Do you want to know why "Everyone loves the Empire Diner?"

Because:

* It is not pretentious. It is without frills and the food is hearty and simple.

* It has a perfect location. Get off the train at the world-famous Hicksville Station and there you are. From certain seats in the diner you can even see the trains running.

* The owners Gus Mihalatos and Dennis Zisimatos are sincerely happy to greet you as you enter. When Gus seats you and says "Enjoy," he truly means it.

* The waiters and waitresses are always cheerful. When my friend Marvin Cohen from Manhattan meets me at the Empire, he always wants to sit at the table with the English lady waitress. Thank goodness she never lost her British accent.

* You always meet the nicest old friends and acquaintances when dining at the Empire Diner. As I stated before, "Everyone loves the Empire Diner."

* The diner has recently been redecorated, renovated and refurbished. It was aging gracefully and getting a little run-down but like a grande-dame it never lost its grace and charm.

After many months and over a million dollars it gleams proudly with its new chrome outside finish. Inside you are struck by the warm murals and pictures. It is bright, yet still cozy and inviting. Even the dishes are new with wonderful appetizing patterns and designs.

* As soon as you are seated a busboy places a bowl of chickpeas, some cole slaw and pickles on your table. Ice water follows immediately.

* Did I mention the food? I really should! Lorraine's (my wife) favorite - chicken souvlaki with seasoned white meat chicken, a Greek salad, rich in feta cheese, olives and fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, lettuce and cucumbers. A real buy at $5.95 ($7.95 if you want French fried potatoes).

My favorite is the twin-stuffed flounder dinner - soup, Greek salad, baked potato and a vegetable, a beverage and luscious cake dessert are included. The flounder filets are wrapped around two delicious crabmeat and a spinach feta combinations.

If you are in a salad mood, try the chef salad. It contains everything you like, and is quite generous.

* It is also a great meeting spot! Before the movie or after the show it is easy to reach. A convenient location is very important. Location! Location! Location!

Welcome back, Empire Diner!

We missed you while you were being refaced and refitted.

Hicksville needs you!

The new Empire Diner