Comfort food & a comfortable atmosphere at Lindy’s Diner

Comfort food and a comfortable atmosphere at Lindy’s Diner

Feb 3, 2025

It feels like home.

Not my home in particular, being from Las Vegas, Nevada, but a cozy New Mexican home where there’s always good food, familiar company and no rush to hurry out to get to the rest of the day.

Lindy’s Diner has been a staple of Central Avenue for nearly a century. When I heard in late 2022 the restaurant was up for sale, I was devastated at the thought of losing my go-to comfort food spot.

I assumed, after that, Lindy’s had closed, not knowing the owners later changed their plans. I discovered in November the diner’s doors were still open.

Of course, as soon as I knew Lindy’s was still up and running, I was back at my favorite booth with my regular order in front of me: a London Burger (a cheeseburger with all the fixings and bacon, $12.99) and a chocolate milkshake ($5.99).

And, OK, I had the sampler too — pickle fries, onion rings and fried mushrooms ($11.99). The temptation is too strong when fried pickles are an option.

Naturally, when the Journal reintroduced its Nibbles review column, I was quick to write my name on our whiteboard to review my favorite diner.

So, there I was again last Saturday, sitting on the worn cushions of a corner booth with some friends, enjoying the sampler with a milkshake, waiting for my burger to come out.

It was a quiet environment, which seems sadly typical of late. But people occupied tables here and there, ordering fried chicken and salads. The sizzle of the grill is a staple and a beloved sound, not to mention the ding of a bell — the universal “food is ready” signal — that occasionally drew eager eyes, including my own.

I will warn that you probably won’t get away with an hour lunch break here. Nobody’s really in a rush, either to make the food or get the food. Growing up in Las Vegas, the concept of “New Mexico time” was an adjustment for me — albeit one I think I needed and benefit from.

In the meantime, the chocolate milkshake was doing a great job of tiding me over. Hands-down, Lindy’s is my favorite place to get a milkshake. It took a few minutes for the waitress to make it, but the thick, sweet chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and more chocolate drizzle was worth the wait.

The sampler came out right before the food, hot off the grill — seriously, wait a few minutes before eating any of it; you will burn your mouth. It will all still be delicious in a few minutes after it cools down.

And, finally, the burger. I almost wish I hadn’t snacked so much on the sampler and milkshake to save room for the main course — something I almost always inevitably do at Lindy’s.

The burger comes with all its fixings on the side — lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, plus a whopping roasted jalapeño. I always prefer a burger this way, instead of making it difficult on the kitchen by saying none of this or that.

Though I rarely can finish the entire burger and generous portion of fries, it’s a nice way to end my comfort meal. Almost immediately, I’m ready for a post-lunch nap.

Lindy’s is about more than just the food; it’s the cozy environment that draws you in and the laughter with friends over a burger that you’ll remember at the end of the day.