Lyric Diner

I've been to this place about 1,000 times. I used to call it my favorite diner in New York, as when I went in November of '06, it was excellent. Now, however, it's slowly gotten terrible. And it was the perfect middle to a terrible night. Later in the night, I would be told I was, in essence, unattractive. The people who hang out around the Lyric Diner, at say, Rodeo Bar or Tonic, are basically white guys with a little bit of money, which, as I've learned, there's nothing worse.



I don't get it though. The same people work at Lyric, but for some reason their attitudes are jaded. They aren't very nice, and it's a little annoying. I didn't get any food this particular time, but I've always enjoyed it, so I really think they just suck now, for lack of a better word.



Also - Liz went back later in the night. She had had a terrible night as well, and just wanted a snack. They left the money on the table and walked out (you're supposed to pay at the counter if you want), the waiter - the same one in Laurel's story below - came outside and screamed that they didn't pay $3, when they did. Apparently, the busboy took it. The night ended with her throwing money in his face and telling him to f**k off. Let's just say the next day was MUCH better. - Jennifer


Lyric Diner is what you think of when you think of a diner. Open all the time, crazy old guy working there, an overly sized and ridiculously varied menu, etc. The prices are normal for New York-- more than I'd pay at a diner other places, but usually expected here. We came here for after-dinner dinner one night when we had a terrible experience at another place (we'll save that one for a later review).

I'm a person that, when faced with the option to order breakfast, I do it 95% of the time. I love breakfast/brunch, and how often can you eat french toast for dinner? So that's what I got. I ordered the challah french toast which was 7 or $8, sides were extra. When I got it, I received what you see above. I asked him where my challah was. He said that was challah. I said no it's not. He gave me some weird explanation about why it was challah, and I ate it and said to myself "that's no challah." I felt swindled for two reasons: 1. challah is tastier and more expensive. 2. They had regular french toast for less (which is what I ate), and came with 3 pieces instead of two.

In short, the food was fine but I was disappointed in the value and the borderline dishonesty of it. Not a terrible place to go if you need food late at night in that part of town, but there are better--and why were you hanging out in that part of town late at night, anyway? -Laurel

Address: 283 3rd Ave (@ 22nd Street)

Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lyric-diner-new-york

Payment: Cash, Cards

Take Out: Yes

Open Late: 24 hours

Delivery: no

Large Group Friendly: yes

Bar/Happy Hour: nope!