Waiting in Line: A New Trend in New York City Dining
In a city renowned for its swift transit, there’s something oddly trendy about waiting in line these days.
New Yorkers seem ready to queue for nearly anything—a freshly baked bagel, a lively bowl of noodles, or even just the allure of “atmosphere.”
From lengthy waits at popular dinner spots downtown to countless pancake enthusiasts rising early for brunch, this bustling metropolis has seemingly developed a fascination with pausing.
So, what’s the reason behind this trend? Have New Yorkers developed a new sense of time? Experts indicate that this phenomenon isn’t merely about food.
“Restaurants are more than dining spots; they’re places that showcase your social status,” noted Andrea Strong, a local food scene insider.
Longtime local critics agree, stating, “The popularity of restaurant queues relates to the status they convey, both to diners and in social media posts.”
Whether they like it or not, culinary consultant Joe DiStefano emphasizes that these “big, silly lines” have become commonplace in NYC eating experiences. Think about the classic “Seinfeld” episode where Jerry, George, and Elaine wait for a table that never materializes. In today’s New York, enduring the wait has morphed into a peculiar badge of honor.
“While lines have always existed at traditional places like Katz’s, their prevalence has surged across every borough since the pandemic, affecting bakeries and other restaurants,” DiStefano shared.
Social media, he says, has played a significant role in driving this trend.
“Influencers and online excitement have a tremendous influence on why folks stand in line,” he explained, referencingthe buzz surrounding Ceres Pizza after a rave review by Dave Portnoy, which turned it into one of downtown’s recent viral sensations.
Waiting in line is now considered part of the experience, as Strong highlighted. “For Gen Z, it’s about the atmosphere. It’s another chance to create content for social media.”
Just last Friday at 5 p.m., this idea was evident on the Lower East Side. A group of 15 eager diners formed a line for the award-winning Has Snack Bar, 30 minutes before it even opened.
Some were clutching tote bags, while others enjoyed iced coffee, all sharing a single goal: securing a seat at the city’s fashionable French-Vietnamese restaurant known for its innovative dishes like pho-inspired onion soup.
“It’s worth the wait,” declared Tabitha Remo, proudly first in line with her friend Louise Fung. “The menu changes often, so you never know what to expect.”
On the other hand, Fon felt differently; she hesitated to wait too long. “I don’t usually stand in line for more than ten minutes,” she stated. “But this seems very much a New York thing. I saw folks waiting just to get their hair done around the corner.”
Meanwhile, Natalia McAdams held a more philosophical view. “I generally avoid lines, but I wanted to try this place. I arrived at 5:07, and the line was already substantial, yet I decided to stay,” she explained.
“There’s something quite romantic about being packed into small spaces in New York. After so much isolation, it’s nice to have that human connection, especially post-COVID.”
None of the determined diners had reservations, yet Has Snack Bar usually books about 20 days in advance. And those slots fill up fast, much like the gyoza special at closing time.
If you want a seat, getting there early and hoping for a walk-in seems to be the best strategy. They open their doors at 5:30 p.m. and arriving by 4:45 offers a better chance at a coveted table.
As Dr. Deborah Vinal, a psychological expert, pointed out, the thrill of the hunt for a seat is part of the experience. “Long lines outside a unique venue communicate exclusivity,” she noted. “People often equate access to such experiences with value, leading to positive feelings about themselves.”
She added, “Social media heightens our fear of missing out, making the lengthy wait seem like a worthy trade-off for memorable moments.”
That same Friday evening, just a few blocks away, another crowd lined up around 6:45 p.m., this time outside Kiki’s, my favorite restaurant. There, the wait for a table could rival the duration of a ferry ride to Santorini.
“It’s completely worth the wait,” stated Andrea Engeman, a fan from the Upper West Side, who was fourth in line among about 25 people.
“Prices are reasonable, and the cheesecake is amazing. It’s walk-in only, so waiting is just part of the experience.”
Andrea shared, “I wouldn’t mind waiting an hour or more to enjoy everything. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s really exciting to try such delicious food in New York.”
Filippo Massobrio, her date, offered a slightly different perspective. “If it’s over an hour, we usually won’t wait,” he noted. “But a line often indicates a popular spot worth trying.”
Andrea and Filippo sometimes brought their families to wait in the chilly autumn air. Massobrio’s parents, visiting from Italy, embraced the New York experience and didn’t mind the waits. Andrea’s mother, Amanda, traveled from Connecticut, ready to queue simply because her daughter recommended it. “Patience, I think, is part of the process,” she chuckled.
For this group of five, queuing was integral to their night out. Andrea even raced to the restaurant just to ensure her name was on the list, knowing the wait could extend to two hours.
This cherished Lower East Side eatery serves up classic Greek comfort food in an ambiance reminiscent of Mykonos, yet the surrounding chaos is a constant reminder they’re still in the hustle of New York.
The following morning, a soaking wet line of 20 people formed down Morton Street, waiting for Breakfast by Salts Cure, undeterred by the pouring rain. This fast-growing mini-chain operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations necessary, just order at the counter and claim your seat.
Sisters Evelyn and Audrey Gray, along with their friend Anya Carr, made a special trip from Bergen County, New Jersey, just for the pancakes. For them, waiting in line felt more like a social gathering than a burdensome task.
“Honestly, I have more fun waiting to buy food in New York than I do at the post office,” Anya quipped. “In the end, it’s almost always worth it.”
Audrey chimed in, “A long line usually means there’s something good inside. We’re willing to wait. It adds to the fun.”
