Nickel & Diner

Nickel and Diner, located at the crossroads of Chinatown, Soho and Little Italy in New York City, is a modern interpretation of the five & dime lunch counters of years gone by. Inspired by Chef James Friedberg’s classical training in some of New York's top kitchens, including Le Cirque & Aureole, the restaurant serves globally driven, re-imagined diner fare that reflects the current season. With a focus on the freshest, locally sourced ingredients available, Nickel & Diner takes an eclectic approach to American cuisine, eschewing typically expected diner fare. The menu of globally-inspired dishes includes the Chef’s take on the ubiquitous Egg Sandwich; the Fried Chicken made with tempura-battered boneless thigh, cashews & sweet & sour chili sauce; Tortellini with roasted yam, scallion, pork belly & lemongrass; the Crispy Duck Duo with crispy skin breast & confit leg “fried rice”. In addition, Nickel & Diner’s beverage program plays off the classics in cocktails like Bloom, with Prosecco, gin, raspberry purée, chrysanthemum & lemon; the Irish Cold Brew, with Whiskey, Nobletree cold brew coffee, cream & chocolate; the Bloody Mariko, with Vodka, tomato, ponzu, lemon, bacon, & pickled shishito. A variety of draft beer & an eclectic wine list are also available. Coffee, an integral part of diner culture, is further emphasized by Nickel & Diner’s sleek stand-alone, full service coffee bar in partnership with Nobletree Coffee. Nickel & Diner also offers cold-brew & nitrogen-infused cold brew on draft, as well as pour-over & standard drip brewing methods. The interior, designed by Dutch East Design, evokes streamlined art deco with a contemporary flair and is set within a nearly century-old pagoda-style building. Inside, the decor is reminiscent of a 1920’s diner with a long bar counter and accents like spherical metal light fixtures, blue leather banquettes, and black geometrically patterned tables that transports guests to another era.