After a challenging year that saw its doors temporarily close, the beloved Old John’s Diner, formerly known as Old John’s Luncheonette, is back in the heart of the Upper West Side, ready to welcome patrons once again. This iconic eatery, a neighborhood fixture for nearly seven decades, has been revived by Louis Skibar, a former employee with deep roots in the New York City restaurant scene. Located at its original spot on 148 West 67th Street, near Amsterdam Avenue, Old John’s Diner is not just a nostalgic return, but a fresh chapter for this cherished establishment. Set to officially reopen on June 23rd, the diner promises a delightful blend of familiar comfort and exciting updates.
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A Menu Rooted in Nostalgia, Elevated for Today’s Palate
For generations, Old John’s Luncheonette was the go-to spot for classic American diner fare. Think towering stacks of blueberry pancakes, crispy waffles – even famously adored by culinary innovator Ferran Adrià – hearty chicken pot pies, and comforting meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes. The revived Old John’s Diner honors this legacy by keeping these cherished staples at the heart of its menu. However, owner Louis Skibar has brought in culinary expertise to refine and enhance these classic recipes for the modern diner. Chef Grayson Schmitz and pastry chef Tanya Ngangan have consulted on the reopening, bringing their expertise to refresh time-honored dishes.
One notable update is the chicken pot pie, now crafted with the chicken, gravy, and vegetables baked together under a golden, flaky crust, a departure from the previous separate baking method. Chef Schmitz has also contributed her mother’s meatloaf recipe, adapted specifically for Old John’s. Beyond these refined classics, the menu introduces new, lighter options such as a saltine cracker-crusted cod and a vegetarian rigatoni with broccoli pesto, asparagus, mushrooms, and peas, demonstrating a thoughtful evolution of the diner’s offerings.
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Sweet Endings: Desserts Get a Pastry Chef’s Touch
A significant addition to Old John’s Diner is the introduction of a dedicated pastry chef, Tanya Ngangan. For the first time in its history, the diner’s dessert menu has been curated by a pastry specialist, promising an elevated sweet experience. Ngangan’s influence is evident in reimagined classics like the strawberry shortcake, now featuring buttermilk biscuits and pistachio pastry cream. Even the ice cream, with flavors like roasted banana, toasted coconut, and salted peanut, is now made in-house, ensuring freshness and quality. Classic diner beverages haven’t been overlooked either, with chocolate and vanilla egg creams, ice cream sodas, and milkshakes all available, described by Skibar as “classics but with the chef’s input.” With Lincoln Center nearby, Skibar envisions Old John’s Diner becoming a favored destination for after-show desserts and drinks.
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Continuity in the Kitchen and Beyond
While consulting chefs Ngangan and Schmitz will transition out after the initial weeks, the culinary direction of Old John’s Diner remains in capable hands. Raul Navarrete and Victor Rojas Milan, both longtime employees with 23 years of experience at the original Old John’s, will take the helm in the kitchen, with Noelia Huisman leading pastry operations. This ensures a blend of fresh perspectives and deep-rooted familiarity in the diner’s culinary execution.
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A Revamped Space with a Nod to the Past
The physical space of Old John’s Diner has also been thoughtfully updated. Skibar has expanded the bar counter, doubling the seating capacity in this area. The bar workspace has been reorganized into dedicated zones for cocktails, ice cream, and coffee preparations, streamlining service and enhancing the customer experience. In a charming tribute to the diner’s history, Skibar commissioned a mural of the illustrated Upper West Side map that famously adorned the original Old John’s Luncheonette menus. This nostalgic artwork is prominently displayed near the entrance, welcoming guests with a familiar visual touchstone. Adding to the sense of continuity, the original neon sign from Old John’s Luncheonette still graces its familiar spot.
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A Homecoming and a Vision for the Future
For Louis Skibar, reopening Old John’s Diner is a personal homecoming. His journey in the restaurant industry began at Old John’s Luncheonette in 1984, shortly after his arrival in the U.S. from Bolivia, where he worked as a delivery person. Over a successful 30-year career, Skibar has launched 18 restaurants in New York City, often in partnership with chef Julian Medina, including popular spots like Toloache and Kuxé. Despite his diverse portfolio, Skibar holds a special fondness for diners and envisions expanding the Old John’s Diner concept to other neighborhoods if the Upper West Side location thrives.
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“I think diners are a dying breed, and they are such a beautiful thing,” Skibar reflects, emphasizing their unique appeal as “comfortable place[s] that you can come for breakfast, or for dinner… the great equalizer. Anyone can come to a diner.”
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Reopening Details for Old John’s Diner
Old John’s Diner is initially opening for dinner service only, starting June 23rd, with hours from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and extending to 11 p.m. on weekends. Initially, the diner will offer indoor dining, with outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery services to be introduced subsequently. Breakfast and lunch hours are planned for the coming weeks, with the ultimate goal of operating all day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The staggered reopening approach allows the restaurant to effectively manage each service period and to continue building its staff amidst ongoing industry-wide staffing challenges.
Old John’s Luncheonette
148 West 67th Street, Manhattan, NY 10023
(212) 874-2700
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