Neptune Diner
35-01 Astoria Boulevard between 32nd and 33rd Streets
Astoria, NY 11102
718-278-4853
Ah, the NYC diner. I’m glad I was able to visit at least one on this jaunt. And why did I end up here? Mostly because it was convenient to Wayne, Tom, and myself. That’s it basically. But it is right next to the Astoria Boulevard subway stop, so Neptune Diner has that going on.
The service was fine: not too friendly, not too curt. Since it was later in the morning, the joint was not that packed out. Looked like families and friends hanging out mostly.
As with diners, the menu is huge, spiral bound, and peppered with stock photos. The paper placemats declare that Neptune Diner was awarded the title of “Best Diner” by the NY Daily News in 1999. Um, okay. That was a long time ago. Not sure if that title even has merit anymore. So I hopped onto the Daily News’s website to see what diner holds the crown presently, but nothing that recent even comes up. Neptune Diner better watch out. Astoria’s Bel-Aire Diner was recipient of the glorious title in 2002. Uh-oh!
I ordered the Belgian waffle with bacon. I forgot how much this was, but it was in the ballpark of $8. I was looking around on the table for a syrup pitcher but didn’t see one. Just as I was on the verge of despair, I noticed packets of Smucker’s syrup on the plate full of packages jams and jellies. The waffle was perfectly serviceable. Okay, that sounds mean. It was pretty good. Not the best waffle in the world, but fine. I realized that I ordered poorly since I wolfed my order down and was still not sated. They should give you two waffles instead of just one. The fatty bacon helped somewhat but it wasn’t enough.
Since I was still hungry, I mooched off Wayne and ate his buttered toast. Whoa, Neptune Diner needs to put the brakes on the buttering there. Both sides of the bread were totally drenched in butter. Just one side is fine, thanks.
So, let’s see. Neptune Diner…best diner in NYC? Probably not. But it’s a respectable choice if you’re in Astoria.
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