There’s a certain comfort meal that seems to be fading from menus everywhere, and that’s the open-faced turkey dinner. You know the one: soft bread piled high with sliced turkey, a scoop of mashed potatoes, and gravy poured over the whole thing.
Good news for anyone who loves this old-school plate: plenty of New York diners still make it, from Manhattan counters to spots near Syracuse. Here are eight places across the state where you can still order it.
1. Diner 24 NYC, New York, NY
Craving comfort food at 3 in the morning? This Third Avenue spot keeps its doors open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which makes it one of the rare Manhattan diners where the open hot turkey plate is always an option.
The kitchen leans into classic diner fare with big portions and a huge menu. The open hot turkey comes with tender, juicy slices and a rich gravy, and the turkey club triple decker is stacked high for anyone who wants their bird between bread instead.
Beyond turkey, you’ll find milkshakes, a double smash burger, fried chicken with blueberry waffle, and eggs benedict. The space is clean and casual with a trendy, cozy feel, and it works well for solo diners, couples, or groups.
Plan on roughly $20 to $30 per person. Reservations aren’t accepted, so just walk in.
Parking runs the usual Manhattan gamut of street spots and paid garages.
2. Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner, New York, NY
Part deli, part diner, this Murray Hill institution is best known for its towering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. But hidden on that same menu is a genuinely great open turkey dinner.
The plate arrives with juicy turkey, perfectly seasoned filling, crisp vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all covered in gravy. Portions here run generous in the old-school New York way, so come hungry.
If you’d rather go handheld, the Unreal Turkey Sandwich is a signature, and you can ask for dark meat if that’s your preference. Save room for the legendary cheesecake, which is a reason to visit all on its own.
Sarge’s is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Expect to spend about $20 to $30 per person for a meal that feels pure New York.
3. Great Neck Diner, Great Neck, NY
Long Island has no shortage of diners, but this Grace Avenue spot has earned a reputation as one of the best on the island. The hot open face turkey shows up fresh and delicious, which is exactly what you want from this kind of plate.
The menu is wide, blending American, Greek, and Italian dishes. Beyond turkey you’ll find turkey burgers with American cheese and bacon, crab cake burgers, potato latkes, and an Irish benedict made with corned beef hash.
The room is relaxed and contemporary, with outdoor seating during warmer months and a family-friendly feel. It also makes a handy stop if you’re driving across the island and want a real sit-down meal.
Hours run daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and reservations are accepted. Prices land around $20 to $30 per person, with paid parking nearby.
4. Oconee Diner, Islip, NY
Few diners commit to holiday decorating quite like this one on Montauk Highway. The over-the-top displays are practically a local attraction, and the food more than keeps up with the flair.
The open-faced turkey sandwich comes huge and satisfying, right in line with the big portions this kitchen is known for. It’s a classic Long Island diner through and through, with a varied menu that stretches into moussaka, Greek salads, and a combination of French fries and onion rings.
Service tends to be quick, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming for families and groups. Open late most nights, it runs until midnight during the week and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reservations are accepted and parking is plentiful and often free. A meal here runs about $20 to $30 per person, decorations included at no extra charge.
5. Dutchess Diner, Poughkeepsie, NY
Dating back to 1950, this Poughkeepsie landmark has been serving American comfort food for generations, and it’s still going strong. That kind of longevity says a lot about a place.
The open face hot turkey sandwich has earned high praise from folks who consider it among the best they’ve had. It fits right in with the diner’s promise of generous portions and a large menu of familiar favorites.
The setting leans old-school and cozy, complete with chandeliers that give the room a bit of character. It’s an easy, family-friendly stop whether you’re passing through the Hudson Valley or making it a local routine.
Prices are gentle at roughly $10 to $20 per person, and the diner is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are accepted and parking is free and easy to find.
6. Broadway Lights Diner & Cafe, Kingston, NY
Head to Kingston and you’ll find a neighborhood diner that regulars have leaned on for years when they want a hot, filling meal. The open face turkey sandwich here has a devoted following, and for good reason.
The turkey comes abundant, sliced to just the right thickness, and moist rather than dry. Pair it with a Greek salad and you’ve got a well-rounded plate that covers comfort and something a little fresher.
The atmosphere is calm and comfortable, with a classic diner setup and a staff that tends to make you feel like a familiar face. It’s the kind of spot that fits a quiet weeknight dinner just as well as a weekend breakfast.
Prices sit around $10 to $20 per person. Hours run 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, with free parking and reservations accepted.
7. Dinertime, Latham, NY
Fresh vegetables aren’t always the star at a diner, but they get real attention here in Latham. That focus carries right through to the turkey dinner, which stands out from the usual diner version.
The hot open face turkey sandwich is a highlight, and the broader menu reads like elevated home cooking rather than standard fare. You’ll also spot a triple play omelette, French onion soup, a gyro, and a waffle a la mode for dessert.
The space was recently renovated with a clean, minimalist style and comfortable booths, blending retro charm with a modern touch. Staff tend to be courteous and attentive, and the vibe stays welcoming for families and groups.
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., it keeps prices friendly at about $10 to $20 per person. Reservations are accepted and parking is plentiful.
8. Sweet Grass Diner, Nedrow, NY
Just south of Syracuse in Nedrow sits a small, no-frills diner that’s built a loyal following on honest food and fair prices. The hot turkey sandwich here is a standout order.
It comes with gravy and real mashed potatoes, and if you time it right, a strawberry shortcake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a fitting finish. Portions are generous and the prices stay easy on the wallet.
The menu also covers pancakes, poutine, wings, burgers, eggs, and French toast, all in a warm, laid-back setting. One thing to keep in mind: hours are limited, so plan around them.
The diner is open mornings into early afternoon most days, closing around 1:45 p.m., with dinner service only on Fridays until about 6:45 p.m. Expect to spend roughly $10 to $20 per person, with free parking on hand.
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