Triple Crown Diner - Restaurant Review

Triple Crown is a classic New York City diner in Bellerose. Belmont racetrack might be one exit away in Nassau County, but this nice local is all Queens. If you're in the Bellerose/Floral Park area, you can't go wrong with Triple Crown. The food is good and the diner's friendly staff serves it faster than you can say, "The jukebox doesn't work." And here, the jukeboxes do work...usually.

If you're near Bellerose or Floral Park -- on either side of the Nassau / Queens border (that's you, Belmont fans!) -- and looking for a dependable, fast eat, you can't go wrong with the Triple Crown Diner in Bellerose. It's got that classic diner vibe: mirror walls; booths with jukeboxes; counter seats; holiday decorations; dessert cases -- and, of course, that thouroghbred-size menu.

As much as I love reading the giant menu, I almost always skip past the fish dinners and order breakfast for whatever meal I'm there for. They have a great challah French toast and Belgian waffle ($7.05 and $7.30, respectively, with bacon or sausage). Unfortunately, sometimes the omelets ($5.40-$9.90) are overcooked.

If you're looking for lunch, try a Triple Crown winner named after a Triple Crown winner: Seattle Slew (roast beef, onions, and melted cheese; $10.50). And the burger ($7 for deluxe) or grilled cheese ($4.15) or tuna melt ($6.95; I think they use a whole can of tuna for one sandwich) won't disappoint. The sandwiches come with a small bowl of tasty coleslaw and a pickle. It's a good deal of food, for a good deal.

Triple Crown is a great local that gives a warm welcome. (The friendly manager always greets my children with a high five.) So stop by if you're in the neighborhood.