Healthy comfort food 24/7 and right up the road
By Michelle Rubin
After a year-long construction process, and a few delays along the way, the new Red Line Diner is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ideally situated on Route 9 in Fishkill, just north of I-84, the diner has done a continuously brisk business since it’s opening on Jan. 30. As great as it is to have somewhere to eat in the wee hours, the surprising draw may be its elevation of the usual American diner fare. Sure, you will find the tried-and-true standards that you’ve come to know and love, but there is a real contemporary spin on the classics here.
The menu reflects the shiny and welcoming retro-inspired interior, featuring a huge array of “healthy comfort food.” Featured are products from local sources like cheeses from Sprout Creek Farms, herbs from Rock Hedge, and ice cream from Sinon Farms. The Culinary Institute of America trained chef creates daily specials utilizing seasonal, fresh produce. Everything is made from scratch and there are many gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options on the menu. Some items have emerged as customer favorites since their opening. These include Red Line Sliders (which include not only Angus beef burgers, but BBQ-braised brisket, a deli trio, and meatballs), the Red Line Combo (skirt steak and shrimp), jambalaya, and the Mediterranean Sampler (homemade hummus, baba ghannouj, stuffed grape leaves, olives, and warm pita bread). There is an in-house bakery where breads and desserts are made daily and a full array of coffee and espresso drinks. If you find yourself having to wait for a table (no reservations are accepted), there is a full bar where you can sit and have a cocktail or glass of wine.
The Red Line Diner is part of the Vanikiotis-family restaurants group, which includes The Daily Planet Diner in Lagrangeville, The Palace and Table Talk Diners in Poughkeepsie and Barnaby’s Steak House in New Paltz, all popular themed restaurants. After 31 years in the business, the Vanikiotis’ are thrilled to be in their new location, chosen for it’s accessibility to I-84, the shopping on Route 9, and to folks from Philipstown, Fishkill, and Wappinger’s Falls. “We live here too…this is our family’s passion; we’re not a chain,” said Roseanne Vanikiotis, who added, “…you really have to love it.”
The Red Line Diner Is located at 588 Route 9 in Fishkill. The phone number is 845-765-8401. Their website is coming soon. In the meantime, find them on their Facebook page.
Photos by M.Rubin
