Eater has put a deathwatch on LoSide Diner.
"the biggest problem they face is the one-two punch of bad food and zero authenticity."
Nothing against Eater, at all, but I think everyone has misunderstood LoSide Diner. And that misunderstanding has allowed me and my friends many evenings of leisurely dining for hours for very very little money.
Now if you're a rich person, of course you don't like LoSide diner. Of course you think it's unauthentic. Because you can afford to eat anywhere and the concept of BYO means nothing to you. But for the rest of us, LoSide Diner was/is the only place on the LES (that I know of) where a group of friends can meet (right off the subway!), sit in a big booth, bring their own cheap wine (opened, chilled and poured by the friendliest restaurant staff in the entire city), listen to 69 Love Songs and enjoy a decent grilled cheese or veggie burger unbothered by crowds or hurried waitstaff. And two hours later the bill for four people, entrees and appetizers, is less than $40. LoSide diner isn't unauthentic. LoSide diner is the MOST authentic. And if you don't believe me, just check out the art on the walls.
UPDATE NOTE: The reason we could stay that long was because nobody else would be there, and we always tipped like 50%. I understand that the things I like about LoSide are the same things that doom it.
Oh, and they have the best (and most authentic) Southern-style potato salad in New York City. So there. Save LoSide Diner!!
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