Mathieu Palombino of the pizza eatery Motorino has brought his attention to the ways of the classic American diner at Bowery Diner. Ubiquitous diner dishes–hamburgers, Reubens, grilled cheese–are mixed with French flair, like the gruyere cheeseburger or steak with béarnaise. Even the classic cocktails and milkshakes are classier; you won't find neon green Grasshoppers, but a Clove and Dagger or a cherry jubilee shake made with brandy.
Parked next to the New Museum, this all-day Lower Eastsider conjures up "nostalgia" with "diner standards" dispensed in faux vintage digs equipped with an old-fashioned soda fountain counter; critics contend the chow is "just ok" and the prices "far from retro."
A retro diner with a French flair, you can think of Bowery Diner as a sequel to Florent, minus the trannies.
"Mid-century" (we assume mid-last century, as there are no jetpacks) American diner on the Bowery from Motorino impressario Mathieu Palombino.