Monte Carlo Diner: A Classic New York Diner with a Modern Twist

Monte Carlo Diner Introduce

In the heart of East Harlem, Monte Carlo Diner stands out as a beloved neighborhood institution, offering a fresh and modern twist on the classic New York diner experience. It’s a place where the timeless comfort of a home-cooked meal meets a vibrant, clean, and friendly environment. Unlike some of the bustling, crowded spots in the city, Monte Carlo Diner provides a refreshingly quiet and low-key atmosphere, making it a perfect escape for a leisurely meal. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a sense of calm and a very attentive staff, ready to guide you through their extensive and delicious menu. The food is consistently praised for being great, and the diverse offerings ensure there's something to satisfy every craving, from traditional diner staples to more unique and contemporary dishes. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the vibrant culture of Harlem, Monte Carlo Diner offers a welcoming space for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a place that feels like a family-run "mom and pop" shop, where the staff gets along, and the focus is on providing a great meal and a great experience, day or night.

Location and Accessibility

Monte Carlo Diner is conveniently located at 2162 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA. Situated in the vibrant East Harlem neighborhood, the diner is easily reachable by various modes of transportation. For those driving, paid street parking is available nearby, though as with most of Manhattan, it’s always a good idea to factor in a little extra time to find a spot. The location is also well-connected to public transit, making it an easy trip from other parts of the city. A key highlight of Monte Carlo Diner is its commitment to accessibility. The establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This forward-thinking approach ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy the dining experience, making it a truly inclusive spot for the entire community. The diner’s large windows and clean, open interior design contribute to a welcoming and spacious feel, which is a rare treat in a city known for its compact spaces.

Services Offered

Monte Carlo Diner offers a variety of services to accommodate the diverse needs and schedules of its New York City clientele.

Dine-in: The restaurant provides a full dine-in service with both table service and counter service. The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed meal. They also have outdoor seating for those who prefer to dine al fresco, and welcome dogs in their outdoor area.
Delivery and Takeout: For those who want to enjoy the great food from home or the office, the diner offers both takeout and delivery. They also feature a convenient curbside pickup option, making it simple to grab your meal quickly and without hassle. They also provide no-contact delivery for added safety and peace of mind.
Reservations: While the diner is typically not crowded, it’s a good idea for groups or during busier times to note that the establishment accepts reservations. This can help to ensure a seamless experience, especially during peak dining hours.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Monte Carlo Diner is known for being family-friendly and good for kids. They offer a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it a stress-free option for families dining together.

Features / Highlights

Monte Carlo Diner has several key features that set it apart and make it a favorite among its patrons.

All-Day Breakfast: One of the most significant highlights is the all-day breakfast menu. You can enjoy classic breakfast staples like omelettes, pancakes, and waffles, as well as unique specialties like the Monte Carlo Chicken and Waffle ($20.95) and Huevos Rancheros ($18.95), no matter the time of day. This is a massive draw for anyone who loves breakfast food beyond the morning hours.
Expansive Menu: The menu is incredibly diverse, going far beyond typical diner fare. It features a wide range of options, from Main Courses like Monte Carlo Steak ($28.95) and New England Fish and Chips ($20.95) to Mediterranean Specials like Chicken Souvlaki ($16.95). They also have a comprehensive selection of burgers, wraps, and sandwiches, all made with natural, sustainable, and humanely raised choices of meat and poultry. The menu also includes a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Great Coffee: A diner is only as good as its coffee, and Monte Carlo Diner delivers on this front. Customers rave about the great coffee, which is a perfect complement to any meal, from a breakfast omelette to a slice of pie.
Clean and Welcoming Atmosphere: The diner is consistently praised for being "extremely clean inside," a quality that is highly valued by customers. The welcoming, low-key, and quiet atmosphere makes it a great place for a solo meal or a relaxing get-together with friends and family.
LGBTQ+ Friendly and Sports-Oriented: Monte Carlo Diner is proud to be a Transgender safespace and LGBTQ+ friendly. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to its community-oriented values. The diner also caters to sports fans, broadcasting sports events, making it a fun spot to grab a bite and catch a game.

Contact Information

Address: 2162 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Phone: (212) 926-0096

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers, Monte Carlo Diner is a place that is worth choosing for many reasons, but what stands out most is its perfect blend of tradition and modernity. It takes the best of a classic American diner—the extensive menu, the all-day breakfast, the comfort food—and elevates it with a focus on quality, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere. The fact that the food is consistently described as "great" is a powerful endorsement, especially given the wide variety of options available. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Meat Lovers Omelette ($17.95) or something lighter like a Sweet Crepe ($14.95), you can be confident that it will be prepared with care. The diner’s commitment to using all-natural, sustainable, and humanely raised meat and poultry sets it apart from other traditional diners and appeals to a more conscious consumer base. Beyond the food, the service is a significant factor in making Monte Carlo a great choice. The staff is attentive, friendly, and helpful, as noted by customers who have had "excellent service." This level of hospitality, combined with a clean and quiet environment, creates a dining experience that feels both personal and relaxing. In a city where finding a table can often mean a long wait and a rushed meal, Monte Carlo's low-key vibe and the option to make reservations provide a refreshing alternative. For anyone in East Harlem or just passing through, this diner is a reliable and delightful choice that offers a taste of classic New York with a thoughtful, modern twist.

Monte Carlo Diner Menu

3-Egg Omelettes
Served with home fries and buttered toast
Cheese Omelette $14.95
Choice of one: American, Cheddar, Swiss, feta, Chevre, kefalotyri, pepper Jack, mozzarella
Smoked Salmon Omelette $18.95
Goat cheese, chives, spinach
Meat Lovers Omelette $17.95
Sausage, ham, bacon, Cheddar, chives
Western Omelette $16.45
With ham, onions and peppers
Greek Omelette $16.45
Imported feta, baby spinach, diced tomatoes, chives
Chorizo Omelette $16.95
Chorizo sausage, avocado, Cheddar, scallions, cilantro
Create Your Own Omelette $16.95
Choice of three items-Veggie: bell pepper, spinach, mushroom, raw onion, tomato, scallion, broccoli. -Protein: bacon, ham, sausage, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, pastrami. -Cheese: American, Cheddar, feta, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper Jack

Eggs Benedict
Classic Benedict $18.95
Canadian bacon, (2) poached eggs, hollandaise
Eggs Cochon Benedict $18.95
(2) poached eggs, BBQ pork shoulder, crispy shallots and hollandaise, smoked paprika
Florentinie Benedict $16.95
Spinach, (2) poached eggs, grilled tomato, hollandaise
Eggs Royale $21.95
Smoked lox, (2) poached eggs, crispy capers and old bay hollandaise

Brioche French Toast or Pancakes or Belgian Waffle
Brioche French Toast $11.00
Cinnamon butter, syrup
Pancakes $11.00
Cinnamon butter, syrup
Belgian Waffle $11.00
Cinnamon Butter, Syrup

Breakfast Specialties
Monte Carlo Chicken and Waffle $20.95
Belgian waffle, buttermilk fried chicken, hot honey butter, syrup
Malibu Chicken and Waffle $23.95
Belgian waffle, Cajun spiced fried chicken breast, poached egg, truffle butter, maple syrup, curly fried sweet potato
Steak & Eggs $24.95
7 oz. Rib-eye steak, two eggs any style, home fries
Huevos Rancheros $18.95
Black beans ranchero sauce, corn tortilla, pico de gallo, sour cream
Tres Golpes $16.95
3 pieces. 2 eggs, any style, 2 fried salami, 2 fried cheeses, mangu encebollado with buttered toast
Biscuits and Gravy $18.95
Buttermilk biscuit, country sausage, gravy, home fries, (2) eggs any style
Bagel & Lox Platter $19.95
Whipped dill cream cheese, tomato, onion, cucumber, crispy capers
Sausage Skillet $18.95
Sausage gravy, home fries, caramelized onion, egg on top

Crepes
Sweet Crepe $14.95
Served with petit beurre crumbs & syrup. Choice of 3 items: banana, strawberry, blueberry, honey Greek yogurt mousse, Nutella, salted caramel, 2 ice cream scoops for extra cost
Savory Crepe $15.95
Served with house salad Choice of 3 items: Cheese- American, Cheddar, Swiss, feta, goat cheese, pepper Jack, mozzarella. Protein: ham, bacon, sausage, turkey, grilled chicken. Vegetables: spinach, mushroom, potato, onions, caramelized onions, peppers

The Grainery
Jumbo English Muffin $3.75
Toast $2.75
Homemade Assorted Muffins $3.75
Assorted Danish $4.25
Freshly baked
French Croissant $3.95
Freshly baked
Homemade Cookie $3.00
Chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin

The Bagel Corner
Toasted Bagel with Butter $3.75
Plain, sesame, whole wheat, raisins cinnamon, everything
Bagel with Cream Cheese $4.75
Bagel with Lox, Cream Cheese, Red Onion and Capers $16.50

Yogurt & Oats
Add-Ons: fruit salad +5.00, raisins +1.95, banana +2.00, walnuts & honey +2.95, berries +5.00 honey +1.00, organic granola +3.00
Greek Yogurt $3.95
Old Fashioned Oatmeal $4.75
Avena Con Leche $4.75
Organic Granola with Milk $4.95

Juices and Fruits
Fresh Squeezed 100% Orange
Grapefruit Juice
Cranberry, Apple or Pineapple Juice
Green Juice $7.95
16 oz. Celery, green apple, cucumber, lemon, kale, ginger
1/2 Grapefruit $4.75
Seasonal Fruit Salad $6.95
Fresh Berries Bowl $8.95
Whole Fruits (P. C.) $1.50
Banana, orange or apple

Starters
Fried Cheddar Curds or Mozzarella Sticks $11.95
Marinara
Jalapeno Poppers $11.95
Chicken Wings $14.95
7 pieces. Buffalo, BBQ, Korean, naked. Served with celery, carrots and bleu cheese
Shrimp Tempura $15.95
4 pieces. Thai chili
Chicken Fingers $13.95
6 pieces. Bleu cheese or ranch
Fried Calamari $14.95
Marinara & green aioli
Garlic Bread $6.95
Garlic butter with herbsAdd cheese $1.50
Spinach Artichoke Dip $15.95
Nacho chips

Main Courses
Served with cup of soup or side salad
Chicken Marsala $21.95
Mushroom, marsala wine served with pasta or mashed potato
Chicken Francese $21.95
Lemon butter, wine, capers sauce, pasta or mashed potato
Carved Turkey $21.95
Oven roasted, gravy, mashed potato, vegetable medley
New England Fish and Chips $20.95
Beer battered Portuguese cod, tartar, served with coleslaw, pickle and fries
Shrimp 'N Grits $24.95
Creamy grits, bacon lardons, roasted tomato & onion jam, blackened shrimp
Fried Shrimp Basket $18.95
Lemon, house tartar, served with coleslaw, pickle and fries
Ocean Basket $26.95
Shrimp, calamari, cod, house tartar, served with coleslaw, pickle and fries
Grilled Salmon $26.95
8 oz. Served with a choice of potato and a choice of vegetable
Mac & Cheese $11.95
Meatloaf $17.95
Classic meatloaf, mashed potato, tomato gravy and choice of vegetable
Chicken Meatloaf $17.95
Chicken meatloaf, mashed potato, creamy mushroom gravy and choice of vegetable
Monte Carlo Steak $28.95
Petite tender steak, peppercorn steak sauce, mashed potato, and vegetable
Rib-Eye Steak $32.00
16 oz. Served with mashed potato, and choice of vegetable

Mediterranean Specials
Chicken Souvlaki $16.95
Tzatziki, Greek salad, French fries and pita
Lamb and Beef Gyro $16.95
Tzatziki, Greek salad, French fries, pita
Chicken Gyro $16.95
Tzatziki, Greek salad, French fries, pita

Protein Sides
Bacon, Ham, Sausage $6.95
Turkey Bacon or Sausage $7.95
Dominican Salami $7.95
Corned Beef Hash $7.95

Potato Sides
Fries $6.95
Sweet Potato Fries $7.95
Curly Fries $7.95
Cheese Fries $8.45
Home Fries $6.95
Mashed Potato $7.95
Daily made
Baked Potato or Sweet Potato $4.95

From the Garden Sides
Guacamole $7.95
String Beans $7.95
Side Salad $7.95
Broccoli $7.95
Spinach $7.95
Sweet Corn $7.95
Mix Vegetables $7.95
Fried Cheese $7.95
3 pieces
Avocado $5.95
Mangu with Pickled Red Onions $5.95

Other Sides
Fried Onion Rings $7.95
Stuffed Grape Leaves $6.95
Coleslaw $5.95
Grits $6.95
Add cheese $1

Soups
Chicken Noodle
Chicken Matzo Ball
Lentil Soup
Clam Chowder
Soup of the Day
French Onion Soup $10.95

Salads
Served with bread & butter. All salads are tossedAd-Ons: (3) Falafel +4.00, Grilled Chicken +4.95, (4) Shrimp +6.95, Salmon +7.95, Steak +8.95
Monte Carlo
Mixed greens, beets, goat cheese, walnuts, balsamic glaze
Caesar Salad
Romaine hearts, bagel croutons, Parmesan, creamy Caesar dressing
NY Greek Salad
Lettuce, feta, tomato, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, stuffed grape leaves, green pepper, red wine vinaigrette
South West Salad
Grilled chicken, black beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, corn, avocado, tortilla crisps, chipotle ranch
Taco Salad $16.95
Mixed greens, beans, cilantro, pepper Jack cheese, guacamole and sour cream in a taco shell (no bread or pita)

Pasta
Served with cup of soup, bread & butter. Salad for $3Add-Ons: chicken +4.95, shrimp (4) +6.95, steak +7.95
Marinara Sauce $16.95
Choice of pasta
Spaghetti Bolognese $21.95
Fresh ground angus beef with seasoned tomato sauce
Fettucine Alfredo $18.95
Butter, heavy cream, Romano & Parmesan cheese
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara $18.95
Pancetta, garlic, fresh cream
Penne Alla Vodka $18.95
Butter, onion, heavy cream, fresh marinara sauce
Penne Pesto & Peas $18.95
Chicken Parmigiano $22.95
Breaded chicken cutlet, marinara sauce, over choice of pasta
Farfalle Vodka Sauce with Creamy Smoked Salmon $23.95
Smoked salmon, onion, vodka, heavy cream & dill
Linguine Shrimp Scampi $23.95
Jumbo shrimp (4), garlic, olive oil
Penne Frutti Di Mare $23.95
Half shell mussels, calamari, baby scallops, shrimp, fresh marinara sauce

Burgers
Served with coleslaw and pickleAdd fries or salad for $3 | Fries Onion Rings $4We are committed to offer all natural, sustainable and humanely raised choices of meat and poultry
Natural Angus Burger $12.95
Niman ranch angus beef, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle
Impossible Burger $14.95
Babaganoush, lettuce, onion, tomato
Lamb Burger $12.95
Mediterranean seasoned, brioche bun, tomato, roasted red pepper, harrisa aioli, creamy feta dressing, field greens
Signature Burger $16.95
Mushrooms, fried cheese curds, bourbon BBQ aioli, homemade bacon jam and cheese sauce
Smashburger $13.95
Two patties, American cheese, onion, and MC's secret sauce
Turkey Burger $13.95
Baby spinach, tomato, pickled red onion, aioli
Chicken Burger $13.95
Lettuce, tomato, red onion, roasted red pepper, cucumber, creamy feta
Salmon Burger $16.95
Baby spinach, pickled red onion, caper aioll

Tex Mex Favorites
Served with pepper Jack blend, guacamole, sour cream and pico de galloExtras: guacamole +3.95, ranchero sauce +2.95Add-Ons: grilled chicken +4.95, pulled pork +6.95, grilled shrimp +6.95, steak tips +7.95
Cheese Quesadilla $9.95
Chicken Quesadilla $13.95
Grilled chicken, sauteed peppers and onions
Vegetable Quesadilla $12.95
Pepper, onions and mushrooms
Classic Nachos $9.95
Pepper Jack blend, black beans, roasted corn, jalapeno, sour cream, pico de gallo and scallions

Wraps
Served with coleslaw and pickleAdd-Ons: french fries or salad +3.00, sweet potato fries +4.00 , fried onion rings +4.00
Chicken Wrap $14.95
Chicken salad, lettuce, tomato, bacon
Buffalo Wrap $14.95
Fried chicken, romaine, tomato, bleu cheese dressing, buffalo sauce
Chicken Caesar Wrap $14.95
Grilled chicken breast, romaine, tomato, Caesar dressing, Parmesan
Turkey BLT Wrap $14.95
Sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce tomato, melted Cheddar cheese
Salmon Wrap $15.95
Mixed greens, avocado, tomato, bacon bits, pickled onion, chimichurri
Tuna Wrap $14.95
Tuna salad, lettuce, tomato

Sandwiches
Served with coleslaw and pickle
Cubano Sandwich $16.95
Roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and dijon
Grilled Chicken Sandwich $14.95
Lettuce, mayonnaise, onion, tomato
Barrio's Yardbird Sandwich $14.95
Buttermilk fried chicken, pickles, lettuce, Cajun mayo
Beef & Lamb or Grilled Chicken Gyro Sandwich $13.95
With sliced tomato, red onion, chopped parsley and tzatziki sauce on a pita bread
Crispy Cod Sandwich $15.95
Coleslaw, tartar sauce
Tuna Melt $14.95
Grilled Cheese $8.95
Add Bacon: +2.00, Add Ham: +2.00, Add Tomato: +2.00
BLT Sandwich $10.00
Turkey Bacon BLT Sandwich $12.95
Chicken Salad Sandwich $10.00
Tuna Salad Sandwich $12.00
Egg Salad Sandwich $8.00

Club Sandwiches
Served with French friesAdd-Ons: Bacon: +2.95 -- Cheese: +1.50 -- Mushrooms, Fried Egg or Fried Onion: +1.50 -- Avocado: +3.00
Turkey Club $17.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo
BLT Club $15.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Grilled Chicken Club $17.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo
Chicken Salad Club $16.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo
Tuna Salad Club $17.95
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo

Monte Carlo Diner Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Monte Carlo Diner Photos

Monte Carlo Diner Location

Monte Carlo Diner

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

2162 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Monte Carlo Diner Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 222 user reviews.

breakfastpricesbrunchthe menuinteriorchicken and waffleswatermimosasshrimp and gritscoconut shrimp

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This is a very quiet diner. It's very low key and the service is very attentive. Its your typical "mom and pop" diner. Everyone seems to get along. The food is great, I'm surprised how there is never any people. And its extremely clean inside, which I love. They have an all day breakfast menu, and brunch on the weekends.
July 24 · Rosanna Rodriguez
Delicious all day breakfast in a clean, casual environment. I had the new pancake special which was delicious. I received excellent service from Omayra who was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be coming back!
August 25 · Bonnie Hemings
I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this place is! Food was excellent; everyone was happy with their choices (Tres Golpes, Chicken and Waffle, Crepe, Omelette, Burger. I came in from the burbs to meet my niece and nephew for brunch and they live 2 blocks away, but had never tried this place. As I said, everyone was very happy with their food, the servers were friendly and kept our water glasses full and overall, it was a great neighborhood spot. Highly recommend.
July 07 · RLK
Stumbled across this gem and was very impressed. The restaurant is clean and beautifully decorated. Great playlist created a joyful atmosphere as we sipped our wine. The service was top tier! Our waiter was inviting, accommodating and professional! I can’t remember his name but will be calling the manager to let them know what a great employee they’ve got. The food was delicious! I was particularly impressed with the fries. Diner fries are usually terrible (too thick, soft and flavorless) but these were crispy and tasty. It’s only been opened for 6 months and I foresee this place becoming a staple in the neighborhood. I wish you all the very best!
August 07 · G Jasmine Gomez
I really like this place. Nice and clean. The servers were polite and prompt. I had the Greek Omelette and it was delicious!!!!!
March 18 · Lady Vaughan