Queens Tribune

44-15 College Point Blvd., Flushing
(718) 463-5787
CUISINE: Diner
HOURS: 24/7
PARKING: Lot

With this eatery always on readers’ top lists of the best place to have breakfast in Queens, Kane’s Diner seemed deserving of a chance to prove its worth.

Well guess what? The place seems to be worth the praise so often heaped upon it. After serving customers for more than 35 years, it is apparent that Kane’s Diner just may be one of the best diners in town.

The main thing about Kane’s is that it’s a little different from the average neighborhood eatery. Whether it’s the celebrity photos lining the walls or the children’s toy bins, the diner likes to offer something more than its competitors. “We like to tribute New York,” said restaurant owner George Kane, whose father Ernie founded the business. “We like to tribute whose hot right now.”

Kane was referring to the oversized menus that not only have pictures of established movie actors, but also have pictures of each breakfast dish. The purpose of having picture of food on the menu is so that when people of different ethnic backgrounds come in to eat, all they have to do is point to the dish they want to order.

“Flushing is an international community, so if people can’t read too well, all they have to do is point,” said Kane.

The menu is full of meals for all times of the day. Breakfast includes “world famous steak-n-eggs,” homemade pancakes, and a breakfast sampler, which has a little bit of everything. If visiting Kane’s for dinner, there is turkey-melt, New York steak, many different pasta dishes, and the Viagra Steak. “That’s for people who come in late at night and feel like they want to be big and powerful,” said Kane.

In recent years, the restaurant has also added quesadillas and fajitas to keep up with the changing palates of the times. At the end of the meal, be sure to have a taste of Kane’s cheesecake or buy a bakery cookie. Kane’s also has a deli-style counter for people on the run.

Close to the restaurant is Flushing Meadows Park, with the Unisphere visible out the front window. Also right down the street is Shea Stadium, and Kane’s benefits greatly from large crowds at Mets games. “When the Mets are winning, we’re winning,” said Kane.

One of the other main attributes to enjoy at Kane’s Diner is the prompt and friendly service. “I’ve been all around the world and I haven’t found a better staff anywhere,” said Kane. Customers can also appreciate the family atmosphere of the business, as it is owned within the Kane family. George said that he has been working at the restaurant since he was 5 years old, and he and his three younger siblings now head the business along with their father.