After facing a challenging year that saw its doors temporarily close, Old John’s Luncheonette, a cherished institution on the Upper West Side for nearly seven decades, is back in business. Reborn as Old John’s Diner, this iconic eatery at 148 West 67th Street, near Amsterdam Avenue, is set to welcome back New Yorkers and visitors alike starting June 23rd. Under the new ownership of Louis Skibar, a restaurant veteran with deep roots in the NYC dining scene and a past connection to Old John’s itself, the diner promises to retain its classic charm while introducing exciting updates to its menu and ambiance.
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Savoring the Revival: Old John’s classic chicken pot pie, reimagined for a new era.
Old John’s Luncheonette was a neighborhood staple renowned for its comforting diner fare. From stacks of fluffy blueberry pancakes and waffles – even famously adored by Spanish culinary icon Ferran Adrià – to hearty servings of chicken pot pie and the quintessential meatloaf and mashed potatoes, it was a go-to for classic American comfort food. The revived Old John’s Diner honors this legacy, keeping those beloved dishes at its heart. However, Skibar has enlisted the culinary expertise of Chef Grayson Schmitz and pastry virtuoso Tanya Ngangan to revitalize the menu and refine cherished recipes.
Schmitz’s modern touch is evident in the updated chicken pot pie. Departing from the traditional method, the succulent chicken, rich gravy, and medley of vegetables are now baked together beneath a golden, exquisitely flaky pastry crust. She also brings a personal touch with her mother’s meatloaf recipe, adapted to diner perfection. Adding to the refreshed menu are innovative dishes like a saltine cracker-crusted cod and a vibrant vegetarian rigatoni, tossed in a broccoli pesto and accompanied by asparagus, mushrooms, and peas.
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Sweet Endings: An array of updated desserts at Old John’s Diner, promising a delightful finish to any meal.
A significant first for Old John’s Diner is the introduction of a dedicated pastry chef. Tanya Ngangan’s influence elevates the dessert offerings and baked goods to new heights. Her reimagined strawberry shortcake, featuring buttermilk biscuits and pistachio pastry cream, is a testament to her innovative approach to classic desserts. All ice creams, including tempting flavors like roasted banana, toasted coconut, and salted peanut, are now made in-house, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. Classic soda fountain favorites like chocolate and vanilla egg creams, ice cream sodas, and creamy milkshakes are also readily available. Skibar envisions Old John’s Diner becoming a post-theater destination for desserts and drinks once Lincoln Center fully reopens, further cementing its role in the Upper West Side community.
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Banana Split Bliss: Indulge in Old John’s banana split, now featuring house-made ice cream for an extra layer of deliciousness.
While consulting chefs Ngangan and Schmitz will transition out within a few weeks, the kitchen will be in capable hands. Raul Navarrete and Victor Rojas Milan, both veterans of Old John’s with 23 years of experience, will lead the culinary team, with Noelia Huisman taking charge of pastry creations. This ensures a seamless blend of new inspiration and familiar expertise.
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Crafting a Classic: Chef Tanya Ngangan prepares Old John’s signature chocolate egg cream, a timeless New York beverage.
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Cocktail Hour at the Diner: The Old John gimlet, part of the updated beverage menu.
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Modern Margaritas: Old John’s margarita, served in a unique glass jar for a contemporary twist.
The diner’s interior has also received a thoughtful refresh. The bar counter has been extended, doubling the seating capacity. The bar area is now efficiently organized into distinct stations for cocktails, ice cream creations, and coffee preparations. Paying homage to the diner’s history, Skibar commissioned a local artist to recreate the iconic illustrated Upper West Side map that graced the original Old John’s Luncheonette menus as a large wall mural near the entrance. The original neon sign from Old John’s Luncheonette remains a proud fixture, a nostalgic nod to its enduring legacy.
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Mapping the Memories: The recreated mural of the original Old John’s menu illustration, celebrating its Upper West Side location.
Initially, Old John’s Diner will be open for dinner service only, paving the way for lunch and breakfast hours in the near future. This phased reopening allows the restaurant to smoothly manage each menu segment and address ongoing industry-wide staffing challenges.
For Skibar, reopening Old John’s Diner is a personal homecoming. His journey in the restaurant industry began at Old John’s Luncheonette in 1984 as a delivery person, shortly after moving to the United States from Bolivia. Over his impressive 30-year career, he has opened 18 restaurants in New York City, many in collaboration with Chef Julian Medina, including popular spots like Toloache and Kuxé.
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Diner Perfection: The classic burger at Old John’s, a testament to timeless American flavors.
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Comfort Food Icon: Old John’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes, a dish that embodies diner comfort.
Skibar’s passion for diners is evident, and he harbors ambitions to expand the Old John’s Diner concept to other neighborhoods if the Upper West Side location thrives. “I think diners are a dying breed, and they are such a beautiful thing,” Skibar reflects. “It’s a comfortable place that you can come for breakfast, or for dinner. I think it is the great equalizer. Anyone can come to a diner.”
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Updated Ambiance: The refreshed bar area at Old John’s Diner, offering more seating and a modern feel.
Old John’s Diner is now open daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, extending to 11:00 PM on weekends. Initially offering indoor dining, plans for outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery are in development. Breakfast and lunch service will be introduced in the coming weeks, with the ultimate goal of being open all day from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Update: Please note that Old John’s Diner officially opened on Wednesday, June 23rd, instead of the previously announced June 21st.
Old John’s Luncheonette Website
148 West 67th Street, Manhattan, NY 10023
(212) 874-2700
