Manhattan old-school gem: Neil's Coffee Shop
Neil's great neon sign; after the jump, a plastic sign from the diner, with different lettering. We stopped by on a perfect October afternoon.(Photos: Rolando Pujol)
It's the very picture of the perfect corner diner. Upper East Siders can count themselves lucky to have a place like Neil's in their midst. The neon sign, the brickwork, the amber Victorian-style lamps at the entrance, and the homey feel inside are irreplaceable. Once common, diners of this vintage are now a vanishing staple of city life worthy of your patronage and support.
This commenter on the Yelp review gets the spirit of the place right:
It's very surprising to find a real diner in this area. Feels like it is out of a Tarantino movie. I usually go in the evening before class, order a great warm blueberry pie with ice cream! It's great. Sometimes I'll get a burger if I'm super hungry which is meaty, tasty, and filling.We'll have to try that combo. In the meantime, savor Neil's on our blog and be sure to stop in for some coffee the next time you're in the hood. And check out our photo gallery of hundreds of old-school signs.
-- Rolando Pujol
