City Diner at the Fox is the most convenient and coveted place to eat before or after seeing a musical at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. This chic restaurant, best known for its breakfast food, is next door to the theater. You can come in, sit down and enjoy your experience out for a cheap price. The atmosphere is very cosmopolitan: the walls are decorated with bold colors and artistic shapes, there is a model of a bike resting above the entrance and every dining table has its own lava lamp.

The waiters and waitresses were all friendly and helpful, making the experience very relaxing. Our meal started with—you guessed it—dessert, which was pleasantly surprising. The vanilla milkshake was very large; half of it was in the glass and the other half in a tin cup—traditional diner style.

I tried the biscuits and gravy that were described on the menu as “two freshly baked in-house, smothered with sausage gravy.” The biscuits were, admittedly, similar to those at South Forty House but much softer in texture, while the gravy had more delicious bites of sausage. The French onion soup was served in a saucer covered by a thick layer of Gruyere cheese, along with a serving of crusty garlic bread. It is nothing like the standardized taste of Panera that we are all used to.

The lunch entrees are huge. The turkey club sandwich was cut into one too many small triangles and came with an abundance of thick fries. The bread on the sandwich was very thin and delicate, held together by colored toothpicks. All I have to say is that you can’t go wrong with a turkey club.

Could the Village make a similar meal to City Diner? I’m inclined to say yes, based on my experiences at both. What the Village or Bear’s Den can’t reproduce, however, is the culture of this diner and the vivacious atmosphere of Grand Street life, just beyond the diner’s walls. If you ever find yourself going to the Fox, I definitely recommend grabbing a bite at City Diner before starting the show. It’ll be an extra treat!