Jahn's Diner in Jackson Heights, a classic diner in New York

Jahn’s Diner in Jackson Heights is a neighborhood classic in the style of the Diners from the 1950s

The red awning for Jahn’s Diner in Jackson Heights, Queens reads Jahn’s Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor since 1897. It is one of the few distinctly American establishments in this very multicultural neighborhood. Jackson Heights, in Queens County, New York is one of the most international neighborhoods in America and the restaurants you see on a walk down the street range from Mexican to Ecuadorian, to Indian, to Bagel shops, and places selling roasted chicken. The last thing you expect to see is a 1950s style diner that appears to be lifted from the past, both inside and out. And thank goodness it was!

We often go to Jahn’s Diner to have brunch, and one of the main reasons that I love to come is for the chocolate chip pancakes. Chocolate Chip Pancakes! This is a uniquely American invention combining the best of a chocolate chip cookie (the chocolate chips) with pancakes. I didn´t look twice at the breakfast specials before ordering. I wanted chocolate chip pancakes, yes, with syrup and whipped cream. And coffee with milk and sugar to drink.

The waitress that took my order was dressed in uniform and was quick to bring me my coffee in a mug, with as many refills as I might want. As I sat waiting for my pancakes, I took in my surroundings. The diner reminded me of the kind of small town diner that you see in rural Pennsylvania, or Anytown U.S.A. with a counter that had stools with seats that spin all the way around. There were cakes on stands covered in glass, and local regulars stopped in to say hello and order “the usual.” This was the last thing I expected to find outside of Manhattan.

The table was a bit sticky, which is par for the course in any good diner, and according to the menu, I could have ordered all the classic diner brunch favorites. Jahn’s is also known for its amazing ice cream sundaes, and on the wall were various news clippings announcing the delicious summertime treats served up regularly.

When my breakfast was served, I dug right in, and everything was just as delicious as could be expected. The prices were reasonable, and the service quick and pleasant. Now that we are frequent customers, Jahn’s is the typical place where the waitress gives you a little extra whipped cream on your ice cream or extra bacon without a problem.

I ruskommend a trip to Jahn’s Diner in Queens with 4 boquerones. Maybe this is not the diner that takes you out of Manhattan, but it is worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood. Its hard to find small town America within the big city, even though lots of us come from just that: small town America (or small town Spain, or Jamaica, or Peru, or Ghana.) Jahn’s diner is serving up nostalgia, and that rings true in any language.