You don't go to a 24 hour diner, especially after an evening of drinking, looking for fresh ingredients imo. You want inexpensive but filling greasy diner food. And cheap drinks like $5 (now $6) Caesars.
At least that's why I went there. And I think that's what the people wanted and were rightfully in my opinion upset when they lost it.
I don't think the people wanted a porterhouse with horseradish aioli, confit garlic and smoked potatoes for $89 (!!!!). Or three bagels with cream cheese and caviar for $145 (!!!). These were menu item on the new menu.
And worst of all the Caesars were $14 then! Insane!
It sure felt like quasi-fine dining to me when I saw the new menu.
I am 100% with
@Towered on this one

.