#TerrificTakeout #NewLocation #GraciesDiner by #SteveNikolakakos and #TomKataras Spring 2023 1633 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
St. Patrick's Day can be year-round says Peachy Deegan if you know where to go for Corned Beef!
And chocolate milkshakes...but you should know they have a full liquor license and five kinds of draft beer.
It's not who you know it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know Steve Nikolakakos, above and his business partner, Tom Kataras, owners of the oldie but goodie Upper East Side Gracie's Diner, in its third incarnation. In 1979 they opened on 86th and First Ave and we last visited them when they were at 86th and 2nd Ave. Of course they are named after Archibald Gracie and Gracie Mansion.
Now located at 1633 Second Avenue open since March 2023, Gracie's Dinner is brighter, newer and more delicious than ever. It had been ages since we last saw them in 2014, the only other time they have been featured.
Their renovation is incredible and is absolutely gorgeous and brand-spanking new. If you are also a grown-up kid that read Archie comic books, this reminds us of the spot in those. Server Mirta Alvarez was a delight to meet as well and you will be lucky to work with her.
The menu is extremely extensive and there is no way you will not find something you will love on it.
Steve tells us that the Eggs and Omelets are quite popular and he suggested the California Omelet, an innovation new to us as we are solidly East Coast. All Omelets are served with potatoes and toast and let us tell you although we nearly never deviate from our dinner vision, breakfast for dinner in this case is a winner with the Avocado, Mushrooms and Cheddar Cheese ready to hit the spot in your stomach.
Yes they have milkshakes that are amazing and you need chocolate!
Note if you are new to us, pictures are always unedited.
This Gracie's Burger in real life looks exactly this delicious: we tell the truth always!
It arrived in style medium rare as ordered, and the sauteed mushrooms and onions really stepped up their game with the American cheese. The burgers here are 80/20 which is an ideal lean to fat ratio.
These guys are of course Greek and Steve is from Sparta, so we wanted to try the Sparta Salad!
The Spartan Greek Salad boasts fresh spinach, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, dolmades, tomatoes, cucumbers and black olives and is topped with oregano. We especially applaud the salad selection here and count nearly a dozen choices. Everyone needs more salad in their life particularly now that bathing suit season is nearly upon us. Each item in both salads was super fresh and delicious and we are impressed. Every meal you have here should include a salad: whether you nutritionally indulge in either spinach or romaine the health benefits are great.
Below please meet the Athenian Greek Salad, equally desirable.
Romaine lettuce dances with feta cheese, artichoke hearts, dolmades, tomatoes, cucmbers and black olives also topped with oregano. Ms. Superpicky asked for the dressing on the side and they listened!
The Hot Open Sandwiches section of the menu looks amazing and of course we love Corned Beef Reubens and this is among the best in Manhattan in recent memory! Served with french fries, this classic sandwich sensation makes St. Patrick's Day last the whole year and is quite a generous portion that you will enjoy for much more than one bite. Don't drool on your computer: go see Steve pronto!
Also under Hot Open Sandwiches and specifically the section called South of the Border, Chicken Quesadillas are going to be the most welcome visitors to your stomach! Served in classic rendition with salsa, guacamole and sour cream, these chicken wonders baked to perfection are perfectly flavorful and soft. Spinach pie is of course a Greek Classic and no one is asking where the spinach is here! It is plentiful and packs a nutritional power punch that even Popeye would love we think.
Finally, Peachy thinks Chicken Parm is a food group on its own practically so she had to see what it was like here. The Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana was served in spectacular style with spaghetti that will light up your life on a windy day like today!
Gracie's Diner is most definitely Terrific Takeout!
We look forward to more excellence from this team and hope to now stay in better touch.
Go pay them a visit!
