Just two blocks from Baruch College’s campus sits Diner 24, a cozy spot serving comfort food around the clock on the corner of East 22nd Street and Third Avenue. Whether it’s a late-night study break, a rainy afternoon or an early morning craving, Diner 24 offers a familiar and welcoming space for students looking for a place to escape the stress of classes.
The diner takes pride in retaining New York’s classic diner culture. As its website puts it, “Diner 24 invites patrons to transcend the constraints of traditional dining hours and indulge in classic delights at any time of the day or night. With a menu that reflects the city’s diverse culinary landscape, every dish is a celebration of flavor and comfort.”
Beyond the warm atmosphere, the menu covers just about everything you’d expect from a diner: smash burgers, hot dogs, omelets, pancakes, pasta, soups and milkshakes.
Prices run higher than the average food cart but are reasonable considering the portions, 24-hour service and the high-quality food that comes from the kitchen. It’s a reliable spot when other restaurants close early or get too crowded.
The retro-style interior, complete with neon lights and classic booth seating, adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place where you can go with friends after a long night or sit alone with a plate of fries and a textbook.
The grilled chicken pesto club sandwich had nicely toasted, crunchy bread, with chicken that was slightly burnt but still tender and a side of crisp fries that tasted freshly cut. The sandwich came to $16 before tax and was a generous portion.
Another Baruch student, Kayla Manzano, ordered the grilled cheese, which comes with tomato soup for $14 before tax.
She said the soup was warm, flavorful and tasted like it was made from fresh tomatoes. The grilled cheese was toasted perfectly and dipping it into the soup took the flavor to another level. Manzano also tried the mac and cheese, which was rich, creamy and loaded with cheese. The cheese pull alone was impressive, and at $6 it was a satisfying side for the price.
Diner 24 is also known for its wild crazy milkshake combos. The banana cream pie milkshake wasn’t as over-the-top as some of its other creations, but it was still more than enough for two
people to share. At $16 before tax it’s on the pricier side, but the shakes, which can go as high as $24, are a fun treat to split with friends if you’re craving something sweet after eating.
The overall atmosphere was friendly and calm. While there weren’t many students in the evening, there were families enjoying dinner. The staff was amazing and accommodating. My server Richard was quick and attentive, making sure I had everything I needed.
Diner 24 also offers an event and catering menu. For any Baruch clubs planning an event, it could be worth looking into. It’s a way to enjoy high-quality diner classics while hosting meetings or social events.
Even without a student discount offered, it’s still worth going once in a while after a long day of studying in the library to enjoy the full diner experience: great food, friendly staff and good vibes.
On a side note, I’d like to welcome everyone to “Food For Thought.” Reading last semester’s food column inspired me to take this on, and I hope to carry it forward with the same passion and professionalism. Here’s to the first of many reviews.
