A much-loved Williamsburg landmark destination has reopened its doors. Situated at 518 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, Kellogg’s Diner has been reimagined to incorporate modern design elements, the 75-seat diner ready for a new and hungry generation of customers.
The Williamsburg diner originally opened in 1928, and has been shaped by the many owners who took over the space. Closing in 2023 following bankruptcy, restaurateur Louis Skibar — along with partner and restaurant designer Nico Arze — bought the storefront and hired a stellar team to transform this classic American Diner, once agin, into the place to be.
Texas native, chef Jackie Carnesi, formerly the executive chef of Nura (and who before that worked on the menu development at Brooklyn institution, Roberta’s), brings Tex-Mex influences to the reimagined Kellogg’s Diner, the revamped menu featuring appetisers such as chipotle honey wings; devilled eggs; and fried pickles with ranch. Soups and salads include chicken noodle soup and cilantro caesar with queso fresco and croutons.
Chef Jackie Carnesi brings sumptuous Tex-Mex influences to Brooklyn’s reimagined Kellogg’s Diner.
The sandwiches list is brimming with classics, think BLT with a herb mayo; turkey club on sourdough bread with bacon, avocado, monterey jack, lettuce, and chipotle mayo; and hot fried chicken sandwich with dill pickles and slaw. The entrees, meanwhile, include roast chicken with jus, grilled greens, and smashed buttery fingerlings; chicken fried steak with white gravy and a side of collard greens; skate wing almondine with green beans and a brown butter-chipotle chili crisp; baby back ribs with sticky bbq sauce, German potato salad and collard greens; and Tex-Mex enchiladas with cheddar and jack cheese, red chili gravy, onions, rice and beans.
As is the holy grail of any diner worth its salt, the extensive selection of sides include onion rings, cheesy grits, homestyle hash browns, coleslaw, biscuits, and sweet potato fries, Yum!. A desert menu and breakfast menu, alongside a beverage list created by Chris Amirault, complete the order.
The 75-seat restaurant was designed by New York-based designers Nico Arze and Matthew Maddy, whose previous projects include Lilia, Public Records, Russ and Daughters Café, Celestine, and Nura amongst others. Respecting the diner’s almost century-old history, Nico and Matthew utilised only four principle materials throughout: terrazzo, glass, mirrors, and stainless steel. While stainless steel and mirrors are common to diners, painted glass and terrazzo add unexpected elements while still perfectly fitting the classic spirit of a diner. The curved ceiling is a class touch, once you enter, you know at once you’re in a diner. The space has a warm, almost golden glow like that of a sunset, providing an elegant yet comfortable dining experience.
With a new edge but familiar feel, the iconic Kellogg’s Diner is already writing the next chapter in its storied history.
Photography, Evan Sung / Carissa Diaz / courtesy, Kellogg’s Diner Williamsburg.
