Great little slice of Americana. Service was fantastic and the food was incredible. 10/10 would have a Teddy's Special again

Great food, excellent friendly service, amazing vibes !!! It’s been opened for 104 years !!! It feels so special to have our breakfast this morning in this gem! Food portion is Will be back for sure !!!

+4

Nice old school diner, food was fresh and very tasty and the portions were big.

Incredibly friendly service and really good food. I went on a weekday morning and there’s a lovely atmosphere in the place, it’s busy and laid back at the same time, would highly recommend! They have Wifi and you can also pay with either cash or card which is very convenient

Amazing good and great service, it’s like and old style diner but looks and taste amazing would definitely recommend anyone who loves food to come and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Loved this bustle and busy diner in TriBeCa. Loved the homemade corn-beef hash and the the Reuben with sauerkraut and sweet potato fries . Will make a regular stop everyone I return to NYC now.

Wanted to show my wife a real diner experience like I remember it as a kid. This didn't disappoint. The food was generous and tasty. The server was friendly and knew the regulars. The atmosphere was warm, quaint and comfortable. You could even see the short order cook in the galley cooking.

Great diner in Tribeca. All the classic dishes one would expect from an American diner. Highly recommended. Fast service. Good food. Great atmosphere. What else can you ask for.

+2

I looked into eateries in NYC with a 'classic' diner feel, and thankfully was pointed in the direction of this great spot. It was the perfect place for us to get breakfast our first morning in the city - in fact it set the bar so high, nowhere managed to top it! The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was excellent and really reasonably priced. The atmosphere was exactly what I was after. Thank you!

My wife and I wanted the American dinner experience and we found this place it's amazing! Over 100 years old dinner. The food was fantastic

Enjoyed our delicious, no frills meal here. Fortunately the rather was pleasant, and we were able to eat outside. The French toast was filling.

Not being from the city I like to visit this place for breakfast when I'm in town. I'm happy to report that it's barely changed since 2016. Portions are big, staff are friendly, coffees are great and refills are offered. Update as of 2024. Still the same. Still the only spot I'll take guests for breakfast.

Authentic diner in the middle of the big apple. A great place to have breakfast, the coffee is good and the menu offers everything you can expect from an old style diner, plenty of options.The waiters are neighborly and don’t leave you waiting, very good at their jobs. Overall the place is cozy and quiet, you can read the news while you sip a cup of coffee(that they always make sure it’s never empty).

Great food and incredibly nice service! We ordered cheese omelette, beacon and eggs on pancakes, black&white milkshake and greek salad - all delicious. Old school, cozy interior fulfilled the whole experience :)

The food was great and the service made it even better

Amazing food and cozy atmosphere! It’s on the corner in a 1 story small building. Inside it’s like the space of a subway. I would recommend this delicious place for all! I got breakfast with my fam here!

Great place with gluten free pancakes.

Best diner in NY. Our family away from family. Nicest people ever.

Very good breakfast spot. Ate there with my wife and we were both very happy with it.

Classic diner with a great breakfast. Good service from the waiters. Fantastic!

True NYC diner. Lox and bagel were excellent. Atmosphere was fun and service excellent. Worth a visit if you are in tribeca.

Come for the atmosphere, stay for the delicious food and friendly, speedy service! This place oozes classic NY diner - it’s exactly what you would expect. I got the Spanish omelette and sausage- great portions and very delicious with great home fries- just what I needed to fuel my long drive home to Toronto

Wow. I fell in love with this place the first time I stepped into it. The location is very beautiful, but the food… yeah, the food is AMAZING! Can’t wait to come again. 😍🥞🥓☕️🍳

Good place to eat, very big portions, polite stuff, very quick service. I recommend this place for breakfasts, lunch or dinner) We were more than suttisfied with our meals. Air conditioning. Simple interior. Good location. Didn't have chance to explore the restroom. Thanks for service 😉 Good luck, guys!

+1

The food was really good, it was super busy but the staff were so welcoming and nice! Also, the iced latte was good as well!

Nice diner! I very much appreciate how the indoors doesn’t have the greasy oil smell many delis and diners would leave on your clothes for a whole day. Clean place. Fast service. Attentive staff. I also like the music :) Food is fine - what you’d expect from a standard diner in Manhattan. Slightly pricey - but it is located in Tribeca so makes perfect sense. Not huge portion size which isn’t the most American (I personally appreciate it. Very reasonable amount of food). Free coffee refills

We came to NYC for just a few days, and while waking around on Saturday, we stumbled upon Square Diner. With one look I knew it was the real American diner. We loved the food and the people so much, that we went back on Monday. Absolutely to try! Super clean, super nice and amazing fresh home made food. Thank you 🙏🏻💙🇺🇸

Would give 10 stars if I could. We stopped in for breakfast/lunch during a recent trip. My husband had a breakfast plate. I had the lamb gyro. Both were excellent. Everything about the lamb gyro was delicious. The meat was perfectly seasoned and moist. The pita was soft. The salad was fresh. The fries were perfect. The bloody mary’s were tasty. Everyone working there was friendly, and our server was great. We will be back.

Fabulous place for breakfast or brunch. Amazing pancakes & coffee.

We loved it!! We went on Saturday around 11 am. We got a table for 2 people after 15-20 min waiting (first come, first served) which is good considering that every diner in NYC is busy on the weekends. The manager and the staff were nice and diligent. The food was delicious. I recommend the pancakes, they were fluffy, perfectly buttered and if you want toppings they add them on top and in between the pancakes. The place is a traditional diner perfect for an american style brunch

Dinner that maintains its origins. Personnel were very nice. We wanted to try an Eggcream and we asked if they have it and the manager kindly said he could do it even if it wasn’t in the menu. We also order some pancakes and coffee. Everything super good.

Very nice diner with great service. The food was average but the place was very clean with indoor and outdoor seating. They have lots of options and I would recommend going here if you’re in the area.

+6

Absolutely outstanding food. Great to eat in a traditional diner style establishment. Service was attentive and efficient! Will definitely return! Only downside was that I could buy a mug as a souvenir! Haha. (Added bonus it is right down the block from the Ghostbusters Firehouse)

Really delicious omelet. Make sure to ask for cheese if you want it as it's not included unless it states it is on the menu. It took a while for me to get my check. I'm not a New Yorker so maybe I did something wrong lol. Otherwise it was a great meal and fast service (except for the check).

Amazing diner food and service. Classic American diner vibe with great music. Large portions and great value.

The picture says it ALL! The best chicken salad sandwich that I have ever eaten. And the chicken soup warmed my soul! The diner feels like NYC, sounds like NYC, and has a very attentive staff. We loved it so much that we went back before we left.

Nice place. Great atmosphere. Fantastic omelettes. Very nice staff. And now I've seen it in Episode 3 of Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Besset.

+4

Very happy to have a seat here on Saturday morning. Great place with great location. Lots of delicious dishes to choose from on the menu. And even if it's busy, staff is so quick. The food also arrived fast and was so delicious! Older reviews show 'cash only', but that's not the issue anymore. You can pay by card.

What a great Dinner this is. Booths and bar stools. The coffee was great and I had the Lumber Jack breakfast which was very tasty. Definitely recommend a visit and reasonably priced too.

At the first sight, very apparent diner turns out to be an iconic Burger and Panecakes place. My skepticism about the appearance from outside immediately disappeared when I looked at other guests' plates and was amazed. I've eaten at this diner twice now. Once by accident because it was on the path and once on purpose because it tasted so good the first time. The burgers are bigger than most in New York, very tasty, you can decide how "well" the burger should be fried. And something important:. The Restaurant has been on this site for over 100 years and despite the authentic, shabby look, the toilets are among the cleanest I've seen in New York! Enjoy.

+3

Great diner, amazing tuna melt and turkey sandwich! :)

I love the kind of old school diner I grew up on, and I realized today I had never actually tried this one after decades of walking past it. Glad I did. Quick friendly service, solid burgers and omelets, reasonable prices. Coffee was amazing. Completely unpretentious and honest neighborhood spot. Perfect quick lunch with the family. Glad to help keep a classic serving the good stuff.

Nice classic NYC diner. Food is on point and service impeccable. Be warned: if you go on a Saturday morning the place is full of local screaming TriBeCa toddlers.

We were looking for an original diner in this area. We went in not sure the expert as going to be worth the price of seating for lunch in NYC. We were welcomed and served so professionally and nicely by Fernando & Luis much beyond our expectations. Food was fresh, served generously and with great care. The Cobb salad was judge and excellent (only missing some blue cheese to be perfect!), I finished it the day after.

+1

No “Tribe Called Quest” pictures. Staff don’t even know who the group is. The 90’s vibe is gone. Priced a lil higher than the norm, but the food is good & fresh. Try the homemade muffins! Very rich people live here. Saw a producer and actress sitting in front of me.

Our waitress was SO sweet, the atmosphere was perfect, and our food hit the spot 😋

I recently learned that the state of NY and NJ have the highest concentration of diners in the country... well, Square Diner is hands down the best! Ambience, food, and service! Shout-out to David and Mariana for the always-personable service! I took my mom, sister, and various friends, and they all loved it! A real iconic NYC staple! 10/10

+2

M SU

Had an amazing brunch experience here. Customer service was excellent. Our waitress was warm and attentive despite it being busy. Food came out quickly and was fresh and delicious. Simple diner food done well. A bit pricey but worth it in my opinion for a treat.

Alex Cesare

Love the small train car diner vibe. The staff was great. Food was even better. I got the steak and eggs. Coffee was great and refilled a few times. Would definitely come back and I for sure would recommend this place

Scott Penick

The restaurant is small, but we sat down without a wait. Arrive before the crowd. When we left, there was a line out of the door in 25°F weather. The staff was friendly and quick. They know how to turn a table. Portions were large, and the food was good--nothing special but standard diner quality. The atmosphere was nostalgic with plenty of interesting and funny signs on the walls.

Natalie Berman

Nice welcoming cozy diner. Very attentive and friendly staff. Quick service. What’s not to love?

S D

We had a great time celebrating a big day for me. Irma made us feel welcomed and special. I ordered California style poached eggs and a buckwheat pancake. It tasted great, and the pancake was huge and delicious. I highly recommend this diner! It was three of us and we spent around 70 dollars which is very reasonable.

London Foodie Fan

This our favourite local dinner from the early 1970's to present. Food and service are wonderful.

+5

Joseph Yadel Gutierrez

Very nice place best attention from Fernando he did an amazing experience as soon he saw we was with kids came with a solution for sitting nice advise ordering, then food arrived very tasty then coffee arrived really good coffee nice place to have breakfast when visiting NYC

Gerlu Roos

Classic New York Diner Charm at Its Best Square Diner – 33 Leonard St, New York, NY 🇺🇸 A timeless New York gem nestled in the heart of Tribeca. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Square Diner offers consistent quality, classic American favourites, and that warm, no-nonsense diner atmosphere you hope for in a long-standing venue. • 🧼 Clean Restrooms – 9/10 • 🧽 Clean Floors & Seating – 9/10 • 🔥 Hot, Freshly Prepared Meals – 9/10 • 🥗 Fresh Ingredients – 9/10 • 📝 Well-Rounded Menu – 9/10 • 💰 Fair Pricing – 9/10 • 🧑‍🍳 Friendly & Efficient Staff – 9/10 The service is fast, the portions generous, and the Tuna Melt is a standout — well-balanced, hearty, and satisfying. Food comes out quickly without compromising on quality. The atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant, and they even have a full bar and event space if you’re planning something special. Highly recommended if you’re in Manhattan and want the real New York diner experience done right.

Daniel Marczak

Great diner experience, the service was super nice and the food was delicious, especially the pancakes!

Bella

First time here and I loved it! Pancakes were sooo fluffy and delicious 😋 The service was fast, everyone was super nice, and the place has that old-school diner vibe that makes you feel like you’re back in the day. Definitely coming back.

Bill Korakas

Really good spot for a new york diner experience. Great service and the food was delicious. But for me the real 10/10 was the atmosphere! Would highly recommend a visit!

Samantha Jennings

They pulled out a ramp for my mom's scooter and quickly moved tables so she could sit. The service was fast and efficient. The food, oh my the food was so beyond my expectations that I would give it a 6 star review if I could. Quality ingredients and the food is made with care. Very family friendly or great to drop in with friends. Will be back next time I am back in NY from Canada.

Dominique Miles

We love the very talented Tribe Called Quest. And well we had to go visit where they shot the video Electric Relation. My husband was so surprised. We had soup, chicken wings and corn beef sandwich. Everything was amazing. The staff were very friendly.

Judy Saxton

A truly authentic New York Diner. Guests are given a warm welcome. You are in the company of locals, visitors and workers. We first found the Diner about 6 years ago & are so glad it hasn’t changed. Food is good and smaller breakfasts available. Also customisable. Thank you for looking after us.

+3

Cristina Senoner

We jumped back in the movies and really felt to be like in a movie. The diner is really authentic and not touristy. It was busy but at the same time we got a spot for breakfast without stressing ourselves or without the need to queue 😍 We had the most yummy pancakes suggested by the waitress that was really kind and made you feel comfortable. The pancakes were with blueberries and chocolate. Highly suggested as I normally do not eat any pancakes but this ones were the yummiest ones ever had. We also got benedict eggs that were as good as! Definitely worth a visit and really near to the Finance district - 09/11 memorial 🩶

+8

A S

Wow!! What an awesome diner!! The owner is super nice, the restaurant is a bit tight, but they make it work, service was outstanding. But most importantly, the food was out of this world!! I had the California Eggs Benedict!! Fresh avocado, ham. Was so delicious!! We also got the avocado toast, yummy!! Coffee was also delicious!! Highly recommend!!

Great staff. Food was ok, not bad..but not perfect. My burger was a it to long at the grill. The chicken breast salad war very good. A good diner in NYC.

When I got to New York City, the one thing I really wanted to do was eat at a “proper” diner, the kind you see in movies. Silly, I know. We were perambulating through the streets in Tribeca when we came across Square Diner. I can safely say that our spirits and appetites were warmly welcomed. We first had some coffee because we were rather cold, which for me was a mistake because I didn’t realise how generous the food portions were going to be. The Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich was not as spicy as I was expecting it to be but it was very satisfying. The brioche bun brought in a pleasant sweetness that went well with buttermilk coating and the chipotle aioli. I got the sweet potato fries with it which was the perfect side. I must admit though, assembling the burger on my own was a bit of an ordeal, especially given the size of the chicken. My mum ordered the Minestrone soup which she loved! Later, she had the Fish & Chips. The cod was perfectly flaky and had just the right amount of crisp on the outer layer. My brother had the 1/2 Pound Beef burger and inhaled it! The jalapeños gave a much needed kick to the flavour profile. We took our time and weren’t rushed by the staff at all! Once done, we left very full, and to later find out that the diner has been serving for over 100 years only elevated the entire experience.

This was a nice little stop on my trip to NY. It's not too far from Ghostbusters hq, or from the 9/11 memorial. It's a cozy break from the hustle and bustle of the big City that surrounds it. The food was top notch for diner food. The service is a little lackluster and the staff came across as rude. But at least the food was good.

Great place for breakfast! So many options Dodd is delicious Service is super fast Friendly staff.

+6

Stumbled across this place after getting off a river cruise and in need of a decent place to grab some lunch. Didn’t know anything about it before coming. Very original and rustic style diner just a stone throw from Hook and Ladder 8 (for all you Ghostbusters fans), although the atmosphere was pleasant and welcoming, the decor was a little tired. But hey, you aren’t there to lick the walls! It’s the sort of place you can imagine being very warm and cosy and grateful for being inside, when the weather is cold and the rain is blowing sideways outside. We ordered the chicken sandwich and a tuna on white bread. Each came with some chips…sorry…fries on the side. Food was basic fare but very tasty. The chicken was hot and juicy but the portions meant that we didn’t actually eat anything else for the rest of the day. We could have easily shared one sandwich and have been happy and contented. Staff happy to serve and friendly. No issues there. Would definitely recommend as a cheap / reasonable priced place where you need to stop and re-fuel during a busy day of walking and sightseeing.

Extremely busy diner. Staff weren't very friendly but were run off their feet. The service once we had ordered was quick. I really enjoyed my poached eggs and avocado toast. My husband enjoyed his sandwich and said it was one of the best he'd had.

Visiting from CA, so I rely on reviews. This place has very good food and good portions! Tasty! Service was good, slower paced than I expected but they were nice. Would come back!

The typical American dinner with leather booths and stools. Service is good and people are really helpful and have a positive vibe. Our burger took ages to come because the place was pack, and it was a little burnt. But it is a good place to have lunch!

My new favorite diner! I always wanted to find a diner that has the feel and look of an old school diner, like in the movies... And this is THAT spot! The food was amazing! Will be coming back again!

Cute little diner in downtown NYC. I ordered a special sandwich (chicken salad) and it was good. Not salty (might be too light for some) and the perfect amount of food for the price. Fries might not look good but it was crispy, not oil or salty! It was busy on a Thursday lunchtime and I would definitely be back if I'm around for a quick bite. Too bad they don't have many vegan options (no impossible burger!), but the salad bowl looked good!

It was a busy Saturday so we had to sit outside but since it was mild out, that weren't a problem. It took them a while to come take our order but when the food came it was good. I asked for pancakes with scrambled eggs and bacon but got an omelette. I left it as they were busy and didn't want my food getting cold. We had to go inside to pay as no one came to give the bill but I don't know if that's the usual process. Overall, it's a nice place for breakfast, brunch or lunch but if they're busy you will feel it in wait times and maybe trying to get attention for service so be mindful if you got at a peak time or are really hungry!

Very much what you’d expect for a NYC diner. Interior was very cute. Got the pancakes with bacon which were nice and fluffy. Maple syrup was quite thick. Glad we shared one serving between two as they’re quite big. Orange juice was delicious!

Probably the best burger I've had in the city. Perfect diner vibes, great menu, great service. It's a bit pricey, but so is pretty much ever diner in the city these days. The difference is at Square Diner, you can see and taste the quality of the ingredients.

Roman Rabinovich

Consistently good diner food with cheerful service wait times can't get long during rush, so plan accordingly.

+1

Bryan CY Chua

Great old school diner serving classic american food. Waiter was friendly, food was decent. I got “The Lumberjack” and enjoyed the pancakes more than the savoury platter. It’s good but I don’t think there’s anything to shout for for this

Richard Toth

The interior is really nice, with that classic diner charm that feels bright and welcoming. The food was good but not outstanding. Portions were generous, and everything was fresh, but it didn’t stand out compared to other spots nearby. One thing to note: on their website they advertise bagels starting from $5, but when you look at the in-person menu, almost everything is much closer to $20. So be prepared for higher prices than you might expect. The main reason I chose to come here was to enjoy the atmosphere, and it absolutely delivered on that front. If you’re looking for a place with a nice vibe to sit down and relax, it’s worth a visit, but you are definitely paying extra for the experience.

I am not sure if there is a specific dish to try here. I had a coffee & avocado toast. I love diner trains. A lil pricey, but what isnt nowadays.

Very cosy and retro space-aesthetic gets a 10/10. Food and service are below average and the seating banquettes are very tight that 4 people cannot fit in. A flag that the menu is very expensive for what they are offering. Wouldn’t recommend

Great breakfast! The food was excellent! Service was quick. The dishes were served in perfect proportions and were delicious. The spot was a bit full, but heaters were provided for outdoor seating! Loved it!

+6

Every portion of my meal was a disappointment. Sausage omelette was dry and overcooked. 1/4 of the multigrain bread was burnt, the rest was as dry as cardboard. Potatoes…also burnt, but somehow gummy? Got some salsa in the hopes that might help. It just tasted like seasoned water. The retro diner vibe is what drove me in and was the only saving grace.

Unbelievable. Arrived at 9:30. Ordered eggs Benedict that came with some kind of sauce that was definitely not Hollandaise sauce (judge for yourself from the pictures). Fried potatoes were cold, as though they'd been taken out of the fridge instead of cooked fresh. Waiter forgot to bring orange juice, which wouldn't have been a problem, except that he decided to take a break to eat his own breakfast while we were eating, so there was no service at all. No checking up, no refilling coffee. Nada. Zip.

A Masterclass in Gaslighting, Incompetence, and Hostility If I could leave zero stars, I absolutely would. This was, without a doubt, one of the most baffling and infuriating dining experiences I have ever had in New York City. I visited this diner expecting a simple, straightforward breakfast. I ordered the standard pancakes with two eggs, which comes with bacon or sausage. Being a fan of corned beef hash, I specifically asked our waiter if I could substitute the meat for the hash. I was very clear. I was happy to pay the upcharge for the difference, and if it wasn't allowed, I would happily order something else. The waiter looked me in the eye and said, quote, "Yes. You can substitute, no problem." Apparently, it was a huge problem. When the bill arrived, I was shocked to see a charge significantly higher than what we anticipated. Instead of the meal I ordered with a substitution fee, they had charged me for a completely different, full-priced Corned Beef Hash entrée and added a side of pancakes on top. When I flagged this error, thinking it was a simple misunderstanding, the situation devolved into a nightmare. A man who appeared to be the manager (wearing glasses) came over not to help, but to humiliate us. Despite his own waiter confirming the substitution was allowed at the time of ordering, this manager proceeded to yell at us that substitutions "are not allowed." He aggressively pulled out a menu, pointed to the different sections, and lectured us on "common sense," claiming that because the hash wasn't in the same visual section as the eggs, we should have known better. He then launched into a completely nonsensical analogy, comparing my request to "ordering fish vs. chicken," which had absolutely no relevance to swapping a breakfast meat side. The lowest point came when he explicitly told us we "couldn't read" and berated us for his staff’s miscommunication. It was pure gaslighting. I was being punished and overcharged because his employee gave me the wrong information. To add insult to injury, the service was virtually nonexistent. After the food was dropped off, not a single server returned to our table. My glass sat empty for most of the meal until I literally had to stand up, walk over to the pitcher, and refill my own water. I paid the inflated bill just to escape this toxic environment, but I will never step foot in this establishment again. Between the bait-and-switch billing, the complete lack of service, and a manager who thinks it is acceptable to insult paying customers’ intelligence, this place is a disaster. Save your money and go literally anywhere else

Very disappointing experience. Our party of six waited 45 minutes to be seated, only to watch two smaller parties who arrived after us get seated first. Then a party of three walked in, skipped the entire line, and the staff seated them immediately. When we questioned it, the staff was rude instead of helpful. This showed poor management, no respect for customers, and zero accountability. We will not be coming back and do not recommend this restaurant.

Absolutely the worst dining experience I’ve had in a long time. After standing in line for 45 minutes, we were never served at all. The owner openly ignored the line and let people skip ahead three people were seated before more than 20 of us who had been waiting. We stayed quiet out of respect because an elderly woman was with them, but the behavior only got worse. When the owner finally acknowledged us and asked our party size, we said six and even made it clear we were willing to sit at separate tables. That didn’t matter. Instead, he told us to wait longer and proceeded to seat eight more people ahead of us. The lack of fairness, basic organization, and respect for customers was unbelievable. Save your time and your patience this place clearly doesn’t value either.

Probably the worst service I’ve ever received at a restaurant. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the staff was inattentive, unorganized, and overwhelmed. Multiple tables around us were also complaining and even leaving because of the poor service. There was no sense of urgency, no attentiveness to customers, and no empathy shown for their shortcomings. What should have been a simple dining experience turned into pure frustration. Definitely not a place I’d recommend, and it seems I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

We stood in line for 45 minutes because our hotel nearby recommended this place — what a mistake. The manager couldn’t have been more unpleasant if he tried. He was shockingly rude and dismissive, and seemed to seat people at random regardless of how long they’d been waiting. At least eight people were taken ahead of us for no reason other than his whim. The entire experience was unprofessional and uncomfortable. I wouldn’t eat here again if it were free and came with a coupon for another meal at a later date.

Rachel N.

Food was okay nothing special. The issue we faced was being rushed out to the point where we literally finished eating a waiter came up to the table and asked if we could hurry up and leave because they had other people. We were literally in the process of gathering are items and bundling up when waiter came over to rush us out. Mind you while eating no one ever came over to check on us and if everything was okay. I feel personally the customer service could use some working on customers should not be rushed out the door.