How to Find Monk's Diner on Seinfeld's Upper West Side of Manhattan

Tom's Homage to Kramer

For anyone who wishes to eat or socialize at one of the most recognizable restaurant locations in television history, the fictional Monk’s Diner from the television show “Seinfeld” is only just a Subway station away. Dining there requires no reservations and is relatively easy, especially if one is already visiting North Central Park, Grant’s Tomb, and the Upper West Side. However, if one is looking for a restaurant named Monk’s Diner, they may look for days, and the television show is of little help since the exterior shots show only the word “RESTAURANT” shown in red neon against a blue field. The actual diner is named Tom’s and is located on Broadway between West 112th and West 113th Streets.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Arrive at the restaurant either during brunch or mid-afternoon. Local folks crowd the place during breakfast and lunch.

2. Take the Subway Line, either Blue (A or C) or Orange (B or D) toward Brooklyn, and exit the train at the 110th Street Station. The station exits onto Broadway. Tom’s Restaurant is located two blocks north at 112th Street and is on the right side of the street.

3. Recognize the distinct red neon sign on the 112th side of the building. Only the word “RESTAURANT” appears. When looking at the sign from Broadway, note “TOM’S RESTAURANT”. Obviously the word “TOM”S” needed to be edited out for the show with a fictional diner named Monk’s.

4. Prepare for a much smaller interior than that of the television show. Booths are very close together and the ordering window is at the back aisle near the restrooms. The décor is darker also, with walls covered in rich wood paneling. Visiting in the winter, one will notice there is not much room for hanging coats or places for excess baggage.

5. Order from the menu and expect very sizeable portions. The service is great and the employees, who seem to have been there for years, are friendly. However, they are generally hurried.

6. Notice the pictures on the walls. On a recent visit, enlarged covers of T.V. Guide memorializing all four Seinfeld characters were decoratively placed on one wall. On another wall, the famous portrait of Kramer, hangs near the window facing Broadway.

7. Respect the restaurant clientele. This staple of the Upper West Side welcomes the curious fan, but know that the establishment is not set up for an afternoon of coffee drinking and chatting. The tables are high turnover. If lunch is over and coffee has been drunk, notice those waiting by the crowded entrance, and forfeit the table.

Resources

• Manhattan Subway Map