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S&P Lunch
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
S&P Lunch
7.9
A lunch-counter style stop built for classic New York sandwiches and a fast, no-drama rhythm. It shines when you keep it old-school—one hot sandwich, one cold sandwich, or a single griddled favorite—then get out before you turn it into a full sit-down project.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna melt, Classic egg salad sandwich, Griddled patty melt-style sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A classic NYC lunch-counter menu that prioritizes simple satisfaction.
Who should go: Sandwich people and solo lunch regulars
When to visit: Mid-lunch off-peak for speed
What to order: Tuna melt, egg salad, one griddled sandwich
Insider tip: Pick one sandwich lane—hot/griddled or cold/deli—don’t split the difference.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive during lunch hours. Best accessed by subway or on foot.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — anything goes. Work clothes, jeans, or grab-and-go attire all fit.
Noise level: Moderate — active counter energy but short interactions; fine for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — lunch-focused operation with limited or no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush; off-peak is usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — solid vegetarian sandwiches like egg salad and grilled cheese.
Vegan options: Very limited — not a strong fit beyond simple modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited — fillings can work, but bread-forward menu with no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s fast, functional, and counter-focused. Better for a solo bite or casual meetup than a sit-down moment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations and limited seating. Most people eat quickly or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like simple sandwiches; no high chairs or kid-focused amenities.
Best For
Better for: Old-school NYC lunch-counter sandwiches, speed, and no-frills comfort at a low price point.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down lunch, dietary flexibility, or a place to linger.
S&P Lunch
8.1
A Flatiron lunch-counter built for classic NYC griddle energy, where burgers feel like a focused, no-nonsense move rather than a gimmick. Order with discipline—one burger, one side—so the textures stay crisp and the meal doesn’t sprawl into deli overload.
Must-Try Dishes:
S&P Burger, Prairie Prince Burger, Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: An old-school counter that treats the burger like a griddle craft.
Who should go: Lunch-counter people who want a real burger
When to visit: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon to dodge peak lines
What to order: S&P Burger, Prairie Prince Burger, fries
Insider tip: One burger only—add the second visit, not the second order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages nearby but not worth it for a quick meal. Best accessed on foot or via subway.
Dress code: Very casual. Come as you are—work clothes, jeans, or a quick solo stop fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Counter chatter and griddle sounds, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime lunch counter with limited evening hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes during peak lunch; little to no wait mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. Grilled cheese and a few non-meat counter items, but this is a burger-first spot.
Vegan options: Very limited. Not a strong choice for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Burgers are bun-based; modifications possible but not designed for gluten-free dining.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual chemistry than romance. Great if you want something low-pressure and authentic, not ideal if you’re aiming for linger-and-talk energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. It’s counter service only, so you queue, order, and grab a seat when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like burgers and simple food. No kids menu or space for strollers, but quick pacing works for short visits.
Best For
Better for: Old-school NYC griddle burgers, fast solo lunches, and no-frills comfort that prioritizes execution over trendiness.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down experience, extensive dietary accommodations, or a place to linger with drinks and sides.
S&P Lunch
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
A revived old-school lunch counter that’s strongest in classic deli rhythm: hot griddle sandwiches, crisp latkes, and tight execution that rewards repeat ordering. Keep it simple and savory—one signature sandwich plus one side—and you’ll see why it’s become a Flatiron staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Dinkelburger, Tuna Melt, Latkes
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A classic lunch-counter menu executed with modern precision.
Who should go: Deli sandwich people who hate gimmicks
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the peak rush
What to order: Dinkelburger, tuna melt, latkes
Insider tip: Add one side only—latkes are the best multiplier.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive during the day; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual-smart. Jeans and sneakers are fine; business casual fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate – lively counter energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable – primarily a lunch-focused spot with limited evening hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon rush; shorter before 12pm or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly sandwiches and sides like latkes.
Vegan options: Limited – possible to piece together sides, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some fillings are gluten-free, but bread alternatives are not a focus.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and unfussy. It’s more about great food and easy conversation than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick, especially if you come slightly off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy simple sandwiches and sides; it’s less ideal for strollers or long sit-down meals.
Best For
Better for: Classic griddled sandwiches and a true lunch-counter rhythm that beats trendier deli spots on consistency and execution.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, leisurely meal, extensive dietary accommodations, or a destination dinner experience.
S&P Lunch
8.2
A revived luncheonette that nails NYC comfort with just enough polish: tight griddled sandwiches, diner classics, and the kind of counter energy that keeps lunch moving. The move is simple—pick one signature melt, add onion rings or fries, and finish with an egg cream so it feels like the full old-school arc.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna melt, Patty melt, Egg cream
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A true lunch-counter revival with melts and egg creams done right.
Who should go: Solo lunchers and classic sandwich people
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:30
What to order: Tuna melt, patty melt, egg cream
Insider tip: Stick to one melt lane—add sides, skip extra mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Flatiron; garages nearby are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy—jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch—lively counter energy but still manageable for solo dining or quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime/lunch destination.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; off-peak is often no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian-friendly melts and sides are available.
Vegan options: Very limited—this menu is dairy- and griddle-forward.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free prep; best for gluten-tolerant diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure daytime meet than a romantic date—casual, fast-paced, and more about the food than lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Walk-ins are standard, with counter turnover moving steadily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like classic sandwiches and diner food; less ideal for strollers or long sit-down meals.
Best For
Better for: Classic NYC luncheonette vibes, perfectly executed melts, and a quick, satisfying lunch that feels nostalgic without being kitschy.
Skip if: You want a leisurely meal, dinner service, or modern dietary flexibility—this is about comfort, speed, and tradition.
S&P Lunch
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A revived old-school lunch counter where the cheap-eats win is classic New York sandwich discipline—one main, one simple side, done. It’s best when you keep it traditional and let the execution do the talking instead of trying to customize your way into something else.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna melt, Classic egg sandwich, Soup of the day
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A true lunch-counter experience built around classic NYC sandwiches.
Who should go: Office lunch people and solo sandwich hunters
When to visit: Mid-morning or late lunch to dodge lines
What to order: Tuna melt, egg sandwich, soup
Insider tip: Order one sandwich per person—sharing slows the counter rhythm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and practical — office wear, jeans, and everyday city outfits all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter chatter and grill sounds, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime lunch counter.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon rush; little to no wait mid-morning or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — egg sandwiches, grilled cheese-style options, and soups depending on the day.
Vegan options: Very limited — occasional vegetable soup or simple bread-based options, but not a strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited — soups may work, but sandwiches are the core of the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meet than a romantic date — it’s counter seating, quick pacing, and food-first.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations — you order at the counter and take the next available seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat sandwiches comfortably; no high chairs or kid-focused amenities.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York lunch-counter sandwiches done cleanly, quickly, and without menu bloat.
Skip if: You want a long sit, customization-heavy orders, or a destination-style sandwich experience.