I suggested it to an old friend of mine who was visiting NYC on a ridiculously cramped and busy schedule...
As I remember, we were to meet there about noon...
He had come there a couple of hours before with his suitcase and other gear and they had held it for him while he ran off somewhere else and then came back to meet me.
OK, I had an excellent omelet, but is was I thought pretty overpriced...but sheesh, what else do you expect in Midtown Manhattan these days, anyway?
At least the place was a friendly refuge from the pouring rain ( my Oregon friend, who had been running around in it, said, " Oh, this is nothing!")
Anyway, on to the reviews
Townhouse Cafe
696 2nd Ave
(between 38th St & Queens Midtown Tunl)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill
(212) 599-6254
(between 38th St & Queens Midtown Tunl)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill
(212) 599-6254
- Nearest Transit Station:
-
Grand Central - 42 St (7, 7X)Grand Central - 42 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)33 St (4, 6, 6X)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
- $$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
15 reviews for Townhouse Cafe
Review Highlights What's this?
-
"The pancakes always come big and full of whatever you want in them." In 5 reviews
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"...weekend breakfast spot because it's reliable, fast, friendly service." In 2 reviews
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"Home made hollandaise on the eggs benedict." In 6 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
15 reviews in English
-
Review from Drew S.
- 17 friends
1/25/2013I would give Townhouse cafe a solid 3.5.
The staff is very friendly and inviting.
I live in Tudor City and there are no good diner/brealfast spots close by. Townhouse Cafe is a quick three block walk. It is located on 38th street and 2nd avenue.
The place is clean and looks like how an old school diner should look.
The food comes out quick too.
I had corn beef hash and eggs over easy which was pretty good. I also ordered two pancakes which were decent but not as goos as ihop or waffle house pancakes.
For me it is most def a go to breakfast spot. If you are around the area it is worth checking out. -
Review from Alison L.
- 24 friends
11/18/2012I was not a fan of this place.
Reasons for their star deductions:
1. I was handed a fork that was not even washed. There was some sort of saucey still crusted on it from whoever used it last. Unappetizing.
2. Brunch specials not worth it. Basically for another 3 dollars on top of the regular prices a la carte, you get a few pieces of cantaloupe, honey dew and like three grapes (and coffee or tea. But not good quality coffee or tea).
3. Eggs on top of the eggs benedict weren't runny. Boo. And the eggs were tiny. Potatoes on the side were unflavorful as well.
4. The waitress freaked out when we wanted to split the bill, even though we had written out clearly how much was to be charged to each credit card. She told me that I had to get up and go to the cash register to swipe each one separately, which I was totally fine with--I just wish she had asked me to do so more politely.
With all the good brunch places in the city, I would not return here. -
Review from Myke F.
- Elite '13
- 96 friends
10/29/2012Great diner that does everything basic, and as such, does most things right. They're just good... Not trying to be fancy, it trying to be innovative, just all the basics done well.
I came here once for lunch and have been back several times for meals at all times of the day. It's not often I find myself on the east side around 38th street, but if I do go there, and I'm hungry, I'll go here because I know I'm going to get a good diner meal at a good price.
The staff (and who I assume was the owner) are great. Very eager and willing to please. First time I came here I asked how rare the roast beef was, so the owner showed me and I commented it wasn't rare enough... So he brought out the whole roast and cut it down the middle, to get me the rare good stuff. I don't know many paces with that kind of care or service.
They pride themselves on the pastrami sandwich, and I'll say that it is very good, but unfortunately for my taste it came open faced. I usually prefer a cold pastrami, but I ordered wrong that day! The cole slaw more than made up for my misstep, as did the onion rings. If you order fries, you get one onion ring on top regardless, but I prefer an entire order!
Diners have to be good at breakfast, and I've never had a bad one here, wether you want sweet or savory you'll be happy. The pancakes always come big and full of whatever you want in them. The bacon crisp or soft, cooked to order. Home made hollandaise on the eggs benedict. Really, you can't go wrong.
To sum it up, this is the epitome of what a small diner should be. Decent sized menu, very well priced, with a friendly staff and fast service. It's my go-to diner when I'm in the area, do yourself a favor and try it out. -
Review from Lola S.
- 0 friends
7/8/2013its OK. not the best food, your typical dirty NY diner -
Review from Bryan M.
- 0 friends
9/29/2012Good basic breakfast for a reasonable price, good service, no real complaints.
We had omelettes, pancakes, and 2 eggs over easy. Yes, they were basic and a reasonable price, and we had no complaints! -
Review from Tiffany C.
- 3 friends
3/23/2012Meh is right.
I really wanted to like Townhouse - its a block away from my apt!! But alas, 'twas not to be.
Plus: the cheese sticks!!!!! Sooooo good. Omellettes are HUGE. Service good. They serve mimosas.
Cons: French toast and omelette tasted like bacon (I'm vegetarian). Coffee not so great. In general food was very meh (aside from the cheese stocks). Hubby also feels it's overpriced for what it is.
I hear the Greek dishes are good but have not tried them.
Probably won't be going back. -
Review from Joel S.
- 8 friends
11/7/2012Solid, average, no surprises Greek diner. Decor is typical and worn. Food is OK. My waitress was pleasant and friendly. What you see is what you get. -
Review from Kristy R.
- Elite '13
- 279 friends
10/2/2011Typical diner. Small location. But it's family owned and operated so everyone knows your name *Cheers theme starts playing*
I like to come here when I can't think of what else to eat (yes, I run out of food options in the city). Plus they know me here so I barely have to order most of the times that I stop by. -
Review from Bob B.
- 3 friends
11/29/2012While visiting our Son and Daughter who both live within Mid-Town, we decided to have breakfast here. On November 26, 2012, my Wife and I arrived here for a late morning breakfast. The owner or manager was holding the door open and several groups of two entered. He yelled in, " see what happens when I hold the door open!"
We were seated right away and given menus. My wife had over easy fried eggs with bacon while I ordered a Swiss cheese/bacon omelette. Both items arrived faster then I thought. Everything was served hot including the buttered toast. The total cost was $21.35 + tip which was reasonable for the quality of what we ordered. We shall return upon our next visit.-
Interior view
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Interior view of booth
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Review from T J.
- 0 friends
1/15/2013I'm a regular at the Townhouse, and I can't say enough good things about the place, people, and food. They treat me like family, and even on my worst days, walking into the Townhouse always makes me happy.
This part of Murray Hill is seriously lacking in good, cheap places to eat, and this makes the Townhouse stand out even more. Great for dining in or ordering out.
Best coffee in the neighborhood. Generous portions. Friendly service. What more could you want? -
Review from Linda C.
- 5 friends
3/14/2013solid breakfast and lunch items. my usual is two eggs and bacon on a toasted roll. for lunch I usually get the bacon burger deluxe.
nice people.
the prices keep going up though. -
Review from Irm M.
- Elite '13
- 202 friends
5/21/2012The food is typical diner food, not going to be winning any awards but very good for what it is and consistent. I only come here for breakfast, which admittedly is hard to screw up. The reason I bumped them up to four stars is for the friendliness of the wait staff. It's a small place and family run so feels very cozy and homey in the big city. -
Review from Natesh K.
- 14 friends
9/6/2012Unbelievable service and a real New York diner experience. The owner is such a nice guy. Great food! Had the pancakes and my wide had the French toast.
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