Manhattan welcomes many visitors attracted to its theaters, concert halls, museums, parks, and world-famous dining venues. However, like locals everywhere, many of its residents discover and frequent neighborhood restaurants. This is natural, as many shall recall the dining establishments of their early days with fondness; food seems to taste better there.
NYC residents are proud of their neighborhoods, and new names are continually invented to engender local pride. You’ve heard of them–Greenwich Village, Soho, Boho, Tudor City, Tribeca, Nolita, and many more. I often reflect on how my elder family members visited the neighborhoods of their youth to see their old schools, churches, bakeries, restaurants, and homes. My parents could scarcely visit the old neighborhood in Elizabeth, NJ, without picking up fresh babka at the Lithuanian bakery, pizza at Spiritos, or driving past St. Peter and Paul’s Lithuanian Roman Catholic Church.
As a denizen of midtown East, it’s a pleasure to enjoy meals served locally at the Townhouse Diner in the Murray Hill neighborhood. Townhouse Diner is on the east side of Second Ave., just a few steps north of 37th St. With great food, friendly proprietor George, and servers like Sarah, it’s a perfect place to dine and relax.
Diners are special to those from the northeast. Something is comforting, like grandma’s kitchen, about sitting in a booth or table in a warm, friendly place. All that’s missing these days are the mini jukeboxes once mounted on diner tables everywhere.
Coffee was fresh, hot, and delicious and my cup was kept full by smiling, attentive Sarah. George delivered orange juice almost immediately. The scrambled eggs were fluffy and cooked perfectly. The fruit was fresh and tasty, the rye toast was just right, and the silver dollar pancakes were a delight. A fellow patron ordered a fabulous Western omelet that I plan to order next time. You don’t have to live in the neighborhood to enjoy this family-run jewel of Murray Hill. Tell George I said hello!
Townhouse Diner
696 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
(212) 599-6254
http://www.townhousedinernewyork.com/
