2008 Woodie Awards
Eating the Seinfeld Way
Forking Around New York
Tia Trate
Issue date: 4/7/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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We have all seen at least one episode of the huge comic hit Seinfeld (if you were not living under a rock that is). Living in New York and having a relationship with a devout Seinfeld fan, of course has spurred me to experience some of the restaurants (places that he based his fictional restaurants on) that Seinfeld has featured in his sitcom. I am sure most of you are familiar with both the Soup Nazi (Al's Soup Kitchen, in real life) and Monk's Diner (really Tom's Restaurant, is the exterior that is shown).
As I have said the fictional Monk's Diner is really Tom's Restaurant. However, Tom's restaurant is merely used for its exterior appearance, and the interior is nothing like Monk's. If it were not for its Seinfeld notoriety I doubt that Tom's would do very much business.
First of all Tom (the owner of the restaurant), whom also happens to be the headwaiter (if you could call it that) is scary. No, scary is a vast understatement, Tom reminds me of the spawn of Frankenstein and Linda Tripp.
The service Tom gives to his customers is brisk and pushy. I would not call Tom's a friendly place to get a burger. The restaurant is extremely busy and really small, so much so that Tom pushes his customers out. If you want fast food and drink this is the place for you. However, if you were looking for a place to eat like the Seinfeld crew, where you could talk a bit and enjoy a lazy meal, Tom's will not be able to provide that.
The second we sat down we were handed a menu, Tom stood there until we made up our minds at least for drinks. After we told him we wanted Cokes he quickly ran off and came back with 2 cokes in a matter of 30 seconds. Then he wanted our order. I got a veggie burger and my date got a cheeseburger deluxe. In about five minutes our orders came out and he placed the bill on the table at the same time. This was the last time we heard from Tom or any of his staff except to collect our money as we exited the restaurant. This was the absolute worst service I have ever received! Short Stop's service looks like Tavern on the Green compared to this place!
As I have said the fictional Monk's Diner is really Tom's Restaurant. However, Tom's restaurant is merely used for its exterior appearance, and the interior is nothing like Monk's. If it were not for its Seinfeld notoriety I doubt that Tom's would do very much business.
First of all Tom (the owner of the restaurant), whom also happens to be the headwaiter (if you could call it that) is scary. No, scary is a vast understatement, Tom reminds me of the spawn of Frankenstein and Linda Tripp.
The service Tom gives to his customers is brisk and pushy. I would not call Tom's a friendly place to get a burger. The restaurant is extremely busy and really small, so much so that Tom pushes his customers out. If you want fast food and drink this is the place for you. However, if you were looking for a place to eat like the Seinfeld crew, where you could talk a bit and enjoy a lazy meal, Tom's will not be able to provide that.
The second we sat down we were handed a menu, Tom stood there until we made up our minds at least for drinks. After we told him we wanted Cokes he quickly ran off and came back with 2 cokes in a matter of 30 seconds. Then he wanted our order. I got a veggie burger and my date got a cheeseburger deluxe. In about five minutes our orders came out and he placed the bill on the table at the same time. This was the last time we heard from Tom or any of his staff except to collect our money as we exited the restaurant. This was the absolute worst service I have ever received! Short Stop's service looks like Tavern on the Green compared to this place!