Parkview Diner: A Retro Roadside Spot To Fuel Up — Counter Culture
Counter Culture: Bensonhurst is known for its abundance of cozy, family-owned diners, and each one has a story to tell. In this new feature, we will visit a different eatery each week to find out what they’re cooking, how they got here, and what sets them apart from the rest.
Parkview Diner
Parkview Diner’s retro exterior might catch your eye as you drive down Cropsey Avenue near where it intersects with the Belt Parkway. The old timey music that drifts out of speakers in the parking lot gets louder as you walk through the heavy metal doors. It’s an expansive space, with tables, booths, and a bar counter to choose from.
In New York City, a place full of small spaces, it’s nice to have the option to camp out in a corner and have a quiet meal by yourself, or to show up and dine with a big group of friends or family. Light shines through the colorful fall paintings that cover the windows, making the space feel festive and homey.
The Story
Adam Fathelbab, 26, owns Parkview Diner with his family. They bought the business a little over a year ago. Before that, his father, who goes by Bob, owned a diner in Staten Island. The difference between this diner and the last, Adam said, is the broad demographic of customers in Gravesend.
“I love to talk to people and to just get a little bit of information from everybody,” he said. “It’s new and it’s nice. You get to talk to everybody and pick people’s brains, and just learn.”
The Grub
In the past year, Adam and his family have worked on revamping the menu at Parkview. Many of the menu items stayed, but there are a few additions, and the new menu is much easier to read and features large photos of food.
Both Adam and the server recommended the turkey burger. Chefs make the burger in-house out of ground turkey, parsley and garlic. Adam personally prefers to have it with melted mozzarella cheese and sautéed spinach on top, a secret tip, which isn’t on the menu.
Parkview Diner is located at 2939 Cropsey Ave and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more Counter Culture diner profiles, click here.
