The thing with diners is…there are a lot of them. In the wild badlands of the suburbs-‘specially in NJ where I live-there’s a diner almost every 50 feet! In Manhattan, they might be a little harder to find. Thankfully, Big Daddy’s is the real deal.

This warm and friendly brightly lit leather-booth place caters to calorie junkies as well as health food foodies. For breakfast there’s Chocolate Chip Oreo Pancakes, egg-filled Breakfast Sammiches and equally just as many fruit smoothies under the “I Love Juicy” section of the huge menu. Hot drinks include coffee (what real diner doesn’t serve a good ‘Cup o’ Joe?’), but there’s a bunch of Numi organic teas on the menu too (you can even get hot chocolate with Peppermint Schapps). “Starters, Snack N’ Side Kicks” feature Roadside Veggie Chili, Tempura Fried Zucchini and something Big Daddy’s prides themselves on, Tater Tots. Meals include a Bad-Boy Burger (with bacon and cheese) various salads like the Holy Moses with its grilled veggies, hummus, pita (and more), a Reuben and famous diner “Blue Plate” specials, like Big Momma’s Chicken Pot Pie, Fill-er Up Beef Stroganoff and the meal I had, Big Daddy’s famous Fried Chicken in a Basket.

Don’t forget deserts, though the meal portions are so big you might not have room. Again, the healthy is side-by-side with the naughty: Barbie Blast Fruit shakes sit on the menu right next to the Cookie Monster Shake. And don’t forget the homemade pies and cakes and the “Everyday is Sundae” section.

With its two locations, 1596 2nd Ave (corner of 86th-212-717-2020) or the one I ate in at Gramercy Park at 239 Park Ave S. (between 19th and 20th-212-477-1500) you can get a hearty, decently priced big meal ‘til 12 every night. For more info, go to their website.

Ralph Greco, Jr.