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Cosmos Diner
Category: Restaurants Diners Diners [Edit]
395 2nd Ave(between 22nd St & 23rd St)
New York, NY 10010
Neighborhood: Gramercy
(212) 679-1290
- Nearest Transit:
-
23 St (4, 6, 6X)
28 St (4, 6, 6X)
3 Av (L)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Green Kitchen has been serving residents of the Upper East Side for almost eighty years. Locals and visitors alike continue count on Green Kitchen for… read more »
34 reviews for Cosmos Diner
Review Highlights
"...and salami are great and french fries are always hot and..."
(in 4 reviews)
"As much as I love being Greek, that much more do I love it..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...best places to get your late night/early morning grub on."
(in 3 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Michael K.
Short Hills, NJ
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Everything a diner should be (take it from a guy who grew up in Jersey; I know my diners).
I used to come into this place a lot when I went to SVA several years ago, but stopped in the other night when driving around with a friend. After several minutes, a waiter approached us and took a drink order. I had a good cup of coffee, my buddy a beer. It took us a few minutes to decide what we wanted, but I settled on the Chicken Salad BLT triple-decker. Our food came out faster than I thought it would (this may or may not be a good sign) but my sandwich was excellent. It came with fries that were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, just as I like them. Overall spent $14 with tip.
Definitely worth stopping by; easily as good as anything else in the immediate area, if not better. -
Review from Felicia K.
Bloomfield, NJ
2/12/2011
Bizarre, surreal experience here. So you walk in and it's a typical diner.
We order our food from the t-shirted, apparently Greek waiter who seems like he should be in the back doing the cooking. First thing that comes out is a friend's strawberry cheesecake, which is awful and seems to have been sitting in the fridge for ages and is described as tasting like rubber. Upon sending it back, it is immediately replaced with a snow-white, perfectly fresh slice of acceptable NY cheesecake topped with a dollop of freshly applied pie filling. Why was the original piece served to begin with?
I sip my coffee and am shocked. Pretty damned good coffee for a not-so-great looking diner, served by aforementioned greasy-haired waiter.
The food is hit or miss. My waffle topped with bananas is fresh. My friend loved her lox and bagel, but another friend said his sandwich was awful, with a stale bun.
While eating, we can't help but ogle the cashier, who looks like he should have been cast as an aged wizard in Lord of the Rings. -
Review from Christian R.
Woodside, Queens, NY
5/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the most depressing diners I have ever been to. It should be shut down. It's dirty, service is slow, and the people are not very friendly. A bowl of chicken soup is actually the size of a cup. It's downright ugly----just why??
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Review from Krista T.
New York, NY
11/24/2008 ROTD 3/11/2009
Lately, I have had two problems with dinner. It's not that we don't get along, dinner and I. We do. I love dinner. I love breakfast for dinner, snacks for dinner, dinner for dinner, even. But we've hit a rough patch in our relationship.
Problem one: All too often I find myself eating breakfast at 1 pm. This means lunch might not happen until 7 and dinner might not happen at all. This also means that drinking time might come before lunch time. Drinking on an empty stomach requires speed and agility. It's a task navigated only by masters.
Problem two: I am ALWAYS hungry after drinking. It doesn't seem to matter how much I ate before the drinking commenced, when the night's a windin down: I want food. I see it as preventative medicine. The more I eat, the less hungover I feel. This may not seem like a problem per se, but I can't help but think that eating before AND after drinking is a touch..... excessive.
The only way I've managed to deal lately is to skip the pre drinking meal, consume carefully and then hit the late night dinner with reckless abandon. I'm talking eggs, hash, bacon AND a toasted blueberry muffin (Yah, I don't mess around).
Cosmos Diner, with it's massive menu and greasy breakfasts, has more than once been the light at the end of the Hangover Tunnel. The breakfast plates bring me back from the brink of what could have been a very, very nasty hangover. I think Cosmos and I are going to be very, very happy together.Listed in: ROTDs........
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Review from Natalia M.
Astoria, NY
9/17/2007
As much as I love being Greek, that much more do I love it when I walk into Greek diners like this one.
Last night, I stopped in here for a Sunday night snack and a few beers with my friends. We ordered gyros, french fries, and calamari--and about three rounds of Buds. The food was wonderful and plentiful, as is common in diners.
The waiter, Isidoros, was really nice, especially after I started talking to him in Greek. We joked around and then he brought us a free piece of Baklava. Also, in the end he charged us for only half the things we got, and when he saw that we were taking a while to give him our money, he said in his thick greek accent, "Don't worry, guys; if you don't have the money now, just come back and give it to me tomorrow?"
It made me feel like I was back in a lovely llittle greek island, where human trust is always valued more than money--and we gave him extra tip and left. Will definitely be rerurning, if not tomorrow, then some other time soon. -
Review from Anthony M.
New York, NY
12/14/2007
This has to be one of the best places to get your late night/early morning grub on. When you walk in on the weekends you are greeted by the most memorable waiter ever, who not only with lightning speed gets your order but participates in all the antics the slightly less sober clientele dishes out. I usually get greeted much like norm from cheers, when the staff calls out my name, to alert everyone I have arrived.. lol.
Anything on the menu rocks, and the waiter Isidor aka Malaka makes the it taste better with his great company.Listed in: Get Your Group On, Not Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
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Review from Michael D.
Forest Hills, NY
6/29/2008
With the possible exception of amphetamine dealers, there's no business more in service of Americans' love of speed than diners.
OK, there's the fast food industry (whose name even includes the word "fast"). But diners (or, as we call them in California, coffee shops), are just an earlier era's version of fast food restaurants.
When I had dinner at Cosmos Diner last night, my cheeseburger deluxe and fries were brought out *so* fast, I had to scratch my head wondering how they accomplished it. I hadn't taken two sips of my coke and hadn't even opened my book before the food was placed on my table. The implicit message: there are better things to do than wait here for your food...or even sit here and *eat* your food, for that matter.
Does it even matter what the food tasted like? In coffee shops (not just at Cosmos Diner, where the cooks did a reputable job and where the wait staff were friendly, prompt and polite), "taste" doesn't even enter into the equation, really.
In this setting, we're not talking about taste so much as "sensation," a more primitive capacity processed by the reptilian brain. Sensations -- not tastes --are what our amphibian ancestors would understand. The sensations at play here follow along the lines of: is the hamburger bun soft; are the fries crunchy; is the cole slaw creamy...
Sometimes, you *want* to go back a step evolutionarily. That's what this kind of food is for.
There are pleasures to be had, here though. One is observing that in coffee shops, cakes are quite literally placed on a pedestal. Or in tall, upright refrigerated cases, slowly revolving like heavenly bodies in orbit. Or in mirrored cases for our ogling pleasure (views immortalized by Claes Oldenburg and Wayne Thiebaud).
And the architecture and interiors, too. Unfortunately, Cosmos Diner was remodeled sometime after it was first opened (1978). The scheme is a gray/burgundy combination, with the counter made of faux granite.
The double seat booths are here, though, a feature I particularly like and one I've only seen in New York. -
Review from Paul H.
I ordered the Friday Special: BBQ Spare Ribs $10.95 (see photo)
This meal came with choice of soup (I chose Matzoh Ball) and side (I chose Mashed Potatoes & Broccoli) and of course the main course, BBQ Spare Ribs.
The Spare Ribs were making my taste buds jumping with joy. The steamed broccoli was perfect with no added butter, just how I like it. The potatoes were good but not amazing. The Matzoh Ball soup... I have heard of but never tried this soup until tonight. I did not know it was a vegetarian soup and was expecting real meat. Needless to say, I didn't like it too much.
Service: Better than Lyric Diner!
Note: I'm not sure if Cosmos offers student discount like Lyric Diner...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2009
I think all diners taste the same. I ordered the grouper meal ($10.95) which came with potatoes and… Read more »
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Review from Joseph D.
Atlanta, GA
6/3/2008
I happened upon this little diner while out for a morning walk. I wish the diners we have down here in Atlanta were a little more like this place. Don't get me wrong, I love my Waffle House, but the various little diners around my neck of the woods have never impressed me.
I'd recommend it. I'm glad I stumbled upon it. -
Review from Kirill S.
Manhattan/Morningside Heights, New York, NY
4/23/2009
Food is more or less comparable to East Side Cafe a block away. Most run of the mill diners aren't that differentiated in that regard.
However, whereas East SIde Cafe is warm and inviting, tends to be relatively packed, and has the nicest people, Cosmos Diner tends to be emptier, colder, and have surlier, grouchier staff. Although this might be an issue of self-perpetuation, there is no reason to take it over the other. -
Review from Renee N.
Alameda, CA
7/7/2008 2 photos
I can't believe this place has a five star review. Worst meal we had the entire time we were in New York, and one of the worst I've ever had there, period.
We stopped into this place because it happened to be around the corner from the car rental place and I felt like I was going to pass out if I didn't have breakfast soon. It looked decent enough, and cheap, but it was awful.
I ordered a hot chocolate. The waitress asked twice if I wanted whipped cream. Both times I said yes. It came out half-spilled into the saucer beneath the cup *without* whipped cream. I didn't care too much but since I'd been really clear (both times) about wanting the cream, I figured I should say something. I mentioned it to her and she waved at a bus boy who then asked her a few questions, made various hand gestures, then went back to whatever it was he'd been doing before. I looked at my friend and said, "I guess I'm not getting any whipped cream."
I ordered a combo meal that was supposed to come with a waffle, two eggs, bacon, sausage and a ham slice. My friend ordered two eggs and french toast. He asked for the eggs over hard, I said over medium. Both orders came with eggs over easy, slopped on top of the rest of the food. Under my eggs were hidden a janky looking sausage (that taste okay apart from the super gristly parts), two decent looking pieces of bacon, and (shudder) a warmed up slice of nasty deli meat that I couldn't believe the waitress had served me with a straight face.
The eggs and gross meat nearly put us off the decent portions of our meals (the toast and waffle) and the mediocre (nearly awful) service that accompanied them is what earns Cosmos this one (should be zero) star review. I haven't been so unimpressed in years. -
Review from Rebecca D.
Brooklyn, NY
1/7/2009
Perfectly reasonable diner food. Good burgers, good soup, huge sodas, fast service. An entire sit-down meal during a 1-hour break.
When I have to come to work hung over, a grilled cheese from Cosmos always helps.Listed in: Stuff in the…
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Review from E. N.
Boston, MA
11/1/2009
I walk by this place all the time. I ate here twice before it was shut down by the health department in Sept. 2009. One time I had glass shards in my water. The other time wasn't memorable aside from the place seeming grubby and sad. They re-opened after a few weeks, but the Dept. of Health web site shows that they're still running a pretty gross ship: http://bit.ly/a9wDL8.
One night after closing I peeked in and saw A CAT lounging on one of the tables. Sick. Now, a lot of NY delis have cats to keep mice away. A little gross, but whatever, I'm not eating off the deli floor. Cat should not be on table. -
Review from Pamela K.
12/24/2008
Food is average diner food, but thumbs up for their 24x7 delivery !! Ordered a veggie omlette, fried fish sandwich, salad and side of fries (at 12:30am) for $27 with tax (excluding tip). Delivery took about 45 minutes.
Avoid anything fried potatoes (I should have known better), they just ended up soggy/chewy. -
Review from allison p.
Oak Park, IL
4/10/2011
HORRIBLE! I ordered from them and they NEVER came. When i called to tell them... they gave me a load of excuses, were extremely rude, and refused to give me my money back.
AVOID AVOID AVOID!! -
Review from Ian P.
New York, NY
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Average Diner. Service typically so so. The food is diner standard.
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Review from Poma Celeste T.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2010
They're "open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, 366 on a leap year," according to the scratchy voiced waitress. (Think Marge's sisters on The Simpsons.) As far as cuisine, they pretty much stick to the general diner-fare, and as long as you know that going into it - you won't be bummed.
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Review from Ben W.
Capitol Hill/Southeast, Washington, DC
10/12/2008
Renee - I think you miss the entire point. First, you probably went when it was light out, right? Big mistake. This is THE perfect place to go to after a night of heavy drinking.
Exhibit A - the first time I came here the waiter with the sort of weird hair gave me the best high five of my life. Then he brought me a delicious chili cheese burger. I can't imagine a better way to end a night.
The food also comes out ridiculously fast. I recommend the cheese fries (literally just american cheese slices melted on french fries). It's the perfect item for soaking up drinks.
The only downside is that while you might be there eating delicious lasagna and ice cream (like I had last night), you also have deal with the twenty other people who have all been out all night too. Some times its pretty obnoxious.
Bottom line though, if you live in the area you really have to try it -
Review from Lefty L.
New York, NY
10/9/2007
In terms of delivery these guys can be sketchy. I called to order food one night and the guy said he couldn't do it when the place of delivery was only 2 blocks away. Granted they sounded busy, but his excuse was its raining outside. I told them I would not do business with them again.
Their food is average, but not memorable. The fact the delivery is shotty makes other options seem more favorable. -
Review from Michael W.
New York, NY
1/8/2009
I generally come in here for the NY Cheesecake (cherry or strawberry), or the Lemon Meringue pie and coffee. The coffee is good, and if you get the right waiter... he'll make your chocolate thick shake like the old time ones.. (although the ice cream they use isn't of high quality). The breakfast fare is average nothing special... but the greek owner and waiters are friendly and do a good job of making you welcome. The high scale big entrees are not worth it, and not done well. Just come for breakfast at late hours, or the desserts w/ coffee. Or, have one of their juicy burgers! :)
P.S. For 10 bucks you get a decent Eggs Benedict - request extra Hollandaise, and french fries instead of hash browns. Plus all the coffee you can drink. ;) -
Review from Terra C.
Minnetonka, MN
9/8/2010
If you are looking for a neighborhood diner, this is your place (assuming that you live near the neighborhood ;) The food is the standard diner fare, but Steve (the owner) is wonderful and makes the place just like home. Go on it and give it a try-the Pizza Burgers rock!
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Review from Nina L.
6/14/2010
It's okay, literally not much else to say about. I've had some decent meals and some terrible ones. I like there chicken fingers, but the grilled cheese I got once was terribly burnt. The wait staff is really nice though, and they're open 24 hours.
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Review from Kirby M.
New York, NY
8/29/2010
The food is pretty damn good for being a very cheap diner. Delivery always arrives faster than I can blink. Eggs and salami are great and french fries are always hot and crunchy (how they manage that through delivery is beyond me). Burgers and corned beef are just so-so - I suggest sticking to breakfast. But all together an A+ diner find.
Also, order through their own website - there's no fee and no minimum charge. -
Review from vanessa v.
Portsmouth, NH
7/23/2008
i've been here a few times late at night with a group of friends. it's always been pretty decent. nothing incredible, but no complaints really. i think my parents used to go here 20+ years ago when they lived nearby which is pretty crazy. i guess if its survived this long they have to be doing something right, eh?
i'll stop in if i'm hungry and nearby but i don't think i'd travel to eat here -
Review from Dena S.
New York, NY
8/10/2008
Typical neighborhood diner - however, in the area, they get my vote for best due to their fresh squeezed OJ, which is always delicious. Also very fast on delivery - which is a definite plus. Have tried breakfast, lunch and dinner items and they were all good. Greasy (literally) spoon ambiance (if you want to call it that) with the service to boot.......so I prefer delivery over "dining" in.
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Review from Richard B.
Brooklyn, NY
10/9/2009
Turkey wrap ordered had an old crusty wrap. I notice they don't clean the counters where the pastries sit. Service was OK and accommodating to substitute salad for fries. I bet this place does great just the way they are.
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Review from Michael F.
Manhattan, NY
12/13/2010
The first time I ever got food poisoning. Thank you Cosmos Diner.
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Review from Juliette K.
New York, NY
9/20/2009
They have GOOD PIE. especially for late night.
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Review from Eileen O.
New York, NY
4/17/2011
I liked this diner until I had a really bad experience ordering on-line. I ordered two sandwiches and was charged for both, but only one came. When I called to let them know the guy on the phone seemed annoyed that I called and said he only charged me for one When I explained that I was looking at the on-line receipt he said I could "get one "free" the next time." I said I wasn't comfortable with that (not to mention that two people were waiting for lunch and I'm not sure how it would be free when I paid for it). He then asked me to "hold on a minute" and we got disconnected. (I want to give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn't hang up on me.) When I called back he said "we're really busy." I said I would either like a refund or a sandwich. He seemed really annoyed and said he'd send another sandwich. It's been an hour and a half since I ordered - I guess time will tell if he keeps his word. Too bad because I used to really like this place.
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Review from Stephanie L.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2009
my local diner. didn't think it was anything special but i had to note that the service is awesome. the server surprise swung by and refilled of my buddy's milkshake just as he slurped the last of its vanilla-y deliciousness. yea true, sometimes they just give you the metal container thingy, but i dunno, somehow it's better when it's a surprise.
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Review from Richard A.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2010
Okay, look - maybe we went in at a bad time, maybe we caught them on a bad day, whatever. All I know is that the hamburger I ordered was probably about one of the worst I've ever eaten in my life, no exaggeration. It was dry, charred (I ordered it medium), leathery, chewy, tasteless, and flavor-free. If I didn't know better, you could almost think it was cooked yesterday, left out overnight, warmed up a bit on the grill, and served. The potato salad lacked spices, vinegar, salt, and any hint of flavor, and reminded me basically of room-temperature mashed potatoes. One person in our party liked her non-burger dinner well enough (as did I), and I've been here before, so consider this a hamburger review only. Our waiter was pretty nice and friendly enough, although fairly indifferent. The mood inside is a little peculiar - not terribly so, but everyone there seemed kind of unhappy and a little angry and stressed. If it's a decent burger you're looking for, look elsewhere. Anywhere.
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Review from Samantha Q.
New York, NY
Updated - 2/25/2009
Actually, this is the worst food I've ever had in the city. I don't care how good the service is.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2008
Service at this place is top-notch. I have been there a couple of times and they are always very… Read more »
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Review from Laura M.
New York, NY
11/8/2007
this is solid manhattan diner food. really quick delivery, very large selection, and if you feel like going into the diner (rather than ordering in), the space is clean and spacious. and if you live in the neighborhood, this diner is SO MUCH BETTER than Lyric Diner (on 22nd and 3rd Avenue)!
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Review from Adam M.
New York, NY
12/20/2008
friendly waiter, prompt service, i only had fries and cake but how can you screw up that? good selection. bring cash!
