Carmine Morales, owner of Classic Coffee Shop.
Nodas Kekatos, owner of Zafi’s Luncheonnette at 500 Grand St. Photo by Alex M. Smith.
Luis Miguel Collado, owner of El Castillo at 131 Rivington St. Photo by Alex M. Smith.
Steve Palakas, co-owner of Olympic Diner.
John Vasilopoulos, co-owner of Cup & Saucer Luncheonette.
Nick Castanos, co-owner of Cup & Saucer. Photo by Alex M. Smith.
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the April 2013 edition of The Lo-Down’s print Magazine.
One of the things that makes New York City great is its classic neighborhood diners. On the Lower East Side, we’ve got our share of these old-school spots — places that are so familiar some of us think of them as extensions of our own apartments. In a world that’s becoming more impersonal, there’s something comforting about these no-nonsense hangouts. They’ll make you anything you want, exactly the way you want it, and fast! The guys behind the counter are quick to refill your coffee and will remember exactly how you like your eggs in the morning. You’ve got to admire their ability to handle just about anything, or anyone, and usually with a smile.