Explore NYC: Midnight Express Diner

℅ Lylah Patel

When you don’t know what to eat, are stuck between restaurants, or simply can’t decide, what could be better than a diner? Diners have a plethora of options, ranging from burgers and fries to pasta and coffee. The food comes quickly, and a combination of the decor and atmosphere make you often feel as if you’re in a time capsule and have been transported back into the past. One of these places is located merely two avenues away from Dalton on the corner of 89th and 2nd: Midnight Express Diner. Its sign brightly illuminates the street as night falls, enticing passersby outside. In order to learn more about the diner and its history in the neighborhood, The Daltonian sat down with its general manager, Micheal Vasiliadis.

Can you tell me a bit about the history of the diner? When did it open and why in this area?

The diner has been open since 1977. It’s still the same family that has owned it since 1977, and we’ve been a staple of the Upper East Side ever since then.

Why Midnight Express? Why not work at another restaurant or in a different field?

I’m the general manager here, so I was hired to come and join the team. I personally enjoy the family environment and being part of the community — I really believe in that and in the family and what we stand for.

What’s your favorite item on the menu?

There’s quite a few. However, [I would say] the cheeseburgers; I eat at least one a day.

What would you recommend? What's the diner’s specialty?

Our brunch, our omelets, and our pancakes are amazing. Our burgers are very good, and we have quinoa bowls as well if you’re going for something healthier. Whatever you get is pretty good and we make it made-to-order, and we give a big portion. If you can finish it you’re definitely going to be full, and if you can't, you’ll have food for later.

Do you get a lot of students coming in to eat?

We have middle school kids, kids from Dalton, and I remember a football team always came in every Saturday morning. A lot of the kids from Marymount College come over here. Kids from Loyola and Regis as well as a lot of the other kids who live in the neighborhood also come here.

What do you hope Dalton students who haven’t visited the dinner yet know about you?

You’re all welcome! We’re open 24 hours so if you’re studying late or have to get up early in the morning and need a place to finish up your work, we’re here. We’re family oriented, have good food, and you guys are more than welcome at any time.

While speaking to Vasiliadis, I admired the diner’s clean, white stone countertop, its wooden booths, and checkered brown tile floor, the juxtaposition bringing sleek modernity and hominess to the space. A warm refuge to the frigid air, Midnight Express Diner provides a cozy, secluded place to get some work done, eat warm food, and have a laugh with friends tucked away in one of their many small booths.