+1 212-268-8444
Located in the heart of New York City at 481 8th Ave, Tick Tock Diner NY is a quintessential American diner that effortlessly blends classic comfort food with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. This bustling diner-bar hybrid serves up an extensive all-day menu filled with hearty diner staples and elevated American favorites, making it a top choice for locals and visitors craving a genuine New York dining experience.
From the moment you step inside Tick Tock Diner NY, you’re immersed in an environment that feels like a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of diners. The decor, with its retro charm and quirky touches—as one reviewer humorously noted, it feels like a "one-of-a-kind interior probably hand made by a guy's friend's buddy in the mid 90s"—creates a cozy yet vibrant setting that’s perfect for everything from a casual breakfast to a late-night bite.
The menu is both vast and thoughtfully curated. Breakfast enthusiasts will delight in classics like the Blueberry Pancakes dripping with sweet syrup, the fluffy and tangy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and the indulgent Nutella Cookie Crepes served with banana and whipped cream. For something savory, the Coyote Chicken Omelette and the Texan Omelet, loaded with avocado, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese, offer a satisfying kick to start your day, while the Steak & Eggs Benedict elevates brunch with perfectly poached eggs and rich hollandaise.
Lunch and dinner options are equally impressive. The Burger Deluxe invites you to customize with American, Blue, Mozzarella, Cheddar, or Swiss cheese, paired with crispy golden fries that perfectly complement each bite. The BBQ Ranch Burger is a standout for those craving bold flavors, topped with sharp cheddar and smothered in a zesty BBQ ranch sauce with seasoned waffle fries on the side. For lighter fare, the Greens, Grains & Garden Bowl bursts with fresh textures and flavors—quinoa, barley, chickpeas, and avocado, tossed in a vibrant lemon vinaigrette.
Service here earns consistent praise, especially from guests like Nevin Kuser who highlight the attentiveness of staff such as Javier, paired with generous coffee refills that keep the diner vibe authentic and comforting. July jllo’s note about the direct access to the beautiful New Yorker Hotel lobby adds a special, unique dimension to the visit, making Tick Tock Diner not just a meal stop but a seamless part of a larger NYC experience.
While some find the fast-paced service a bit brisk, and note the tighter quarters—a typical characteristic of city diners—this doesn’t detract from the overall welcoming and genuine feel. Families with young children might need to plan ahead, as high chairs are not readily available and restroom access involves navigating a tight stairway. However, the generous portions and fair pricing make it an excellent value for a classic diner meal.
In essence, Tick Tock Diner NY is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant slice of New York culture, serving up comfort food with a nostalgic heart and a friendly smile. Whether you’re craving crispy chicken tenders and honey mustard, a fresh shrimp and avocado bowl, or a decadent slice of cheesecake, this diner promises a satisfying experience that hits the spot every time.
Very nice service from Javier. The food was great. I had a corned beef Reuben. And the coffee was also very good. I got a free coffee refill. Overall it hit the spot. I wish I would've tried the key lime pie but I was stuffed.
I really liked Tick Tock! It’s a classic American restaurant with generous portions, a varied menu, fair prices, and great service. One nice detail is that it has direct access to the New Yorker Hotel lobby, a beautiful spot worth checking out.
Food is fair but is of Good quantity. Service is fast paced which you could not enjoy your meal as they want you to finish your food immediately. Somehow pleasant. Not a child friendly place. No high chair seen and restroom is a level below on a tight stairway, no koalabear seen. See images below.
So funny story about how I got to this place . We were looking for a place to eat after leaving MSG. My brother found a diner so figured it would please everyone. I originally said sure I never been to TikTok diner so should be fun to see what the vibe is like. Not realizing it was Tick Tock like a clock lol. Needless to say it was still a good place to eat. The place feels a little tight but what should you expect for NYC real estate. The food was good our service was pretty fast. The waiter wasn’t pushy and checking in on us every second but available if we needed anything. It worth a try and wasn’t too busy midday on a Saturday.
If you want the full diner experience, they've got the full diner experience. Just a pop over from the train hall this place has it all. Expansive menu? check. Pretty good prices? check. Interior decor that is one of kind and probably hand made by a guy's friend's buddy in the mid 90s? Absolutely. To rate this anything less than 5 stars would be sin
They deliver on everything you could expect out of a 24 hour diner. I was able to order breakfast for late dinner and it was hot and tasty. I should call out that my French toast was made exactly how I like it. Perfection. And my shake was delicious. Has a perfect diner atmosphere and hits the spot. No complaints and would go again