by J W.

The place is kooky and fun, it reminds me of trips to Queens or Brooklyn  to the local nightclub/restaurant/hang-out of an emigre community.  In this case, the best food and the consistent theme that runs through this idiosyncratic restaurant reflects the national origins of the owners: Turkey.  There is hookah to be had, and by the looks of it last night, people like hookah.  The patio was nearly full, with a mix of couples and groups, at least a third of which were blowing smoke.The menu is very large, as others have pointed out.  I can't speak for much of it having been there for drinks twice and just tried some nibbles to accompany the booze.  I was happy with what I've tried, both desserts were excellent.  We also shared a very authentic Patlican salasi (baked eggplant) which felt home cooked.  I suppose a final verdict would involve tasting both the omelette and the kebab, my bet is that the kebab wins.In terms of decor and service, we found the chairs and seating to be very plush and comfortable, both inside the main space and on the patio.  There's a sense that the place is still figuring out its identity, last night there was karaoke inside (which would be a nice addition to the Midtown options), but very few people seemed interested.  On a warm evening, the patio has its charms, and the quirky nature of the place should attract groups who want a bite at all hours aren't too caught up in whether a place is IT or not.  As others have noted, the service has its charms, and its downsides.  I would describe it is as idiosyncratic but improving. I imagine the owners don't yet have a steady expectation of how many people will come in at any given time over a 24 hour cycle which could explain some of the delays in prepping some items.  Other quirks I found charming, last night we were greeted by a charming hostess who spoke no English. But the other hostess was there to save the day, having just watched The Producers, I guess one could argue that Ulla's English does improve over time.  I hope this place does as well, its merits outweigh its flaws, but time will tell if it can find the niche to succeed.

by Micah P.

This place can not not make it. With all of the chains - upscale and otherwise - we need a place in Midtown that's got a bit of quirk, and this place fits the bill in spades.After choosing to enter even thought it looked closed, we picked inside over patio and we were seated just in front of the DJ. At 9 pm. On a Wednesday. It started with a bit of techno, and then it was dialed back slowly, surely, to a funkier time when Hot Chocolate believed in Miracles and cops weren't in hot pursuit of James Brown. We ordered what were more-than-adequate pilaf and gyros, and got down with our bad selves. Was it weird? Absolutely. I have lived in Germany and seen weird, and this topped that. But was it good? No question there. The food was good, the service was excellent and weird isn't always a bad thing. They've got tons of square footage, and I doubt they'll make it long with the business we saw tonight. So give them a shot, and at the very least, you'll probably walk away asking yourself "What the hell was that?"

by Gerald S.

I have been meaning to try this new diner / Mediterranean restaurant for a few weeks since seeing it open.  So, my girlfriend and I tried it last weekend on Sunday.  I really want this place to succeed and it has such a great potential to be a wonderful and necessary addition to Midtown.  There are very few, if any, 24 hour diners in Midtown and this diner should be able to fill the void.  There are comfortable seats outside.  So, this diner's location on the corner of 10th and Piedmont is perfect.  In addition, it has a huge patio - so, lots of outdoor seating, perfect for late summer night drinks or early Sunday brunch.  It might actually be cool enough to be out on the patio in the middle of the day - there is a nice canopy and outdoor fans.  Our brunch was, well, less than ideal.  The server was really not so friendly.  She was definitely not that knowledgeable on the menu either.  It was disappointing, because I clearly saw another server and a guy that appeared to be the manager running around and bending over backwards to provide good customer service.  I suggest educating your wait staff on the menu and giving them an attitude adjustment (at least some of them).  As for the menu - it's kind of humorous because there are a number of typos and apparently, at least two versions.  My girlfriend had a menu that was an old menu and missing some items.  The selection and diversity in the menu are admirable - appetizers, sandwiches, salads, brunch, omelets, and desserts.  (also doubles as a hookah bar at night - if that is your thing.) As a vegetarian - I applaud the vegetarian section, but was a bit perplexed by the stuffed grape leaves that as an appetizer had rice, lamb, and other ingredients - - but were also listed on the vegetarian menu.  Vegetarians DO NOT eat lamb.  Also, the diner was out of humus.  Really - it's a simple mixture of chic peas, lime, and tahini.   Plus, Publix is four blocks away.  The eggplant humus was some of the best babba ganoush I've ever had.  The salmon sandwich was nice and the Mediterranean omelete was excellent.  If my review were based solely on the food, it would be an easy four.  Again, bad service that could be improved dragged the diner down to a 3.  For example, I asked for ketchup and had to eventually grab it from the table next to us.  Plus, a smile once in awhile wouldn't kill you.  So, I hope the owner/manager or whomever sees this review and makes a few simple changes.  Final comment - GET WIRELESS INTERNET!!!!!  It really is pretty inexpensive and if you wanted to charge a $1 usage fee -I'd pay it to sit comfortably outside and work late at night or whenever.

by Bonnie P.

The new Midtown Diner: equal parts brilliant and infuriatingly stupid.24-hour place on my route home? Brilliant.Quality of food? Pretty brilliant for a diner, actually. Though my expectations may have been lowered by the service. I'll get to that. I had what was insistently described to me as "eggplant hummus" and only sort of like baba ganoush. Tasted just like baba ganoush to me, but it was very good.  I also had a mediterranean omelet with no bacon (the remaining ingredients were sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and blue cheese), which was very well cooked, colorful and fresh-looking, and tasted great.Ambiance? Liked it - lots and lots of seating, much of it outdoors and covered. No, it's not the most brilliant view, but it's nice to have the option of BEING outside and eating breakfast food anytime you want. Flying biscuit does not quite achieve this.  I didn't understand why there were two separate levels separated by a fence, because it was the same restaurant.  Also there were a lot of different TYPES of tables outside, it seemed - or at least two.  "Normal," and "huge cushy pleather low chair I remember seeing in my college library, with big flat armrests that you can sit drinks on without them spilling."  I was seated in the latter and actually got a huge kick out of it, even though the table was a little high for those chairs. Now onto the infuriatingly stupid aspects of my visit.First of all, what is a place like this doing without a wi-fi connection?  I would so easily drop $5 or more to use it there. And with those big chairs? My netbook fits so nice on that armrest, and is safely out of way of my food and drink -- being teased with the thought of working there AS LATE AS I WANT because it's 24/7 but not being able to because there was no wireless network available -- upsetting.Second, I've never had service that was quite so ... sullen.  I will give our server credit for getting the most important thing right, which was leaving the bacon out of my omelet.  Pretty much everything else she did was objectionable in some way though. Forgot to bring toast with the omelet, then brought the wrong kind, gave the table next to us the wrong change back, etc. I will say that I saw other servers around doing a better job and seeming much more into it. Third, I'm not sure precisely how much of the service was the fault of the menu ridiculousness.  The place has two artistically indistinguishable menus floating around, one of which is obsolete. Once I got my hands on a non-obsolete one, I discovered the following issues:--They "didn't have" hummus, which was featured in several dishes on the old and new menus.  I don't think a mediterranean place should be allowed to call itself mediterranean and not have hummus, but that's just me. And I'm sorry, baba ganoush (or "eggplant hummus" as my server insisted), is NOT the same thing as hummus, even if it is good in its own right.--They list a veggie burger under "Vegetarian dishes" (a category I applaud them for having, even if it seems to have been very poorly conceived).  However, when I asked about it, the server said no, it's a veggie wrap.  And then I pointed to a completely separate item called "vegetarian wrap," and she said it was the same thing.  But they were different sections of the menu, different descriptions, and (I think) different prices.  What?  I did not get the veggie burger/vegetarian wrap because the vegetarian wrap was supposed to have hummus on it. Gr.--On the old menu they describe the "Stuffed grape leaves" in the appetizer section as stuffed with rice and spices.  On both the old and new menu they list "stuffed grape leaves" as an entree under "Vegetarian dishes" with no description.  But then on the new menu they say there is lamb in them in the appetizer section, but still list them on the "Vegetarian dishes" section.  When pressed on this, the server seemed pretty sure they all had meat in them.  This is *highly* concerning.  Vegetarians, do NOT order the stuffed grape leaves.Those were the only problems I found, but I'm sure there were more.OK - if anyone from Midtown Diner happens to be listening, please change the following things and you are an easy 5 stars:First and foremost, get a wireless internet connection.  I was drooling so bad for this that I was almost considering buying one of those verizon connections you can use anywhere just so I could use it here - even after the experience had gone downhill a bit. Second, get that girl to fix her attitude problem.  Don't fire her or anything. Just tell her to be friendly and conscientious.Finally, don't be out of hummus! Come on.  Fix the other menu stuff too, but really, my whole beef with the place started when she came back and told me that there was no hummus. If there had been hummus, I might not have even noticed the rest of the glaring flaws.

by Kim S.

This 'diner' has serious identity issues. First it was Mediterranean, then it lit up signs that it was an all night diner, then it advertised (with neon lights out front) that it has European desserts and coffee. The food itself was actually okay. I had a gyro, but it didn't have any of the typical gyro sauce on it. No sauce at all. I ordered a cranberry martini since they had drink specials, but I couldn't even taste the alcohol. This is supposed to be a martini people! I ordered one more and asked for less cranberry and more alcohol and what I got was less cranberry and the bartender added water. This may be a good place to go when you are leaving the bars at 3am, but I would not recommend anyone go there sober.

by Felix C.

The decor is a bit kitschy but that seems to be unintentional. Amusingly, it seems like they just wanted to decorate each area consistently yet cheaply.I am always amazed when I go into a diner and see such a broad selection of items. The menu ranges from the standard breakfast items (omelettes, eggs benedict, pancakes, and waffles) to lasagna, spaghetti, pizza, and stuffed grape leaves. How can they do all of those varied items so well? Personally, I'd like more focus and specialization so you know they have fewer, better items. The stuffed grapes leaves appetizer was the best item we had. The lamp wrap and eggs florentine were run-of-the-mill. The place hasn't been open that long so they may be working through some kinks. But between the size of the menu and the hours (Open 24 hours) it is hard to see how they could have consistently good food.

by Robert S.

After finishing a run this morning, my friend and I strolled past the new Midtown Diner (open 24 hours) located in the old Jocks and Jills space on 10th and Peachtree.  Menu was simple brunch fair and it was within a short walk of another friend's place so we decided to give it a try.  I don't know if it was because it is working out kinks or that the owner is new to the restaurant business, but the brunch was an overall comedy of errors with few exceptions.  The food was basic but done badly.  My Mediterranean omelet (which for some reason had bleu in instead of feta) was overcooked and poorly presented.  Despite asking for feta instead of bleu, I wound up with bleu.  The accompanying potatoes were undercooked and the toast was, well, slightly warmed bread.  The coffee was serviceable, but served with very controlled creamer rations which were served in non eco-friendly plastic cups.  My friends said their omelets were not bad, but were best described as the perfect meal if you were hungover and not anything to write home about.  Their meals were cooked better so they did not have the same complaint as me.  Our server was very pleasant and apologetic.  She did her best despite being left alone to man a patio (which is perfect to enjoy an outdoor dining experience) on a Sunday for brunch.  The owner (or at least someone we believed to be the owner) was called into duty and did his best to assist, but clearly they were both overwhelmed.  They did the best they could despite the situation and we were appreciative of it.  I would give it another shot in a few months to see if they were able to work out the issues, but, only if I am in the neighborhood.  This is not a destination place for someone who does not live within walking distance of it.  There are many other places in Atlanta that are better for brunch.  Although being a 24 diner, there are other opportunities for this place to succeed (happy hour, late night drinks, late night dining, desserts and coffee), but that will only happen if they can get all the parts working together and fast.

by David K.

Last week my mother and I brought my father here to celebrate his 55th birthday (well, she paid so I guess technically she brought us here).  I didn't even realize that Jock's and Jill's had closed and a new restaurant had opened in its place.  Fortunately my mother saw the "European Desserts" sign on the building and we walked over from their nearby condo.At first I wasn't sure if they were open because the place was empty (at 6:45 p.m. on a Tuesday night).  Once we stepped inside I immediately smelled the fresh paint and noticed the updated tables and seating.Our server was very friendly and the food was surprisingly good.  I got the lamb kabobs and cleaned the entire plate (except for the pineapple, but I digress).  Despite the sign outside their dessert selection was limited, so don't expect much.

by Lorne C.

After dining here, I can see why people are reporting problems.  While we had some brunch items last Sunday, we noticed three tables around us having problems which include waiting 40 mins for food, being charged for items that were wrong, servers who have to ask someone (e.g. front house manager or chef) for everything little thing including whether that could refund something the table didn't even order. In the end, our breakfast items were good, not nothing special or great.  We ended up have standard eggs, bacon and potatoes.  They overcharged on a small item, which the server couldn't fix (credit to the credit card)  but ended giving us the change back.  But the waiter was at least friendly.  I would be hard-pressed to go to this place again.  Maybe at 3-5 am, which seems little the right time and place.  (Were you don't care what the service or food is like, sorta like ATL Diner).  :-P

by Jim k.

OMG stay the hell away! this is a warning!sorry but i don't even know where to start! they are out of most menu items and the ones they have,not edible.service is awful and they over charge!run away!

by Shyam S.

I am a big fan of late night diners or places where I can work late and have a decent meal. I've been getting tired of eating at Fellini's and Waffle House, so I decided to check this place out.My whole experience was pretty disappointing. I suppose I should have realized that a 24-hour mediterranean diner in the heart of Midtown should have rung many alarm bills, but I bundled up and launched caution to the wind and went for it. What a mess.First off, the ambience is just downright weird. For the 1.5 hours I was there, I heard a nutty mix of Turkish techno and American hip hop and all of it too loud. I guess this place is the new disco diner?Secondly the food was not very good. I had the stuffed grape leaves and also the calamari. The actual rice stuffing was good, but the layout was bad. It's never a good idea to pair a yogurt sauce AND a citrus dressing because the citric acid does a number on the yogurt. I also felt kind of queasy eating the calamari, as if it had not been fully cooked. I never like to waste food, but I seriously could not imagine finishing the food or taking everything home.Lastly, the overall menu was not very broad. I agree with some of the earlier revieews that the menu was kind of unclear. How can you be a mediterranean restaurant and not serve hummus? How come no falafel wraps?It seems like the Turkish owners just wanted to create a late night bar where you coudl smoke hookah too. What a waste. Give me Jock's and Jill's any day.

by Stephie Z.

Another review colored by god's finest...Guiness. Went here after Ri Ra forced us to leave: BAR'S CLOSING!  The nice thing about the place is that they are open all night and that they serve later than most of the bars.  Someone suggested this place so we had one last drink and some food.  We ordered 2 spinach artichoke dips.  They didn't taste that good but to a drunk it was edible.  The dip came in a large bowl with about 4 pita triangles, which were eaten in 0.2 seconds.  We ordered more pita because the whole bowl of spin dip was left.  Out comes 4 more pita triangles.   What a joke.  Some in the group considered spooning the dip in their mouths due to lack of a carrying device:) When the bill came it had our extra pita listed as an item to be purchased.  Not cool especially considering there was still an almost full bowl of spinach artichoke dip sitting on the table.

by Travis N.

This place has so much going for it, I wish I could say the food was as well.I walked to this place the other day for lunch.  It being summer, and I being in shorts I decided to sit out on the patio.  I was shown to a table, with a pair of easy chairs.  I sat down and felt like they had been bought at a garage sale!  They were comfortable, if very odd for a "diner".  The service was practically nonexistant which was odd because there was hardly anyone there.Their menu runs the gamut from mediterranean to diner to breakfast.  I think that might be part of the problem. (Jack of all trades, master of none!)  I ended up ordering a salad, and got a very pedestrian entree.  There was very little flair or craftsmanship in it.  I know I didn't order the "house special" or whatever, but I would expect a chef to take pride in everything they served.The salad tasted as if it had been made on an assembly line by robots.  no creativity.  And it wasn't just mine, my girlfriends burger was subpar as well.I'm sorry to say but I think that location deserves better.

by Jason R.

I let this one sit in my mind and... macerate? marinate?  Some word that fits.I was with friends and stopped by here late-ish one Friday evening a bit ago.  Hopes were high for a 24-hour place.  Hopes were dashed against the sharp stones of vicious reality.  I might remember the service...  No, wait, there wasn't any...Why two stars?  Well...  The evening we were there, this definitely could be classified as a fetish bar.  A somewhat main-stream fetish, but still a fetish.  Not to my taste, and I couldn't fit into this fetish even if I wanted to do so.  Fetishes have their place, and if the Fridays here fit your taste, go for it.  Now I know.The atmosphere really could be nice.  The elements are there, good location...  sigh.  Perhaps I'll try this place again during some more neutral time.