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Diners get a facelift

By Alexis Korman | Special to amNew York

5:31 PM EST, March 7, 2007

A hot dog at Brooklyn Diner. (handout)

Whether they conjure images of greasy fries and surly waiters or the convivial atmosphere of 90210's "The Peach Pit", the slim, chrome diner is an American classic.

Diners are a part of the American psyche, from "Al's Diner" on Happy Days to the familiar paintings of Edward Hopper. Known for their generous portions and vintage décor, they remain a fun, casual choice for New Yorkers eating out. It's no wonder then that restaurateurs have opened several new diners this year offering hungry New Yorkers new twists on an old favorite. Check out these new incarnations:

Brooklyn Diner USA This second location of Shelly Fireman's diner opened only months ago in Times Square. The space includes a soda fountain replica and offers a range of oversized comfort food classics like the impossible to finish 15-bite hot dog ($14.50), meatloaf "della nonna" ($15.95) and old fashioned, fun desserts including a rich hot fudge sundae ($8.50) and Coney Island root beer float ($6.25). 155 W. 43rd Street; 212-265-5400.

American Diner A brand new addition to trendy NoLita, this eatery has two dining rooms and plenty of chrome. Fashionistas and other beautiful people gather inside the yellow-walled space and clamor for seats at the curved red counter. Try for one of the comfortable booths and order dishes like macaroni and cheese ($10), tomato-glazed meatloaf ($14) or skirt steak ($16.50). 235 Mulberry Street; 212-966-6616

Zucco: Le French Diner Modeled after a French truck stop where food is reliably good and inexpensive, this trendy l.e.s. restaurant offers an in-the-know crowd French-inspired diner dishes like sandwiches served on crusty baguettes, moules frites, and "Le Steak Hache", a sirloin burger topped with a sunnyside-up egg and served with mashed potatoes. Though it only has room for 18, the wait for a table is well worth it. Main courses run $10-$18. 188 Orchard Street; 212-677-5200.

Pop Diner Though not exactly new, this local was renovated less than a year ago, and offers a fun, vintage-diner décor and friendly, family-style atmosphere. The menu may read like a novel, but offerings include just about every comfort food under the sun at affordable prices, including ethnic favorites like mofongo, Singapore hakka noodles, and paella, as well as more traditional fare like the Godfather burger ($7.95), a half-pound of Black Angus beef topped with roasted red peppers, grilled onions and melted mozzarella and served with fries. 80-26 Queens Boulevard; 718-226-2229.