Hal Hartley fans will recognize the exterior of the Square Diner from his film, "Amateur".

Inside what you'll find is authentic diner-style food: sandwiches, pie, burgers, pancakes etc. The food is fresh and of a fair quality given that you're at a diner. It's pretty easy to get out of there having spent only $10 which makes it a popular destination for locals and fans of the less glamorous end of the TriBeCa eating spectrum.

The Square Diner has been open since the 1970's but when TriBeCa became a landmark district the Square became a victim of this blanket listing. In some respects this has kept the building preserved in its classic 70's style but hindered it in other respects. Though able to provide outdoor seating in the summer months, the restaurant is unable to provide weather-protected seating in winter due to the Landmark restrictions.

For some inexplicable reason the Square doesn't operate around-the-clock as some of the other classic diners around town like Empire and Moondance, managing to stop serving at a paltry 4pm on Saturdays. A shame for those who are out and about in lower Manhattan and looking to satisfy that 2am burger urge.

A highly recommend eating destination, the Square often provides for some interesting overheard conversations of both die-hard locals and visitors.

 Send to Friend