Tom’s Restaurant was at the top of my bucket list as a Seinfeld fan for 3 decades. The iconic front for Monk’s Diner from the show was everything I wanted it to be and more! The staff were amazing, quick, kind and fun. The coffee was classic, booths were comfy, super cute bar top, and it has an adorable outside patio on a great side of town. Lots of memorabilia from the show and epic photo opportunities for fans. We both ordered BIG Salads and they were fresh and fantastic! Highly recommend for great food and atmosphere. Loved their fries, SO yum! Lots of menu options, yada, yada, yada. 🤣
The chicken cutlet was tasty, but the pasta and sauce had no flavor at all, it honestly tasted like plain crushed tomatoes. I even added some salt and pepper myself, but it didn’t help much. We ordered the steak medium, but it came out well-done.
That said, the atmosphere was nice and the diner itself was beautiful, and all the staff were very kind and friendly.
5
Came because of Seinfeld and was worried it might be a tourist trap (crowded, overpriced, etc.). I couldn’t have been more wrong. The food was genuinely very good, and the place felt like a true local diner despite its fame. This was actually my second visit. Earlier this year I stopped by for a chicken menu that was also excellent, so it was nice to see that the quality wasn’t a one-off.
The service was excellent, especially from the Hispanic server who looked after us- she was spectacular. My Eggs Benedict were OK, but I tried several dishes from around the table and they were all outstanding. The cheeseburger was particularly delicious.
5
If you are a fan of classic television, Tom's Restaurant is an absolute must-visit in New York City. This iconic spot is famous for serving as the exterior of the diner in Seinfeld. While the interior doesn't perfectly match the show since those scenes were filmed on a Hollywood soundstage, stepping inside still offers a quintessential, nostalgic American diner experience.
The restaurant is wonderfully decorated with genuine Seinfeld memorabilia, including authentic autographs from the original cast members. Even Jerry Seinfeld himself has visited!
Beyond the incredible pop culture history, the food and service truly stand on their own. The staff, along with the owner, are incredibly welcoming and friendly, making you feel right at home. I highly recommend saving room for dessert because their cheesecake is easily one of the best I have ever had. Additionally, the coffee is surprisingly excellent for a traditional New York diner.
Another major plus is their late-night hours, making it a great spot to grab an evening bite. Beware that the surrounding neighborhood can feel a little unsettled late at night, but that is entirely outside of the business's control. Overall, this is a fantastic establishment that delivers both on its legendary TV status and its high-quality food and service. Highly recommended!
5
Let’s be real, you’re not coming to Tom’s for the food, you’re coming here because of the show. And while Tom’s certainly caters to the fans by having a number of pictures of the cast, it’s functionally just a typical NYC diner. The Lumberjack was pretty decent
