Judging from the crowds that have flocked to the Kingside Diner since it officially opened at 4651 Maryland last week, the newest addition to the CWE restaurant scene has been a success since day one. The diner gets its name and logo from its neighbor and community partner, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center. During the Chess Club's recent 2015 U. S. and U.S. Women's Championship Tournament, Kingside Diner provided meals for players and served as a venue for spillover matches.
This past weekend, owner Aaron Teitelbaum (shown in diner's private dining room above), who is also the chef/owner of Herbie's Vintage 72, reported that 400 to 500 people have been stopping by each day since the soft opening two weeks ago.
When I asked Aaron how he's able to serve food at such reasonable prices – for instance, griddle burgers with fries are $6 – he said, "The Kingside Diner is here for the long haul, and serving great food at a good price point is how I plan to do that."
Breakfast is served all day (6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, till 1:30 on weekends). The menu includes flatbreads, salads, sandwiches (most are $8), and "good stuff in bowls" (chili, $6). There are gluten-free selections and a menu for Little Pawns too, (chicken fingers, $5, Mac & Cheese, $5, served with fruit or fries). See the full menu here.
Eventually Aaron plans to add a "grab and go" bar for carryout breakfasts.
A side room to the right of the counter area, above, has tables set up for chess anytime.
There is outside dining available on the patio, shown above, and on the second floor, not visible in photograph.
Kingside Diner, 4651 Maryland Ave., Suns. and weekdays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 6 a.m. till 1:30 a.m., carryout available, (314) 454-3957.