- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Gramercy Cafe
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
184 3rd Ave(between 16th St & 17th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: Gramercy
(212) 982-2121
- Nearest Transit:
-
3 Av (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- 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
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for Gramercy Cafe
Review Highlights
"Love their curly fries."
(in 3 reviews)
"...me and my buddies go to after a night of fun on the town."
(in 4 reviews)
"As far as diners go, this place is legit."
(in 7 reviews)
Loading...
44 reviews in English
-
Review from Phil H.
FINALLY!!! A damn diner that gets it right when I order my fries WELL DONE and CRISPY!
I totally hate when I tell the waiter/waitress to make sure the fries are well done and they come back half uncooked and still looking like a raw potato, or were barely unfrozen and thrown in the fryer. It makes me want to vomit and throw the plate at the cook! Let the beatings begin!
OK - rant over.
Was in a burger mood today and decided to drop in Gramercy Cafe to try them out. Nice lunch deal they have here. About six items on the list for $7.95. Cheeseburger, fries, soda. Also came with a big ass pickle, cole slaw, and a small bowl of pico de gallo (odd - but what the hey).
The large burger was cooked perfectly medium and kinda kicked ass. Big, juicy, tasty. On a soft, large, grilled bun. Had that "cooked on a real grill" kind of flavor. Damn skippy!
The fries, oh joy, the fries! Golden brown, stiff, and crispy - the way fries should be cooked. None of that under-cooked steak fry garbage, but artery clogging crunchy deliciousness! Salt and ketchup made them perfect.
The place itself is just a basic old school diner with a semi enclosed outside eating area. It feels as if half the place is inside and half outside like an atrium. Good waiters who listen to what you order, serve your food, and then leave you alone until you need them again. Open 24 hours a day too.
Nothing fancy-schmancy here. Just good hardcore diner food. 3.5 stars that get elevated to a 4 star rating since they got my fries right! -
Review from Cullen A.
New York, NY
Stopped in here today to meet a friend for coffee. Since I was an hour early I decided to indulge in a Turkey burger with pepper jack cheese. The patty was tasty but the without the added hot sauce, brown mustard, pepper, salt, it would have fallen flat. Now let's get to the fries.... Fries are my weakness.... it's ALL ABOUT THE FRIES, PEOPLE! The fries SUCKED! They were hot and fresh, but oh so dull and flavorless. Even the tabascoKetchup combo I made didn't help. A futile effort.
The cheesecake was just as boring. The best thing I had here was the hot chocolate with whipped cream, oh, and the water. I'd come back here if I were starving and It was freezing outside and I had already agreed on this place to meet a friend - such as today. -
Review from Katie C.
San Jose, CA
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here randomly because my friends and I were starving and very tried from walking all the way from Central Park to 5th Ave to Herald Sq... It was a summer's day and we thought it would be nice to walk. We were so hungry and tired that we just went to the first place that offered food and a place to sit. So, Gramacy Café it was... The place wasn't deserted so the food must have been decent enough. I wanted either a burger or a sandwich. The place hada HUGE menu, most diners do in NYC. You can choose from pasta, dinner entrees, salads to burgers and sandwiches. Oh, and don't forget that breakfast is served all day. It was 5pm and people were eating pancakes.
The place was fairly large. We were seated right away and given water. I decided on a freshly roasted turkey sandwich with swiss. It also came with fries and coleslaw. The fries were just regular fries, nothing speical or good. The sandwich was quite dry, but the turkey was so warm and fresh I couldn't complain. There was a perfect amount of swiss cheese as well. I didn't like how they kind of greased up the bread with butter. I felt like they made it a panini or pan grilled it. But whatever, it was good. I liked it. I'm not the mayo or spread type of girl anyhow.
Maybe I was just starving and I thought the food was decent, but I was super full and didn't feel too heavy. My friend got athe chicken salad platter. I felt like it lacked a lot of salt -very bland. The coleslaw was yucky I would pass on that. And the potato salad wasn't a potato salad. Just stick to the sandwiches here. I also got a slice of apple pie. It was REALLY HORRIBLE. Didn't taste like apple pie and the "vanilla" ice cream was kind of yellow. Disturbing. Food Emporium Apple Pie is BETTER. -
Review from Pia M.
New York, NY
10/26/2011
This is probably the most random review I will ever write but I had to show my favorite diner spot in NYC some love. The waiters are funny and very apt at dealing with drunken late-night patrons. The menu selection is typical of your standard diner menu and the chicken nuggets are delicious. I've probably been to this spot 10 times over the past 4 years and it'll always hold a special place in my heart. Total hold in the wall but so many good memories.
-
Review from Will e.
West Babylon, NY
12/24/2011
I eat here all the time. Good food, wide variety.
-
Review from Marj C.
1/22/2011
This is exactly what I came to New York for. Classic diner, cheap, constant coffee, plastic coated tablecloths.
Devoured a Lumberjack Breakfast in the Gramercy Cafe every day for the week I stayed in NYC. Pancake upon pancake with syrup and eggs, God help us all! It beat the crap out of a Full English!
It was so cozy, I almost felt local at the end of my New York minutes. It will be my first stop the next time I'm in NYC (and there will be a next time!)Listed in: My Holiday Scrapbook
-
Review from Jason C.
2/19/2011
Went here after a night out at the bar. The only reason I did not give a lower rating because service was actually pretty good.
It's a NY diner, and as such the only fair way to assess them would be on their burgers. Their burgers were not cooked to order because they all come out well done, extremely dry and nothing to right home about. -
Review from Dmitry K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2011
Couldn't say there was anything special about this place, other than it has been around here for years! I ordered the California Omelette with hash browns and tea. The service was quick and the food was good.
Gramercy Cafe is your standard diner nestled in a great area. We quickly finished our meals, paid at the counter and were on a our way to conquer New York. My girlfriend has been coming here for years and it is from what I heard one of the best diners in the area. -
Review from Monique R.
Kew Gardens, NY
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
After spending the majority of an early morning sitting in a doctors office surrounded by patients coughing, sniffling, and sneezing, i was in desperate need of nourishment. Its incredibly awkward having a doc examine you and your stomach is growling.
While making my way to the train station, i stumbled upoin the Gramercy Diner. I wasnt expecting anything stellar but I wanted eggs...
I was seated immediately in the surprisingly busy diner for a Friday morning.
I was right in front of their large flat screen watching Regis and Kelly. I over ordered, as usual. 2 eggs over easy with homefries, sausage and a toasted bagel. 5 minutes later breakfast was in front of me.
My eggs were okay. the whites were a little gelatinous that made them slightly difficult to eat... i ate the parts taht were fully cooked. I nibbled on my home fries but they were soggy and bland. The bagel was probably my favorite. Toasty and warm with a smear of butter. The sausage was so incredibly dry that i took one bite and left the rest.
I ordered a coffee that was weak. I drank it anyway because my throat was killing me.
When i asked for the check my total was a mere $7. I happily paid my balance and left. -
Review from Tamara V.
Seattle, WA
9/21/2010
As far as diners go, this place is legit. I had to spend 3 days a week in NYC this past spring for work, and when I stayed in this neighborhood, I made frequent visits to the diner.
The service is fast and pleasant, and the food is cheap but tasty. Someone else wrote about their great grilled cheese sandwich, and that pretty much sums this place up. Simple foods, but all yummy and served hot and quick.
Also, there's plenty of seating and it's very clean, comfortable, and low-key inside. Unlike a lot of other diners I've been to, you don't get confined to sticky vinyl booths, or have to deal with tons of loud chatter. There are plenty of proper tables, and I'd often go alone and sit at my own little corner table and be quite comfortable reading a book while I nibbled on a sandwich.
If you want gourmet food, go somewhere else. But if you don't feel like cooking and just want to grab something on your way to wherever you're going, check this place out. -
Review from Jerome Espinosa B.
Staten Island, NY
6/27/2011
My friend and I decided we should meet up here and have brunch before the Heritage of Pride Parade and to be away from the crowds. We did both and I enjoyed my vegetarian omelette and a mimosa. I like the location of this diner, which is on the corner. Service is OK.
-
Review from Lisa Q.
2/25/2009
2:33 am post! Whaaaaaat!??! Yes.
"It's fucked up they call themselves the Gramercy Cafe, they're clearly nothing close to a cafe."
Said my friend as he drank his refill of coffee.
I laughed into my tea and tried to control my head from banging on the table.
Seriously, not to be terribly high maintenance--- but I really cannot handle diners. They just make me physically ill. The lack of nutrition in what they serve, the terrible service, the cheesey music, the intense lighting, the way they stack up chairs around you when it comes close to closing time...
"No, you see. Diners are just chill. You can have as many refills of coffee as you want. You can buy a cup a coffee and read a book here for the whole day. I mean they might kick me out at lunch time...." He said while eating his medium rare burger.
I almost threw up a little looking at his burger. It looked alright though--- nothing horribly scandalous about it. Somehow.. I just wanted to hurl. Yes, I was drunk. But this burger, something about it's floppiness and double cheesedness just pushed my buttons wrong.
My tea was fine. It was celestial seasons cam--- nothing can go wrong with that. Plus unlimited refills of hot water! Yowzah!
I thought I was pouring more coffee for my friend but it turns out it was a silver container for milk.
He laughed his ass off and made fun of me thinking that I was at Jean Georges giving him AAA Ethiopian coffee.
Well goddamn, I almost feel proud. Almo.
Mostly I feel sick thinking about that burger. -
Review from Preeti B.
Brooklyn, NY
8/24/2009
Besides these two important facts, this place otherwise sucks.
1. It's right outside my homegirl's apt
2. They serve the best damn grilled cheese* I have ever eaten in my life.
*Riddle me this: I was barely coherent when I ate it - but I can't stop thinking about it. -
Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
10/24/2007
I came here twice for breakfast with my friends. The second time I came here with the same girl and she asked if I mind going to Gramercy Cafe for breakfast since we were in a rush.
I asked her why would I mind- I don't care. She reminded me that the first time we went I complained about the food.
I told her I didn't remember and said let's go.
When our food arrived - slowly my memory came back to me. I remember why I didn't care for their breakfast. It's too greasy for me.
I do however love how they have fresh squeezed orange juice! -
Review from Aubrey M.
New York, NY
3/30/2008
Wow, I don't know if I got shafted TWICE by this place, but I think their food is pretty awful. The first time we ordered three pieces of strawberry shortcake for delivery and they were pretty much inedible. I wasn't expecting a gourmet slice of biscuit-cake topped with fresh berries, but this thing tasted all of sugar and chemicals.
I've also ordered a turkey burger with cheddar cheese through delivery and not only did the order arrive cold, the french fries tasted like they were made days ago. The burger was adequate, but a tad undercooked and also arrived cold.
I think it's certain that I will be doing research to find OTHER places that do late night delivery besides this one. blegh. -
Review from Victor L.
Brooklyn, NY
4/13/2007
24/7 catering to the drunk, the weary, the old, the young. I got takeout from here twice, sometimes four times a week when i lived down the street. Don't worry, its not a perfect menu by any means. But I got to know the guys that worked there, and they are truly awesome people. They are lots of fun, taught me a little Spanish, and I told them of stories past. They even knew it was me on the phone just by my order. It was weird ha. If I came in to order, they would just tell the kitchen it was me. Because i ordered the following EVERY time.
bleu cheese turkey burger with crispy fries. I've eaten definitely over a hundred of those. Definitely. The omelettes are ok, the spinach I'd stay away from, and the pork link sausages were jawesome. Plenty of sunshine and windows to take in the street, and people know better than to disrupt anything here. Frank and the bouncers from Still come over regularly to eat. Don't start shit. -
Review from Tim G.
New York, NY
7/29/2010
Quick, decent service
but the food was a bit bland,
burger overcooked. -
Review from Hillary R.
St Paul, MN
5/7/2011
I love this place. one side is floor to ceiling windows and I love people watching early in the morning while eating my bagel with cream cheese.
Once I ventured too far and ordered chocolate cake which was dry and bland, but I know now to stick to what works--bagel and a fruit smoothie. -
Review from Rebecca B.
Brooklyn, NY
5/10/2009
an average diner with what is expected for a diner. Nothing special, but at least its not one of those rip off diners who tries to take money for nothing special, it is a very reasonable nothing special kind of diner with ok taste.
I liked being here sitting and feeling nothing special -
Review from Julie J.
2/6/2011
I woke up this morning with a stomach full of regret - which was eating like a total fatty at 3am at Gramercy Cafe. This is my go-to place when I am craving some food for my drunken belly. Their food is nothing fancy, but they get the job done. Love their curly fries. See you soon Gramercy Cafe!
-
Review from Chris L.
Brooklyn, NY
3/30/2010
I've read through other reviews for this place and have to give Gramercy Cafe 5 stars. Sorry but for diners in that general neighborhood, their prices are very good, the hot food is HOT, and the service is excellent.
Joe's across the street - well, see my review for them is all I got to say.
Gramercy Cafe is always packed which to me is a good sign of a good place generally - especially given there are tons of other options for food in this area. -
Review from Karlo C.
New York, NY
2/13/2011
Good enough for late night - not much else. I get the chicken salad triple decker club, fries are nice and crispy.
-
Review from Lisa N.
Castro Valley, CA
2/3/2011
The cool thing is this place is open 24 hours. It's a diner/greasy spoon and that's what we wanted so that's what we got. The home fries are okay, and the corned beef hash was pretty good. The staff was very friendly and attentive.
-
Review from Tom D.
New York, NY
3/6/2010
I have been here twice. Once sober, once not. Both times were negative. I'll tell you why:
The food was worse than your average diner. Diner food in general isn't great, we all know this, but this place was below the bar for me.
First, I ordered the fettucini alfredo. It came with a salad and soup. Seemed like a good deal. But it wasn't such a good deal once I got sick two hours later in the bathroom at Sears and Robucks. Second time I had a breakfast platter. They told me the ham and eggs came from a can. I don't understand how eggs come from a can. The second time I went they also mixed up my check with someone else and took several minutes for them to figure out.
Bottom line, if youre drunk and passing this place, go ahead and eat here because you won't tell much difference. But if you're sober, pass on it. -
Review from michael c.
New York, NY
3/14/2010
yeahhh...so this place isnt all that great. just your typical diner like joint. a couple friends and i stopped by here cause it was late, we didnt want to walk far and we just wanted a quick fix for our hunger. dont get me wrong. its not like i hated my experience. food was alright. i just knew i probably wouldnt find my way there in the future.
the place is interesting. it was pretty late and the first thing i noticed was that there were quite a lot of old people in the joint. pretty impressive for the time of night. haha.
although the food wasnt that good. i was in the company of good friends and sharing a meal with good friends isnt a bad way to go. holler y'all. -
Review from Lynn N.
2/4/2009 2 photos
Came here on a local's suggestion since it was the only place within walking distance that was open late. I ordered the corn beef sandwich with fries, and it was very filling. Flavor wasn't out of this world, but it was worth the convenience and price.
Listed in: Everything New York
-
Review from mandy f.
Oakland, CA
2/10/2007
Gramercy Cafe serves standard diner fare with just enough grease and coffee to ameliorate any pain from the previous night's adventures. Its reasonable prices and proximity to Hotel 17 warranted repeat visits during my past trips to NYC.
-
Review from Shira H.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2010
Good enough. Standard diner fair. Not as good as Joe Jr.s which closed down the block, but as good as any 24/7 diner is gonna get.
-
Review from Andrew J.
Astoria, NY
4/20/2007
Perfect place for drunken takeout. I've never actually sat down, but on more than one occasion have slurred an order into the phone and wandered down there to find my food ready to be consumed (mostly on the walk home). I mean, nothing really beats nice, hot mozzarella sticks at 3 in the morning. They also have a decent burger. The prices were a little high, but I guess them's the breaks.
-
Review from faiza R.
Manhattan, NY
8/29/2008
One of the spots me and my buddies go to after a night of fun on the town.... you can never go wrong with the food choice there. Portions are well worth the amount you pay, that way when one of your friends are broke you dont have to pay out the "ying yang" to fill her gut.
-
Review from Colleen L.
Brooklyn, NY
11/25/2008
The mozzarella sticks were OK... at least they were served relatively quickly. However, the service was atrocious. Our waiter was clearly hating life - I might be too if I was working for tips at a mediocre diner at 2am - but he basically threw the menus at us, dropped our plate in front of us, and took it away before we were done eating. Then, when he brought the check, he stood over us watching us count our money. Sorry buddy, you might think you can guilt us into a bigger tip, but it's not gonna happen. Maybe instead of standing over us, he could have been getting better tips by refilling water glasses, which never happened during our rushed visit. Definitely a no-go.
-
Review from Pamela S.
11/10/2008
They're fast, professional, the portions are generous, and they're open 24 hrs. A good standby for delivery and those times when you want a meal and it's not remotely near a regular mealtime. Good salad/sandwich wraps, great curly fries, good brunch -- basically, they got the diner thing down. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep it bright and make for good people-watching.
-
Review from Daryll H.
New York, NY
6/10/2008
Pretty standard greasy spoon diner food. Better atmosphere than other local diners, especially with the atrium thing.
-
Review from Natalie W.
Culver City, CA
2/19/2008
It's the first time in my time in NYC to literally stumble upon a restaurant and actually love the results. MY hubby had the pastrami Reuben which he said was perfect and I adored my 3 large pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs for $8.95. It's one of the very few places I've found in the city that does pancakes, eggs, AND a meat. Anyway, before I even ordered breakfast I asked them if they served real maple syrup (I've also found a lot of places won't serve the fake stuff which I love). The server said I could buy my own two ounce bottle for $1.75. Perfect solution for everyone! Really good fresh squeezed juice, too.
-
Review from Alice H.
5/8/2010
This place is super close to my BFF's apartment, so whenever I come visit, we always end up here thanks to drunk munchies. I love their fried calamari linguini. It is pretty bomb at 1am, 2am, I even had it when I flew in on a red-eye and arrived at 5am. It's simple: linguini topped with loads of fried calamari (unfortunately I think they're frozen) and drenched in marinara sauce. What's not to like? Well, the fact that the entree costs about $15, but it still beats going to Denny's.
-
Review from Madeleine R.
New York, NY
12/24/2008
I'm a definite Gramercy Cafe fan... I don't understand all the recent sub-par reviews. This is a DINER, people, don't rate it the way you would a Michelin star establishment. The menu has everything you've ever looked for at a greasy spoon and more, they have a great smoothie menu and a lot of healthy choices. Great cheeseburgers, great chicken fingers, great mozzerella sticks, and literally the best black & white shake I've ever had (plus they'll make it with yogurt too)... Delivery is instantaneous, too. Obviously this place isn't half-bad, it's always busy whether it's 8am or 3am. I'll see you there after my next night out.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from ohnj a.
San Diego, CA
12/11/2008
The only time I ever come here is when I am tired after a night shift and am STARVING. They serve beer in the morning, which is interesting. Trends to the lonely bachelor eating by himself or the lady who lunches who hasn't quite caught on that the lunch is more than just lunch.
-
Review from Pam B.
New York, NY
9/3/2009
I love this place! Granted most of the time I come here its like 4am (or 830am after the walk of shame to recap w/ a friend). I came here after a long night out on my birthday and the waiters stuck a candle in french toast (my favorite and SO yummy here) and sang to me! It was the best! I love this place :)
-
Review from Lucius K.
New York, NY
10/15/2009
Great service, good diner food with large portions. I had the open-face turkey sandwich. Nothing special, but they do have a full menu with the standard diner fare.
-
Review from Ian H.
New York, NY
9/28/2008
good for bog standard but not outstanding brunch type food, especially - as noted by others - when hungover. I think going for any other type of food here would just lead to disappointment
