'Bigger, Wider, Nicer': Gracie's Diner Opens At New Yorkville Location

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Just in time for the weekend brunch rush, some long-awaited good news for Upper East Side diner has finally been served.

Gracie's Diner, also known as Gracie's Corner Diner, completed its move to a newer and larger space down the block where it opened its doors on Monday, according to a manager.

The new spot on Second Avenue and East 85th Street — the former home of Mexicoma — is about twice as big as Gracie's now-closed location a block up the street, with 26 tables and booths.

"It's bigger, wider, nicer," said a man who gave his name as Steve (no relation to owner Steve Nikolakakos).

"We can accommodate larger parties now," Steve said. "And very friendly for families with small kids."

Additionally, the new space is wheelchair accessible and the diner now has beer on tap and a full liquor license, Steve said.

Gracie's, a neighborhood staple for more than 40 years, spent much of its life on the corner of First Avenue and East 86th Street until they moved one avenue west in 2014.

The old sign still hangs at the First Avenue spot in a building slated for demolition by mega-developer Extell.

But not all has changed at the classic Upper East Side diner. Gracie's will remain open 24/7 and has retained all of the same staff during the move.

And, Steve notes, they're currently hiring.

This good news arrived the same month Patch reported the closure of two other diner mainstays: the uptown 3 Guys on Madison Avenue and Neil's in Lenox Hill.

Said 3 Guys owner Costa, "We tried very hard to survive."