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Orion Diner & Grill

395 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10010
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Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)

Orion Diner & Grill 7.6
Rose Hill
A true all-hours diner where wings work as the reliable, no-drama comfort order—crispy enough to satisfy, fast enough to match the late-night pace. The best approach is classic diner discipline: wings plus one supporting side, then stop before the menu sprawl takes over.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo wings, Mozzarella sticks, Breakfast platter (late-night classic)
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.5 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: All-hours diner wings when everything else is closed.
Who should go: Late-night eaters and diner loyalists
When to visit: After 10pm for peak utility
What to order: Buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, breakfast side
Insider tip: Stick to fried-and-griddled items for best consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability late at night but easier after midnight. Metered spots nearby.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodies, jeans, late-night attire all fit.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late night—easy conversation during off-hours, louder after midnight.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late evening; little to no wait after 11pm
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic diner options like grilled cheese, salads, eggs, and sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—plain sides only; not a strong choice for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited—omelets and some breakfast items work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe is casual and low-pressure—this works better as a late-night comfort stop than a polished date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially late night. Peak dinner hours may mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—daytime and early evening are family-friendly with classic diner seating and familiar menu options.
Best For
Better for: Late-night reliability, fast service, and classic diner comfort when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want standout wings, craft sauces, or a bar-forward sports atmosphere—choose a dedicated wings spot instead.
Orion Diner & Grill 7.6
Kips Bay
A true all-hours diner where lasagna is about late-night utility, not Italian fine points—big, hot, and built to satisfy when you need a dependable comfort plate fast. Keep expectations aligned: order the baked pasta, add one simple side, and skip the menu wander.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked lasagna, Chicken noodle soup, Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.7 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: 24/7 diner lasagna when you need comfort on a clock.
Who should go: Late-night eaters and diner loyalists
When to visit: After 10pm for maximum utility
What to order: Baked lasagna, soup, one dessert slice
Insider tip: Stick to baked-and-classic items for best consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive, especially evenings—expect to circle or use a nearby garage.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and post-night-out fits all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late-night diner buzz; conversation is easy but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Little to no wait most nights; brief waits possible during late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic vegetarian plates and sides available, though limited.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides; ask staff for current options.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated prep area; stick to simple grilled items if needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and unfussy—great for late-night comfort, not for ambiance or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—classic diner menu, big booths, and a relaxed atmosphere suit families; late nights skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night availability, fast service, and reliable comfort portions when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want refined Italian flavors, quieter dining, or thoughtful dietary accommodations.
Orion Diner & Grill 7.7
Kips Bay
A true diner breakfast where the payoff is speed, portion size, and round-the-clock utility—not chef-driven nuance. Order like a regular: one classic platter or sandwich, one side, and ignore the temptation to roam the menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Belgian waffle, Eggs Benedict, Egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: All-hours diner breakfast that delivers comfort on a clock.
Who should go: Early risers, families, and late-night diners
When to visit: Off-peak mornings for fastest seating
What to order: Belgian waffle, eggs Benedict, egg-and-cheese sandwich
Insider tip: Stick to griddle-and-egg classics for best consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and inconsistent; metered spots nearby, garages within a few blocks if needed.
Dress code: Very casual—anything from sweats to work clothes fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate—classic diner hum, easy conversation but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak brunch hours; otherwise minimal.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, quick turnarounds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—egg plates, waffles, pancakes, grilled cheese, and veggie sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides like toast, hash browns, and fruit.
Gluten-free options: Limited—egg plates without toast; no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and low-pressure—this is about comfort and speed, not atmosphere or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in diner with fast turnover at most hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs, simple menu options, and a relaxed environment work well for families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, no-frills breakfast plates at any hour with solid portions and predictable execution.
Skip if: You want a calm café vibe, chef-driven brunch, or dietary-specific menus.
Orion Diner & Grill 8.1
Kips Bay
A classic all-hours New York diner where the late-night move is simple: order something griddled, something soupy, and something sweet, and let the kitchen do what it’s always done. The cooking isn’t trying to impress—it’s trying to show up the same way every time.
Must-Try Dishes: French onion soup, Greek omelette, Bacon cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school diner reliability at truly late hours.
Who should go: Late-night diners who want comfort classics
When to visit: After 11 p.m. for the real value
What to order: French onion soup, Greek omelette, bacon cheeseburger
Insider tip: Soup plus a sandwich is the safest late-night win.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability late at night, easier after midnight. Paid garages nearby but not attached.
Dress code: Casual — anything goes. Hoodies, jeans, work clothes, and post-night-out fits all blend in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — steady diner hum, but conversations are easy even late.
Weekend wait: 10–20 min late night; earlier evenings can spike to 20–30 min
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — omelettes, pancakes, grilled cheese, salads, and sides are easy to mix and match.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable sides and salads, but not a strong vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some grilled proteins and egg-based plates work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for low-pressure and casual. It’s better for comfort and conversation than for making an impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and turnover is fast even late at night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — classic diner menu, high chairs available, and flexible ordering make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Reliable late-night comfort food, solo dining, and no-drama meals when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You’re looking for atmosphere, elevated cooking, or a date-night scene — this is about function, not flair.
Orion Diner & Grill 8.1
Gramercy
A true all-hours diner where the late-night burger is less about hype and more about reliability—hot griddle, fast turnaround, and the comfort of knowing you can still get a real meal. Keep it classic, add soup if you’re ordering after midnight, and leave room for something sweet.
Must-Try Dishes: Bacon cheeseburger, French onion soup, Milkshake
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Open-when-you-need-it diner burgers with no drama.
Who should go: Night owls who want a real meal
When to visit: After midnight when options thin out
What to order: Bacon cheeseburger, soup, milkshake
Insider tip: Soup plus burger is the safest late-night combo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability late night, easier after midnight but still hit-or-miss.
Dress code: Casual—anything from jeans and hoodies to work clothes is fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate late night; easy conversation, especially after midnight.
Weekend wait: No wait to 10 minutes most nights
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burgers, omelets, salads, and classic diner sides.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable sides, salads (no cheese), and simple modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited—lettuce-wrapped burgers, eggs, and some sides; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going ultra-casual—great for low-pressure conversation, not for romance or atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, even late at night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—classic diner menu, flexible seating, and welcoming for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Late-night reliability, fast burgers, and solo-friendly comfort when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want a trendy burger, a date-night setting, or anything chef-driven or indulgent.