The Moondance Diner opened all the way back in 1933. It could seat just 34 people and measured about 36 feet by 16 feet. It didn’t exist in its SoHo (the region of Manhattan that’s just South of Houston Street) until later, and by the 90’s, it was a major tourist attraction.
Do you remember when Monica had to wear a horribly tacky vintage getup for her 50’s diner job? She put up with everything from a blonde Marilyn Monroe wig to an overstuffed bra, poodle skirt, and roller skates, which might have been the worst part of all. Rollerskating waitresses might sound far-fetched for a restaurant in 90’s-era New York City, but this diner was actually 100% real.
It also drew a lot of pop culture attention beyond its appearance on Friends. You might recognize it from its appearances in Sex and the City, Miami Vice, and even Reading Rainbow. In 2002’s Spider-Man, the character of Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) is a waitress at this very diner.
If it was 2007 right now, you’d be able to walk in and order a milkshake at the Moondance Diner on your next trip to NYC. Unfortunately, since that year, it has been closed from the public. We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best places for you to get your foodie fix in the meantime.
