Kellogg’s Diner reopens in Williamsburg with Tex-Mex-inspired menu
Photo by Evan Sung
Williamsburg’s beloved Kellogg’s Diner is returning under new ownership with a revamped menu, offering classic diner fare with a Tex-Mex twist. A neighborhood landmark since 1928, Chef Jackie Carnesie will helm the diner’s new chapter when it officially reopens this Friday. The 75-seat eatery has received a design refresh by Nico and Matthew Maddy, modernizing the space while preserving its historic charm. Located at 518 Metropolitan Avenue, Kellogg’s will be open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with plans to offer 24-hour service in the coming weeks.
The new menu, crafted by Carnesi, the former executive chef of Nura, features a selection of classic diner dishes inspired by the chef’s home state of Texas.
Starting with appetizers, highlights include chipotle honey wings, deviled eggs, and fried pickles with ranch. Soup and salad offerings include chicken noodle soup and cilantro Caesar with queso fresco and croutons.
The sandwich section of the menu includes classics like the BLT with herb mayo; a turkey club on sourdough bread with bacon, avocado, Monterey Jack, lettuce, and chipotle mayo; a hot fried chicken sandwich with dill pickles and slaw; and a veggie burger with cashew crema, arugula, and pickled onions on sourdough.
Main courses include poblano meatloaf with a smoky chipotle glaze and mashed potatoes; roast chicken with jus, grilled greens, and smashed buttery fingerlings; chicken-fried steak with white gravy and collard greens; Skate Wing Almondine with green beans; baby back ribs with sticky BBQ sauce; and Tex-Mex enchiladas with cheddar and jack cheese, red chili gravy, onions, and rice and beans.
Diners can choose from a vast selection of sides, including onion rings, cheesy grits, homestyle hash browns, coleslaw, biscuits, and sweet potato fries.
Breakfast options include Guajillo Braised Short Rib Hash with sweet potato, chipotle sauce, cotija cheese, pickled red onion, and cilantro; biscuits and sausage gravy with fried eggs; Rajas Omelette with poblanos, onion, green chile crema, Chihuahua cheese, and avocado; and Cornmeal Masa Pancakes with butter and syrup.
A dessert menu created by Pastry Chef Amanda Perdomo includes a Red Eye Chocolate Cake with espresso, chicory coffee, and dark chocolate frosting; Passion Fruit Tajin Icebox Pie with brown butter graham cracker crust, passion fruit curd, Tajin meringue, and lime zest; and strawberry pretzel salad with pretzel shortbread crust, cheesecake, strawberry Jell-O, and whipped cream.
Chris Amirault has crafted the diner’s drink menu, using cocktails as a “method of storytelling.” Highlights include a reimagined Cosmopolitan as a floral lychee martini with cherry blossom sake and cranberry grenadine, and a new take on an Old Fashioned with bourbon, oolong tea, cinnamon cordial, and a freshly toasted marshmallow.
Kellogg’s has been designed by New York-based designer duo Nico Arze and Matthew Maddy, who have carefully studied the rich history of the diner. The revitalized design emphasizes simplicity, using only four main materials: terrazzo, glass, mirrors, and stainless steel.
While stainless steel and mirrors are common in diners, painted glass and terrazzo offer a refreshing yet complementary aesthetic that maintains the classic diner spirit. Another classic touch is its curved ceiling, another architectural feature evident in diners.
In October 2020 amidst the pandemic, the nearly century-old diner said it was in danger of closing if the city failed to increase its indoor dining capacity from 25 to 50 percent.
In August 2021, Kellogg’s owed creditors at least $750,000 in unpaid expenses, and nearly $300,000 in unpaid rent, as reported by Eater New York. That month, former owner Irene Siderakis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In May 2023, the diner was put up for sale for $2.5 million.
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