Craving a slice of New York history with your coffee? Tom’s Restaurant is a true NYC landmark. This diner sits at 2880 Broadway on the corner of 112th Street. You can find Tom’s Restaurant in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
Tom’s Restaurant has been serving New Yorkers since the 1940s. It is owned by the Greek-American family of Minas Zoulis. This family bought the diner in the 1950s. They have kept Tom’s a friendly and affordable spot ever since.
Did you know that Tom’s Restaurant inspired a famous song? Suzanne Vega’s 1987 hit “Tom’s Diner” was written about this very place. Vega captured the simple experience of sitting in the diner. Her song reached number 1 in several countries.
Tom’s Restaurant gained even more fame as Monk’s Cafe in Seinfeld. Jerry Seinfeld and his friends met here regularly on the show. However, the interior scenes were filmed on a set in Los Angeles. The exterior shots always featured Tom’s distinctive sign. Even though the interior and exterior have undergone minor remodeling since the show, the distinctive sign has remained the same.
Many famous people have eaten at Tom’s Restaurant. Barack Obama frequented Tom’s when he was a student at Columbia. Senator John McCain often ate here when visiting his daughter. She was a student at Columbia too. Upstairs of Tom’s, NASA scientists worked on climate models.
Tom’s Restaurant attracts a diverse crowd. You might see students, artists, and comedians. Regulars include philosophers and local characters. The owner, Mike Zoulis, knows many stories about the restaurant. He can tell you about Seinfeld and Suzanne Vega.
The staff at Tom’s are known for their good service. Employee Nick says the reasons for the restaurant’s popularity are simple. Good food. Logical prices. Good service and good people.
Tom’s Restaurant has stood the test of time. It is a constant in an ever-changing city. A true example of a family business.
So next time you’re in Morningside Heights, stop by Tom’s Restaurant. Experience a piece of New York history. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and good food. Maybe you will even feel like you’re on the set of Seinfeld.