Since 1971, the Square Diner at Leonard and Varick in Tribeca has been under the same owner, but I'm certain it dates back further than that. Maybe a diner expert can identify its pedigree. Many of its classic features have been covered up by renovations, including the odd addition of a semi-pitched, shingled roof, but I'm willing to guess it might be a Challenger, made in 1947 by Kullman Dining Car Company. The Victory in Staten Island is a prime example.
The Square retains its curved glass-brick corners and blue-paneled front, as well as original chrome and blue-glass mirrors on the interior.
In Tribeca's sea of trendy, high-end eateries, the Square is an oasis of good old-fashioned grease. But with so many luxury buildings rising all around, how long can it last?
6 comments:
Stopped in here for breakfast last July 4th. Service was friendly, food was really tasty, and the price was definately right. I had the corned-beef hash & eggs if you're wondering.
Here is a link to a GREAT photo of what the diner and it's location looked like back in 1970:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/303106962_906166c260.jpg?v=0
That's about right--we have it's a 1946.
Speaking of the Victory, last we have is the diner sits at a Parks Department building on Capodanno Boulevard. It's supposed to open this year, but we haven't heard anything about a restoration or its progress. Do you have any news about the diner?
I happened upon this one night. Loved it.
I left NYC just over a year ago, after having lived (and I mean..LIVED! there for 12 years. When I arrived in 1995, I was fortunate to experience the last of the 'grunge', and witnessed the Disney-fication of Times Square and glass monoliths replacing traditional brick and morter later. I have not been back since. Part of me is aching to go back and visit soon, but part of me wants to keep the memory of NYC's edge in my memory. Thanks for a walk down memory lane.
I love the (triangular) Square - let's not jinx it!
I generally like this place, but I recently asked them to "add cheese" to my western omelet. They charged me $2 for a slice of cheese. Are you kidding me? it's a bear mkt...
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