Golden Diner Introduce
In a city filled with iconic diners, Golden Diner stands out by reinventing the classic American institution. Situated at the crossroads of a traditional New York diner and a modern, culturally infused eatery, this spot offers a menu that is both familiar and exciting. It's a place that captures the cozy, casual vibe of a neighborhood diner while serving up dishes that have a unique, Asian-inspired twist. The result is a dining experience that feels nostalgic yet completely new, attracting a diverse crowd of locals, college students, and tourists who are all looking for a great meal.
Golden Diner has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere. The menu is a delightful blend of classic diner fare and innovative creations, proving that a diner can be more than just eggs and toast. From the famous honey butter pancakes that have taken social media by storm to the crispy Korean Fried Chicken Wings, every dish is crafted with care and packed with flavor. The staff, known for their outstanding service, adds to the charm, making you feel right at home even during the busiest hours. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a full dinner, Golden Diner offers a taste of comfort with an unexpected and delicious twist.
Golden Diner is conveniently located at 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002, USA. This location places it right in the heart of Chinatown, a bustling and vibrant neighborhood that is easily accessible. The proximity to the Manhattan Bridge makes it a notable landmark and a great starting point for exploring the area.
Accessibility is a key feature, as the diner offers a welcoming environment for all patrons. It is a wheelchair-accessible establishment with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. For those with a car, both free and paid street parking options are available in the vicinity. The diner's inclusive nature extends to families, as it is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a comfortable spot for a family meal.
Golden Diner provides a wide range of services to accommodate every dining need, from quick takeout to a relaxing sit-down meal.
- **Dine-in and Outdoor Seating:** Enjoy your meal in the cozy, casual indoor space or opt for the outdoor seating to take in the neighborhood atmosphere.
- **Delivery and Takeout:** For those who want to enjoy Golden Diner's food from the comfort of their home or office, both delivery and takeout options are available.
- **Reservations:** The diner accepts reservations for lunch, dinner, and brunch, which are highly recommended due to its popularity. However, they also welcome walk-ins.
- **All-Day Breakfast:** As a true diner, Golden Diner serves breakfast all day, a perfect option for anyone craving pancakes or a breakfast burrito at any hour.
- **Catering:** Golden Diner offers catering services, making it a great choice for events and gatherings.
The diner is known for its fast service, which is a significant highlight, especially for the busy New York crowd.
Golden Diner sets itself apart from a typical diner with its unique offerings and distinct atmosphere.
- **Viral Honey Butter Pancakes:** A major highlight and a "local specialty," these pancakes are famous for their fluffy texture and delicious, buttery flavor. They are a must-try for any first-time visitor.
- **Diverse, Fusion-Inspired Menu:** The menu features a creative blend of American diner classics with Asian influences. Standout dishes include the "Chicken Katsu Club," "Korean Fried Chicken Wings," and the "Lemongrass Avocado Toast."
- **Great Coffee and Dessert:** The diner is praised for its great coffee and desserts. The "Green Tea Coffee Cake" and "Thai Tea Tres Leches" are unique and flavorful choices that provide a perfect ending to any meal.
- **Extensive Vegetarian Options:** Golden Diner is very accommodating to vegetarians, with a wide variety of plant-based options like the "Vegan Caesar Salad," "Vegan Breakfast Burrito," and "Vegan Grilled Cheese."
- **On-site Bar:** The diner has a bar on site and offers a selection of cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine, making it a great spot for a social dinner or brunch.
- **Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere:** The ambiance is described as casual and cozy, yet also trendy, attracting a mix of college students, families, and tourists. The communal vibe is perfect for solo dining or a group gathering.
- **Amenities:** The diner provides a gender-neutral restroom and free Wi-Fi, adding to the convenience and comfort of the space.
The exceptional quality of the food is a recurring theme in reviews, with customers stating, "Everything we ordered was amazing" and "Cannot go wrong with anything on the menu."
To get in touch with Golden Diner or to make a reservation, use the following contact details:
- Address: 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002, USA
- Phone: (917) 472-7800
They accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a seamless transaction process.
Choosing Golden Diner is choosing a unique and delicious dining experience that goes beyond the typical. The most compelling reason to visit is to try their famous honey butter pancakes. Praised as being "worth the hype," these pancakes are a standout dish that are "very filling and thick," with a flavor that customers describe as "unbelievable." They are a testament to the diner's ability to take a classic dish and elevate it with a distinct and memorable twist. While they are a main draw, the quality doesn't stop there.
The menu's creative fusion of flavors is a major selling point. Where else can you find a "Chicken Katsu Club" or "Korean Fried Chicken Wings" on a diner menu? This innovative approach to comfort food provides a fresh and exciting culinary adventure. The diverse menu also makes it an excellent choice for groups with different tastes, from classic breakfast lovers to those looking for vegetarian or vegan options. The "Vegan Breakfast Burrito," for instance, has a "homemade feel to it" that is both tasty and satisfying.
Furthermore, the overall experience at Golden Diner is what truly makes it worth the wait. The staff, like the server Brittany mentioned in a review, are "more than outstanding," providing attentive and friendly service that adds a personal touch to your meal. The cozy, trendy atmosphere makes it a popular spot, and while a wait is common, the location in Chinatown provides plenty of things to do nearby, making the time pass quickly. Golden Diner is a place that successfully combines high-quality, flavorful food with a welcoming and efficient service model, making it a top recommendation for anyone in New York City.
Golden Diner Menu
Sauces & Condiments
- Kewpie Mayo $1.00
- Side Pico De Gallo $1.00
- Side Of Berry Compote $4.00
- Ketchup Packet $0.00
- Chili Crisp $1.00
- Vegan Ranch $1.00
- Spicy Pepper Sauce $1.00
- Plain Butter $0.00
- Mayonnaise $0.00
- Vegan Sour Cream $1.00
- Wing Sauce $1.00
- Russian Dressing $1.00
- Extra Pico $1.00
- Bulldog Sauce $1.00
- Burger Sauce $1.00
- Strawberry Jam $0.00
- Honey Maple Butter $1.00
- Plain Maple Syrup $1.00
- To-Go Utensils $0.00
- Honey Maple Syrup $1.00
Sweets
- Green Tea Coffee Cake $7.00
made with hojicha and matcha
- Thai Tea Tres Leches $12.00
chantilly cream, toasted coconut, lime zest
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
Soups & Salads
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Chili Crisp Wedge Salad $18.00
chili crisp a la Fat Choy, iceberg lettuce, vegan ranch, blue "cheese," mushroom "bacon"
- Vegan Caesar Salad $15.00
gem lettuce with vegan caesar dressing and garlic croutons
- Matzoh Ball Soup $12.00
fluffy matzoh ball, carrot, chinese celery, fresh dill in our homemade chicken broth
Dinner Sides & Add-Ons
- Pickled Daikon Side $5.00
- Bacon $5.00
- Vegan Kimchi Tomato Soup $6.00
- Green Salad $9.00
- Cheese $2.00
- Hash Patty $4.00
- 2 Eggs $5.00
- Side Of Coleslaw $5.00
- Half Avocado $4.50
- Toast $5.00
- French Fries $9.00
- Tofu Scramble $5.00
- Home Fries $10.00
Crispy, golden potatoes lightly seasoned, perfect for a comforting, homestyle side dish.
- Sour Pickle $2.50
- Vegan Grilled Cheese $13.00
Smoked gouda & pepperjack "cheese", garlic oil, served on grilled white bread
- Plain Yogurt $6.00
- Crispy Chicken $9.00
Coffee Beans
- Golden Diner X Unity Coffee - 12 Oz $18.00
Enjoy your favorite diner coffee at home! An exclusive blend in partnership with Unity Coffee. Tasting notes of baker's chocolate, black team, and robust body. Whole beans. Guatemala single origin. Dark roast.
Breakfast Sides & Add-Ons
- Cheese $2.00
- Bacon $5.00
- Vegan Kimchi Tomato Soup $6.00
- French Fries $9.00
- Home Fries $10.00
- 2 Eggs $5.00
- Plain Yogurt $6.00
- Pickled Daikon Side $5.00
- Vegan Grilled Cheese $13.00
Smoked gouda & pepperjack "cheese", garlic oil, served on grilled white bread
- Coleslaw Side $5.00
- Green Salad $9.00
- Sour Pickle $2.50
- Tofu Scramble $5.00
- Sausage $5.00
- Crispy Chicken $9.00
- Toast $5.00
- Hash Patty $4.00
Juices & Soda
- Fresh Yuzuade $6.00
fresh yuzu-lemonade
- Mexican Coke $4.00
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.
- Diet Coke (Can) $3.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- Oat Milk $3.00
- Mexican Sprite $4.00
A lemon-lime soda made with real cane sugar and bottled in Mexico.
- Oolong Lychee Moshi Soda $5.00
- Orange Juice $4.00
- Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water $4.00
Sparkling mineral water, sourced and bottled in Monterrey, Mexico, offering a refreshing and crisp taste.
- Coke (Can) $3.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Whole Milk $3.00
- Bruce Cost Ginger Beer $4.00
- Matcha Moshi Soda $5.00
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Vegetalian Hero $18.00
charred yuba marinated in house italian dressing, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, spicy red pepper sauce, and tofu mayo served on sesame Parisi bread
- Chicken Katsu Club $20.00
panko breaded chicken katsu blt w/ red cabbage slaw, bulldog sauce, and kewpie mayo served on milk bread
- Sam's Tuna Melt $16.00
american cheese, salt & vinegar chips served on grilled rye bread
- Vegan Grilled Cheese & Kimchi Tomato Soup $12.00
smoked gouda & pepperjack "cheese", garlic oil, served on grilled white bread
- Ketchup Packet $0.00
Sweets
- Cake Cutting/Outside Dessert Fee $25.00
- Thai Tea Tres Leches $12.00
chantilly cream, toasted coconut, lime zest
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Green Tea Coffee Cake $7.00
made with hojicha and matcha
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Ketchup Packet $0.00
- Sam's Tuna Melt $16.00
american cheese, salt & vinegar chips served on grilled rye bread
- Vegan Grilled Cheese & Kimchi Tomato Soup $12.00
smoked gouda & pepperjack "cheese", garlic oil, served on grilled white bread
- Vegetalian Hero $18.00
charred yuba marinated in house italian dressing, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, spicy red pepper sauce, and tofu mayo served on sesame Parisi bread
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Chicken Katsu Club $20.00
panko breaded chicken katsu blt w/ red cabbage slaw, bulldog sauce, and kewpie mayo served on milk bread
- Lemongrass Avocado Toast $16.00
lemongrass, galangal, thai basil, fresh turmeric, scallions, and kecap manis on rustic country loaf
Soups & Salads
- Chili Crisp Wedge Salad $18.00
chili crisp a la Fat Choy, iceberg lettuce, vegan ranch, blue "cheese," mushroom "bacon"
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Vegan Caesar Salad $15.00
gem lettuce with vegan caesar dressing and garlic croutons
- Thai Cobb Salad $18.00
soft boiled egg, bacon, spiced peanuts, asian herbs, cucumbers, radish, carrots, and house made thai bird chili vinaigrette
- Matzoh Ball Soup $12.00
fluffy matzoh ball, carrot, chinese celery, fresh dill in our homemade chicken broth
K-Kimchi
- Vegan Kimchi 16oz $11.00
Breakfast
- Two Eggs, How You Want 'Em $13.00
served with home fries and choice of toast
- Vegan Breakfast Burrito $14.50
seasoned and sauteed tofu scramble with vegan cheese, crispy home frieds, fresh pico de gallo, and refried beans
- Homemade Granola & Yogurt $11.00
house-made granola made with pumpkin seeds, cranberries, flax seeds, & orange zest
- Breakfast Burrito $14.00
soft scrambled eggs w/ american cheese, crispy home fries, fresh pico de gallo, and refried bean puree
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Ketchup Packet $0.00
- Golden Omelette $15.00
add up to 3 mix-ins of your choice, served with home fries and choice of toast
Breakfast Sides & Add-Ons
- Plain Yogurt $6.00
- Hash Patty $4.00
- 2 Eggs $5.00
- Home Fries $10.00
Crispy, golden potatoes lightly seasoned, perfect for a comforting, homestyle side dish.
- Vegan Grilled Cheese $13.00
Smoked gouda & pepperjack "cheese", garlic oil, served on grilled white bread
- Coleslaw Side $5.00
- Sour Pickle $2.50
- Cheese $2.00
- Green Salad $9.00
- Toast $5.00
- Vegan Kimchi Tomato Soup $6.00
- Crispy Chicken $9.00
- French Fries $9.00
- Sausage $5.00
- Tofu Scramble $5.00
- Pickled Daikon Side $5.00
- Bacon $5.00
Shared Plates
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Korean Fried Chicken Wings $18.00
8 juicy wings tossed in garlic kochujang glaze served with pickled daikon
Soups & Salads
- Vegan Caesar Salad $15.00
gem lettuce with vegan caesar dressing and garlic croutons
- Matzoh Ball Soup $12.00
fluffy matzoh ball, carrot, chinese celery, fresh dill in our homemade chicken broth
- Chili Crisp Wedge Salad $18.00
chili crisp a la Fat Choy, iceberg lettuce, vegan ranch, blue "cheese", mushroom "bacon"
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Thai Cobb Salad $18.00
soft boiled egg, bacon, spiced peanuts, asian herbs, cucumbers, radish, carrots, and house made thai bird chili vinaigrette
Shared Plates
- Mushroom Reuben Quesadilla $17.00
pastrami spiced portobello, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, served with housemade russian dressing
- Vegan Nachos $18.00
cashew nacho "cheese" with blue and white corn nixtamal chips topped with fermented black beans, pico, home-pickled jalapenos, cilantro, and vegan sour cream. (gluten free)
- Korean Fried Chicken Wings $18.00
8 juicy wings tossed in garlic kochujang glaze served with pickled daikon
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
Coffee & Tea
- Coffee (Hot Or Iced) $5.00
- Iced Tea $4.50
cold brew unsweetened black iced tea
5-Year Anni Merch
- Long Sleeve Tee - XL $35.00
5 year anniversary collab collectible piece designed by the soulful stylings of Hiroshima, Japan-based artist Ruminz (@ruminz_)
- Long Sleeve Tee - Medium $35.00
5 year anniversary collab collectible piece designed by the soulful stylings of Hiroshima, Japan-based artist Ruminz (@ruminz_)
- Long Sleeve Tee - Large $35.00
5 year anniversary collab collectible piece designed by the soulful stylings of Hiroshima, Japan-based artist Ruminz (@ruminz_)
- Long Sleeve Tee - Small $35.00
5 year anniversary collab collectible piece designed by the soulful stylings of Hiroshima, Japan-based artist Ruminz (@ruminz_)
Breakfast
- Two Eggs, How You Want 'Em $13.00
served with home fries and choice of toast
- Homemade Granola & Yogurt $11.00
house-made granola made with pumpkin seeds, cranberries, flax seeds, & orange zest
- Vegan Breakfast Burrito $14.50
seasoned and sauteed tofu scramble with vegan cheese, crispy home frieds, fresh pico de gallo, and refried beans
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Golden Omelette $15.00
add up to 3 mix-ins of your choice, served with home fries and choice of toast
- Breakfast Burrito $14.00
soft scrambled eggs w/ american cheese, crispy home fries, fresh pico de gallo, and refried bean puree
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Sam's Tuna Melt $16.00
american cheese, salt & vinegar chips served on grilled rye bread
- Vegan Grilled Cheese & Kimchi Tomato Soup $12.00
smoked gouda & pepperjack "cheese", garlic oil, served on grilled white bread
- Chicken Katsu Club $20.00
panko breaded chicken katsu blt w/ red cabbage slaw, bulldog sauce, and kewpie mayo served on milk bread
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Vegetalian Hero $18.00
charred yuba marinated in house italian dressing, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, spicy red pepper sauce, and tofu mayo served on sesame Parisi bread
- Lemongrass Avocado Toast $16.00
lemongrass, galangal, thai basil, fresh turmeric, scallions, and kecap manis on rustic country loaf
Breakfast All Day
- Include To-Go Utensils & Napkins $0.00
- Two Eggs, How You Want 'Em $13.00
served with home fries and choice of toast
- Breakfast Burrito $14.00
soft scrambled eggs w/ american cheese, crispy home fries, fresh pico de gallo, and refried bean puree
- Vegan Breakfast Burrito $14.50
seasoned and sauteed tofu scramble with vegan cheese, crispy home frieds, fresh pico de gallo, and refried beans
- Honey Butter Pancakes (Dinner) $16.00
double stack of fluffy, moist and savory pancakes served with honey butter maple syrup and whipped honey butter, finished with lemon zest
- Ketchup Packet $0.00
Golden Diner Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Golden Diner Photos










Golden Diner Location
Golden Diner Reviews
butter pancakesberry compotekatsu sandwichtres lecheskorean fried chickencoffee cakezestthai teayuzubutter syrup
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Exceptional food. Everything we ordered was amazing. The chicken katsu club, honey butter pancakes, and the Koreans fried chicken wings were my favorite. Even though the matzoh ball soup was not my favorite, it was still very good. The hash brown we added as a side to the chicken club was really good as well. Cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. 10/10
August 19 · Derek ChowThis place is AMAZING! 🤩I tried their famous buttery pancakes and they are worth the hype!My three friends and I only had to wait about 20 to 30 minutes for the wait but that’s OK because since it is near Chinatown, there is plenty to do nearby.Brittany, our server was more than outstanding. She continuously checked on us made sure we had freshwater with ice and always made sure that everything was OK. She also shared some of her experience with some of my friends about the food industry which I thought was very niceWe all thought the food was amazing. Well worth the wait and hype. Our favorite was definitely the golden buttery pancakes that are very filling and thick. Most of us were full after one, but still had room for one more.I also enjoyed the breakfast burrito, which was very tasty and had a homemade feel to it.Over I recommend this place to anybody that is looking for a new but hasty place to stop by win in New York even if you are a local I still recommend it!
July 22 · JTG .mp4Food Review – Saturday, August 23We checked in for lunch at 11:46 a.m. and were told the wait time for a party of two would be 3–3.5 hours. We were finally seated at 2:23 p.m.What We Ordered• Golden Omelette – The omelette was prepared exactly as requested and tasted great. Solid 8/10.• Honey Butter Pancakes (double order) – These pancakes are not the fluffy-center, crispy-edge style I personally prefer. Instead, they have more of a cake-like texture, with a syrupy flavor leaning buttery and savory rather than sweet. Interesting, but not my ideal pancake. 7/10.ServiceThe service stood out. The hostess worked tirelessly to manage the crowd, consistently updating guests and apologizing for the long waits. Our server was friendly, and once we ordered, the food arrived in under 20 minutes.Overall ExperienceWhile the food was good, I wouldn’t say it was worth a 2 hour 37 minute wait. If you’re curious to try it, I recommend ordering through a food delivery app so you can enjoy the meal from the comfort of your home or hotel, without the marathon wait time.
August 25 · Joseph Klipp-LockhartI can’t even begin to describe how these pancakes were!!! It was the BEST ones I have ever had!! The wait which was almost more than an hour was worth it for these pancakes!! I even got the milk bun egg sandwich. The lychee soda was god too. The service was fast. Host was really nice. Our waiter was slow and he took time to come to us compared to the other waiters going around and being attentive to their tables.Definitely go here. You won’t be disappointed
July 24 · TinzIf you're on the hunt for an unforgettable breakfast sandwich, look no further. This intimate spot is an absolute hidden gem. The Chinatown Egg & Cheese Sando (pro tip: add bacon) is next level. Everything about it hits just right—the pillowy-soft milk bun, perfectly cooked egg, melty cheese, and crispy hash brown. Add bacon for that extra smoky crunch, and you've got a texture and flavor combo that’s pure magic.Whether you're a local or just passing through, this spot deserves a detour!
July 29 · Erika Schmidt
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