Mott Corner

11/24/2010

• 14 check-ins

I've walked by this place a million times and have always wanted to check it out but never have for some reason. Finally, after arriving at La Esquina at three in the morning to find it unfortunately closed, I suggested a perfect spot that I knew would not let us down at this great hour of need and led the way over to Mott Corner.

I'm not sure exactly what it was about this place that always drew me to it. In a neighborhood full of bourgeois boutiques and trendy restaurants, Mott Corner stands out amongst the crowd. To me, this place represents the heart and soul of New York City. Where Everyman can get his buttered roll and a cup of joe at the counter. The kind of place you used to find everywhere, but now is part of a dying breed. Where hard working cab drivers sit at the counter and rub elbows with models teeter tottering on sky high heels. The short order cooks behind the counter hold court in their white paper crowns, dishing out satisfyingly greasy Burgers, Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwiches on quintessential New York Hard Rolls, oozy Grilled Cheeses grilled to perfection, all chased by those amazing French Fries with the perfect amount of crunchiness, washed down with a cold Tall Boy from the industrial refrigerators against the back wall.

This is the image I've always had of this place as I've walked by and stared through the windows into the fluorescent lights late at night.

When we finally met, Mott Corner delivered.

We sat down at one of the two four-tops against the windows. Seated next to us were a table of Mexicans who greeted us in Spanish and promptly quizzed us on our knowledge of world languages. Crowded around the counter a group of cab drivers, probably Bangladeshi, drank coffee out of paper cups and gesticulated wildly while discussing the days events. After the Mexicans left (hasta luego), a group of jolly brits took their place and proceeded to fill the tabletop up with empty bottles of negro modelo between the burgers and fries. Before long, nearing four in the morning, want-to-be-scene (pun intended) girls in six inch heels and guys in jeans a size too tight start showing up, probably stumbling over from Kenmare down the block. They displace the cabbies, some who leave to try and hack it on the city streets again, while three remain and hover over our table watching the foreign news show playing on the TV bolted to the wall above our heads. Soon, there's no one left but us and the staff, our table scattered about with empty bottles and cans. Down Kenmare towards the East River the sun is beginning to peak out over the horizon and then you know it's time to say farewell and adieu.

8/15/2015

When I'm in the mood for egg and cheese with bacon and sausage with beer at 2 in the morning, then this is the place I go to. But to keep into perspective, the quality of food is average and priced above average, but you know the grill is hot at midnight. They also serve halal food which I have yet to try.

The only other thing I like about this place is that there are seats and tables. Otherwise drinks (including alcohol) here are also more expensive than most bodegas as they're taking advantage of their mark in between Soho and Chinatown/Little Italy. The only thing they probably can't really rip you off with are lottery tickets, that's the government's job.

1/3/2016

I know how to pick em'!

I gave it 3 stars because this was my go to spot for a cheap late snack. I never minded much that they are somewhere between rude - vapid to white non-taxi drivers like myself.

No matter how they treated me I'm always respectful and make sure I clean my table before I leave. I say please and thank you and smile and say good night. You'd think after seeing you night after night they'd "lighten up" .....Nope! Then I make a huge mistake.

The other night I saw they had I phone usb charger cables for sale so I grabbed one and I told the cashier I'm buying this for my i-phone. "Is it compatible" I asked. He responded by saying "high speed charge" yes! I'm still skeptical so I say ok, but if it doesn't work you know I'm coming back to return it. (Since I eat there regularly) and then I bought it.

Of course I get home and plug it in and it doesn't work. (Phone gives a message saying not compatible with this accessory) so I return 2 nights later. I realize this might not go well so I wisely ate my food first then I go to pay and I tell him about the charger I bought does not work and I'm returning it.

He says no refunds! Take another! I said you don't understand, it's not compatible so taking another will not help me. He's not having it. He insists "no returns"! He exclaims. So I just put the wire on the counter and said "nope...Im returning it..just like I said I would if it didn't work." So I tell him "I owe $8 for my food, and you owe me $7 for the charger. Here's a dollar. Now we're even." As I'm walking out and gathering my things he starts repeating I don't like this! I don't like this!

It's 2am and there are a fair amount of people there and it becomes a scene. Now everyone is looking at me like I did something wrong. I replied from across the room "you don't like this? Well I come in here all the time and I'm very friendly and never make trouble and you sell me a charger that doesn't work. I simply came to return it and you make a scene and treat me like I just did something horrible to you. Now you lost a regular customer"

I walk out and I will never go back.

The end.

12/20/2013

• 2 check-ins

Let me tell you about neighborhoods in NY that do not have a lot of convenience stores/bodegas. THIS neighborhood. For someone who gets up early and is short on time and needs coffee and breakfast, there are limited options. But if you don't mind bodega coffee and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, Mott Corner is the place to go. It will take a few minutes for everything to prep, but spend some time watching Bangladeshi movies and soaps. Man there is a lot of drama and people staring at one another with intense music going on. It's a universal story language, really. There are even some places to sit if you want more of a diner type feel. And the prices are right. Big fan.

11/23/2014

I've never gone here for the food, though I am local, so I can't speak for that. What I will say though is that the guys who work here tend to be fairly rude 2 whenever I've come in to buy groceries or cigs or lotto tix. Not saying this is for sure the reason, but i feel like if I wasn't a tall white boy (given that their clientele seems to be otherwise), I have a feeling like they might treat me a little better. I swear, every time I walk out of there, I feel like I've done something wrong. I won't be back unless it's necessary. Otherwise, the food looks half decent for fast care but you're better off going to the halal cart on spring st.

5/2/2014

This place is on my way to work, and I must say these are the most consistently put together and delicious sandwiches. I like this place because the guy actually takes his time to put these sandwiches together instead of slapping them in so he can get to the next customer. Every bite has every ingredient. The guys are super friendly and watching some cricket doesn't hurt. A+

6/30/2013

• 1 check-in

Greatest place EVER...only place you can get a bangin grilled cheese, beer, chocolate, and condoms allllll in one place...ahhhmazing little corner store

7/27/2014

guy gave me wrong change, refused to give me the .50$ which is just dumb.. and I asked for a cheese sandwich , and he put peppers and pickles on it for some reason. and overall, $5.50 for a cheese sandwich? what the, I don't even know. don't come here

4/12/2012

I like this place mainly because it's opened 24/7.
It doesn't have a very large menu selection considering how it's a diner styled place. But the reason they're so good is because of their regular taxi-driver patrons who come for their curry. It's not the best stuff in the world (above average at best). But I give you credit because your stuff are still good diner-wise and it has sincere atmosphere.

3/19/2010

All I have to say is OMFG grilled cheese sandwich. This grilled cheese sandwich changed my life, made me obsessed, and I have since lost my job and been panhandling for quarters so I can get grilled cheese with tomato and onion (bacon for you goyim and terrible very bad no good Jews) and stuff my face and walk around coated in melted cheese and ketchup. OK, maybe it hasn't been that extreme. But  it could be. Be afraid (and hungry).

If the cab drivers go here, you KNOW it's good!

7/7/2012

• Listed in America 2012

The pizza wasn't bad given I was on the run, but given the other options in the area, I probably wouldn't head back.

3/2/2009

• First to Review

The other night the lock to my apartment suddenly broke. While waiting for the super to come rescue us, my boyfriend and I got hungry.
Since it was past midnight the lazy option prevailed and we went over to Mott Corner (formerly known as Luncheonette) to grab a fish sandwich.

Beware of this place!

If you eat some of the food they cook there, you'll develop unknown cutaneous reactions.
Seriously, it's that bad.

7/7/2009

I absolutely go here only because it's ridiculously close to home, very cheap for the neighborhood, and open all night, but taking that into account:

The place is like a standard issue bodega deli counter; DON'T ORDER ANYTHING you're iffy about. Mott Corner is a good choice for the basics, done cheap: eggs, potatoes, toast, greasy but strangely satisfying burgers, etc. You can also have a $2 dollar tall boy with your eats, which I for one appreciate.

So again, don't go out of your way, either to get here or to "try something different." Count on this only for what it is: a cheap, neighborhood greasy spoon with great hours.

1/29/2012

On my quest for a grilled cheese sandwich at midnight on Sunday, this was the first place I encountered that seemed to fit the bill. $3! Price was right.

Unfortunately, my grilled cheese was flavored with meat patty grease, chunks of burnt ramen noodles, leftover spices from a curry, and weirdly, a chunk of green onion buried in the melted cheese. Clearly scraping off the grill is not a high priority at midnight on a Sunday.

So if you like your food spiced with whatever the last few dozen people before you have eaten, go here.

Pros: open late at night, has grilled cheese and fries on the menu; appears to be a hangout for taxi drivers, so it has a convivial late night vibe
Cons: dirty grill, anything not on the menu is priced by the cashier's whim ($2.50 for a klondike bar??? i think not my friend).

12/14/2009

My favorite late night spot in New York. Order the spicy chicken cutlet sandwich. If you are lucky get some of the fish curry expertly prepared by staff. Between the TV, chatter, and the curry you will think you are in Dhaka.

1/13/2011

You can do better.  The only thing this place has going for it is that it is open late.  The food is 'meh.'  I've been here twice since I live around the corner and was disappointed each time.  The staff is nice and the food comes out quickly, but the place is dirty and they are really only there for the late night traffic.  If it is not 3am and you need some grease in you, then don't go.