If you think
a face becomes more attractive with age and Botox is a sin, you’ll
be disappointed with two-year-old Hill Diner’s extreme makeover.
Once the scruffy-yet-loveable new kid on Court Street, owner
Refael Hasid (pictured) gutted the space next door to the diner,
turning it into a lean, mean, burger-dishing machine. The new
Hill Diner, which opened July 10, won’t make you nostalgic for
the greasy spoons of your youth, but it’s a stunner.
The original diner’s shaky tables and chairs have been replaced
with sleek, stainless steel furniture; the wood floors gleam;
and the back room opens to nature with an expansive skylight
and double-height, glass doors that afford a view of the outdoor
seating.
Too much change can be difficult for diners, so Hasid left the
menu alone. You’ll find the same omelets, sandwiches, salads,
vegetarian options and bistro fare, like the big shrimp dipped
in shredded phyllo dough, fried until they resemble little porcupines
and served with a tart cilantro and lemon sauce.
There’s a BYOB policy until the end of August when the diner
receives its liquor license.
Hill Diner (229 Court St. between Warren and Baltic streets in
Boerum Hill) accepts cash only. (Visa, MasterCard and American
Express available by Sept. 1.) Entrees: $9.95-$14.50. The restaurant
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. For more information
call (718) 522-2220.
NEWS FROM THE HILL
