City Island Diner

- 304 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464

Welcome to the City Island Diner, a beloved local institution that serves as a cornerstone of the historic City Island community in the Bronx. For New Yorkers seeking a genuine slice of classic Americana and a welcoming, homey atmosphere, this quaint corner spot is an essential destination. Stepping inside is like taking a charming trip back in time, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life with its small-town greasy spoon feel. The ambiance is notably cozy, quiet, and casual, mirroring the unique, tranquil atmosphere of City Island itself, often compared to a New England fishing village despite being firmly within New York City limits.

More than just a place to eat, the City Island Diner is a hub for the community, a place where the counter culture runs strong, and friendly service is a guarantee. It’s a favorite spot for both locals—affectionately known as 'Clam Diggers'—and visitors, or 'Muscle Suckers,' providing a consistently delicious experience across all meals of the day. Whether you're fueling up for a day of exploring the island's nautical history or winding down with a comforting dinner, the diner provides a relaxed and authentic dining experience that has garnered attention, even serving as a backdrop for a popular web series with Jerry Seinfeld and Ricky Gervais. Known for its fantastic coffee and famously fast service, the City Island Diner embodies the timeless charm of the classic New York-area diner.

The menu is a celebration of satisfying American fare, specializing in traditional diner staples with generous portions and quality ingredients. From the moment the doors open for breakfast until the last dessert is served, the focus remains on delivering the kind of comfort food that keeps customers coming back time and again. Co-owner Donna McGowan and her staff are known for their attentive and caring nature, ensuring every patron feels well taken care of. This commitment to customer satisfaction and the preservation of a traditional diner experience is why City Island Diner is such a vital, cherished part of the Bronx dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

The City Island Diner is conveniently situated in the heart of the community, making it an easy and rewarding stop for anyone visiting the island. City Island itself is a small, unique community located just beyond Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, connected to the mainland by a single bridge, contributing to its retained small-town atmosphere.

The exact address is:

304 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA

For New York-based patrons, the diner is accessible and welcoming to all. Amenities at the location include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring the venue is welcoming to guests with mobility needs.
• Free street parking is available, which is a major convenience in the New York area.
• The diner is considered kid-friendly, providing a suitable environment for families dining together and offering high chairs for the youngest guests.

Whether you drive across the bridge for a day trip or take the Bx29 bus, finding this corner diner is part of the delightful City Island experience.

Services Offered

The City Island Diner provides comprehensive dining services designed for convenience and comfort for the New York community and its visitors. The services and dining options available include:

• Dine-in Seating: Enjoy a meal at a booth or the classic diner counter, complete with table service.
• Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, & Dinner: Serving a full menu of American and comfort food from morning until evening.
• Takeout and Delivery: Offering convenient options for enjoying the menu at home, including no-contact delivery.
• Bar Onsite: Serving a selection of beverages including Alcohol and Beer for an added dining option.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Kids' Menu: Thoughtful options available to cater to families with children.
• General Amenities: Includes Restroom facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.

Features / Highlights

The City Island Diner is distinguished by several features that cement its status as a must-visit local spot. These highlights speak to the quality of both the food and the overall experience:

• Classic Diner Atmosphere: A cozy, historic, and unpretentious vibe that feels like a genuine small-town greasy spoon from another era, offering a comfortable and casual setting.
• Acclaimed Food Offerings: Known for its quality comfort food, including a popular and award-winning breakfast special, delicious burgers, and savory soups (like their famous clam chowders).
• Highly Rated Service: Patrons consistently praise the fast, friendly, and attentive staff, with specific shout-outs to owners and servers like Donna and Vera.
• Featured in Pop Culture: The diner gained further recognition as a filming location for an episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," solidifying its iconic status.
• Wide-Ranging Menu: Offering a diverse selection that goes beyond the basics, including specialty items like the "Man Overboard Omelette," "Irish Shepard's Pie," "Balboa Sandwich," and "Thanksgiving Dinner."
• Dessert Variety: A selection of freshly made desserts, including Pastries, Muffins, Home Naked Pies, Pie Pie Ala Mode, Cupcakes, and Ice Cream Sundaes.
• Local Cultural Icon: The diner's image was even chosen to be featured on a vintage-wash cotton T-shirt by the retailer J. Crew, celebrating the island's unique culture with a "clam chowing down on a delicious hamburger" design.

Contact Information

For inquiries, to place a takeout order, or to check on the daily soup and quiche selections, please use the following contact details:

Address: 304 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA

Phone: (718) 885-0362

What is Worth Choosing

For local New Yorkers and visitors planning their meal at the City Island Diner, the menu offers an extensive variety of classic and inventive dishes for every taste. The sheer volume of comforting, satisfying American and Homestyle Dinners makes it an ideal choice no matter what you're craving. Here is a brief look at some of the most notable and delicious categories to help you decide:

For Breakfast Aficionados:

Start your day with their acclaimed breakfast. Must-try items include the huge selection of Omelettes, many with nautical-themed names like the "Main Mast Omelette" or "Sailmaker Omelette." The "2 Eggs Any Style" is a solid base, or consider a full plate like the "Corned Beef Hash & Eggs" or "Irish Bangers & Eggs." If you prefer sweet griddle fare, opt for the "Golden Brown Pancakes," "Blueberry Pancakes," or the rich "Stuffed French Toast." For a quick bite, the "Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich" is a classic New York choice.

For Lunch & Dinner Classics:

The main menu excels at satisfying comfort food. The Burgers are famous, with options like the "Cheeseburger Deluxe," "Black Bean Veggie Burger," or one of the Specialty Burgers such as the "Da Bronx Burger." Sandwiches range from the straightforward "BLT" and "Pastrami On Rye Sandwich" to hearty Hot Heros like the "Balboa Sandwich" (Roast beef, sauteed onions, Mozzarella, and brown gravy on garlic bread) or "Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich."

For Homestyle Comfort:

If you are looking for a true, stick-to-your-ribs meal, explore the Homestyle Dinners. The "Famous Meatloaf Dinner," "Irish Shepard's Pie," "Bangers & Mashed," and "Roast Beef Dinner" are all excellent choices. The seafood selections, such as "Traditional Fish & Chips" and "Fried Shrimp Basket," also honor City Island's rich maritime location.

A Word on the Atmosphere:

Beyond the food, choosing the City Island Diner means choosing an experience. Customers consistently highlight the "Homey Atmosphere" and "Friendly Staff." Vera, Donna, Lorenzo, and the entire team are often praised for making every dining experience feel special and personal. It’s this combination of quality, well-prepared food and heartfelt community service that makes City Island Diner worth the visit every time.

City Island Diner

304 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA