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Diner Dreams Reimagined at B&L in NYC
November 14, 2024, 6:17.59 pm ET

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Photos: B&L Diner

The American diner: it’s the stuff of movies, a staple of sitcoms, and a go-to for everyone from bleary-eyed early birds to night owls chasing a midnight snack. Diners hold a unique place in our hearts and stomachs, and few understand this better than Chef Franklin Becker and restaurateur Stephen Loffredo, whose new B&L Diner brings the classic back—with a little Manhattan swagger.

Settling into Herald Square, B&L Diner gives diners everything we loved about the originals, minus the shortcuts and soggy fries. This isn’t just your average stack of pancakes and plate of meatloaf—though it does have those things (and they're killer). Instead, Becker and Loffredo are leaning into fresh, local ingredients and a menu that feels both familiar and new. Think market-driven comfort food that’s as much about quality as it is nostalgia, with dishes that are hearty enough to satisfy but balanced enough to keep you light on your feet.

Sure, there’s the traditional gyro, but at B&L it comes as a taco. A hot dog? Yes, but it’s a full foot long, decked out with crispy onions. A Reuben? Absolutely—with kimchi and a Jeju Island dressing for a flavorful punch. And if you’re a “Shake ‘n Bake” devotee, you’re in luck—they’ve brought that back, too, with the Shake 'n Bake Pork Chop, a nostalgic wink to every shake ‘n bake commercial you watched as a kid.

And the drinks? Let's just say B&L has redefined diner drinks. The wine list, curated by Hospitality Department beverage director Luke Boland, is surprisingly extensive, featuring more than a hundred selections. Yes, you read that right: Riesling with your Reuben, or perhaps a Merlot with meatloaf. Even the milkshakes have grown up here, with bartender Max Green turning them into cheeky boozy treats—like a Dirty Shirley, a Milkshake Espresso Martini or a silky Grasshopper.

Dessert is another nod to nostalgia, with pies that beg to be paired with a cup of diner-style coffee, a classic banana split, and Romina’s Cheesecake, crafted by Pastry Chef Romina Peixoto. You’ll find these delights at B&L’s bakery kiosk just outside the diner, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or an indulgent pastry run.

The vibe? Mid-century diner meets artful edge. Pop-art photos of vintage diner scenes line the walls, booths are cozy yet stylish, Formica tables add a retro touch, and everything feels warm and just the right amount of kitsch. You’re here to settle in, to dig in, and maybe stay a while.

If you’re ready for a serious nostalgia trip that’s anything but predictable, B&L Diner is ready for you at 1262 Broadway (32nd Street), open daily from 7 AM to 11:30 PM. Follow along at @bnldiner on Instagram to keep up with the latest.



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