Bel Aire Diner is an old-school neighborhood diner in Queens Astoria that feels straight out of a movie. It’s the kind of place that’ll make you want to write. Cozy booths, vintage signs, friendly servers, humungous portions, you get the vibe… So that’s exactly what I did. I wrote a poem and designed a few posters while enjoying my loaded breakfast sandwich.
The Poem:
What brings you to Bel Aire today?
You come here to become a regular.
For daily run-ins with your neighbors.
For the strong coffee & even stronger takes (on headlines).
For Family Sundays,
Aunt Rosa’s 50th Birthday.
Maybe your fifth or twenty-fifth date.
For post-prom hangs.
And “No way, she said that?”
For the hangover omelette after a long night.
And the trainwreck sandwich.
This is where you walk out with a
Strawberry cheesecake shake mustache.
And wipe it off with your first kiss.
You come to share family style
Or disappear into the cozy booths.
And order that bolognese.
Just like the one mom makes back home.
You come here to find stories.
And write some of your own.
This isn’t the place for corporate lunches.
Or to make a tiktok.
That cute car-shaped sofa though.
Is where you’ll wanna plop.
Coma-inducing brunch,
Workout-destroying dinner,
Tooth fairy pancakes,
Or you’ve been craving the Chupacabra all day.
What brings you to Bel Aire today?
