitely the way to go. The best part is bottomless coffee! Yes! You heard me right. You can gulp down as much coffee as your heart desires and your stomach can hold. Perfect on those cold days in Brooklyn where you need something to warm up your body and soul.
The one thing that I really liked is that the service is fast and efficient. So if you are hungry, expect your hunger pangs to be satiated quickly.
Address: 155 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Hours: Open everyday from 7am to 8 pm
Price: Breakfast items start at $9
How To Get There: Take the train to Hoyt st and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Clinton Hill
12. Mike’s Coffee Shop
Mike’s Coffee Shop is a low-key neighborhood diner popular with students from over the road at the Pratt Institute.
And the pride and glory of this exceptional eatery is an open steak sandwich dressed with lettuce and tomato and served with a generous scoop of home fries.
But, other scrumptious sandwiches include the moreish turkey, the revitalizing tuna melt, and the salty pastrami.
The blueberry pancakes are also to die for if you’re in the mood for something sweeter. And, no, don’t even think about sharing them with anyone.
All daily specials are also served with fresh coffee and juice to ensure you get your dollar’s worth.
Plus, there’s ample space inside to accommodate walk-ins. Or, if you swing by on a sunny day, you can choose to sit outside.
Pro Tip: Please note that this place is cash only.
Address: 328 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States
Hours: Open Thursday through Tuesday from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Price: Most entrees are under $10.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the G train to Clinton/Washington Avenue station and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Coney Island
13. Tom’s Coney Island
Does this one sound familiar? That’s because Tom’s Coney Island is the sister restaurant of Tom’s Restaurant in Prospect Heights.
However, the menu here gets a total overhaul. So, Tom’s Coney Island focuses more on seaside fodder like hot dogs, burgers, and pitas.
Plus, seafood, naturally, ranks high on the mneu at this oceanfront diner that doubles as one of the best diners in Brooklyn.
However, you can expect to find much-loved plates from the OG Prospect Heights kitchen as well, including eggs and pancakes that you can devour after hitting the surf.
Tom’s Coney Island is also the best diner in Brooklyn for an ocean view since this restaurant is located right on the boardwalk and has tons of great indoor and outdoor seating options too.
Address: 1229 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Most entrees are between $11 and $30 each.
How to Get There: Take the Q to Coney Island and walk from there.
14. Parkview Diner
Parkview Diner is a ginormous seaside diner with nostalgic charm and damn good food.
They also have plenty of seating indoors but, assuming the sun’s in the sky, you can’t beat their open-air terrace.
An endless menu also delivers all the makings of a classic American diner and includes classics like eggs, triple-decker sandwiches, omelets, and waffles.
However, their paninis deserve a special shout-out and are exactly what you need in between beach sessions.
You also can’t go wrong with their stuffed French toast. Because in addition to berry and Nutella with banana, they’ve got a Hawaiian option with coconut and pineapple that is utterly delicious!
Plus, Parkview Diner always has a generous helping of deals and specials to soften the blow on your wallet.
Address: 2939 Cropsey Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Price: Most entrees are between $11.00 and $30.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the Q train to Coney island station and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Cobble Hill
15. Cobble Hill Coffee Shop
Cobble Hill Coffee Shop is a traditional eatery that serves up comfort food in a down-to-earth environment.
So, simple coffee and cream-hued interiors are paired back, homey, and uncomplicated with a distinct nod to the 70s.
There is also a vast assortment of food on offer that includes breakfast entrees, griddle favorites, bagels, burgers, and hot dogs.
If you ask the staff what they recommend, expect to be lured in the direction of their legendary Cobble Hill Coffee Shop platters.
Each dinner platter showcases different meat and there’s even eggplant parmigiana for veggies.
Additionally, pancake stacks are a work of art and the coffee here is unsurpassed, with an amazing variety of filter, frothy, and iced options.
So, Cobble Hill Coffee Shop is the best diner in Brooklyn for no-frills cuisine that tastes like home and is created with love.
And regardless of whether you visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, make sure you arrive with a big appetite.
Address: 314 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, except on Sundays when they close at 5:00 pm.
Price: Most entrees are under $10.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the F train to Carroll Street station and walk from there.
16. Sunset Park Diner and Donuts
Sunset Park Diner and Donuts is another 24-hour option for the night owls and early birds out there.
Because this cozy cafeteria has chipper staff and window booth seating that will make you think of a roadside diner.
Yeah, they’re clearly doing something right since this place has been on the scene for over 40 years. And their popularity as one of the best diners in Brooklyn only continues to boom.
And that’s mainly because breakfasts here are stacked with all the fixings of an iconic breakfast.
Plus, you can customize your dish with sides and extras to suit your tastes. Including yummy home fries or punchy chorizo.
If you can, stop by later in the day for old-fashioned hamburgers or homecooked pasta dishes that everyone will love.
And, as an added bonus, all the pancakes here are made from scratch and have the fluffiest texture you could ever imagine.
Pro Tip: This is another cash-only joint, so remember to arrive prepared. You can also order online for delivery or do curbside pick-up.
Address: 889 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Price: Most entrees here are under $10.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the Q train to 36th Street station and walk from there.
Best Diners in Brooklyn – Ditmas Park
17. George’s Diner
And the final spot to round out this guide to the best diners in Brooklyn goes to George’s Diner.
Which makes sense since this is a family-owned and managed Ditmas Park diner with a legacy that spand well over 65 years.
And despite undergoing a facelift, the dining room still retains the spirit of 1956, the year that the doors here first swung open.
Meanwhile, the facade is exactly as it looked when this joint first opened.
Plus, the dynamic menu draws inspiration from quintessential North American fare with Italian and Greek plates on offer too.
You’ll also love that everything is made on-site with fresh ingredients, including fan faves like the the burgers, the pitas, and the Mediterranean platters.
Yup, there’s no question that you’ll be planning a repeat visit, pronto.
Address: 753 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218, United States
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Most entrees are between $11.00 and $30.00 each.
How to Get There: Take the F train to Ditmas Avenue and walk from there.
Diners In Brooklyn FAQ
What Food Is Famous In Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is famous for food in general but if you had to ask me what this part of town is really famous for well then I think it would be bagels (try the lox bagels, yummmy!) , hot dogs, the famous Brooklyn pizza, cheesecake and of course the typical American breakfast!
Yes. That’s why diners in Brooklyn are so popular. They serve some of the best breakfast options available in the city, usually don’t burn a hole in your pocket and are great fun in general. Not to mention the lavish dose of nostalgia that comes as a freebie for many!
Is Food Cheaper In Brooklyn?
In general, food is much cheaper in Brooklyn when compared to places like Manhattan. The difference in price isn’t a lot though. One thing that I can say is that Brooklyn sure has a larger number of places where you can get a budget meal. Another thing to bear in mind is that while you may head to a budget spot, you usually get value for money.
Are Diners A New York Thing?
At one point of time, diners were very popular in the city. They offered great food on a budget, provided a place for people to socialize and were just great places to hang out with friends and family.
Somewhere in the 1970s things started getting shaken up. Fast food restaurants started cropping up around the place which were much cheaper and more in. People started moving away from the traditional diners. Today there are a few diners scattered around the city and the ones that remain are well loved.
🕒 In a rush and haven’t booked your accommodation in Brooklyn yet? I highly recommend Hampton Inn Manhattan-Seaport. It’s right across the river, is affordable and has a cool vibe!🕒
Map of the Best Diners in Brooklyn
Additoonal Brooklyn Resources You’ll Love
There you have it. That just about wraps up this guide to the best diners in Brooklyn.
Tell me, did your picks for the best Brooklyn diners make the list? If not the let me know in the comments below.
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