Maspeth has long heralded the Clinton Diner as its staple neighborhood diner.  It’s iconic, has a good history and a good amount of fame, having served as a backdrop for scenes in multiple movies, including Goodfellas.  And of course it attracts a lot of the truckers who head through Maspeth on their way to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway.

That’s why competition in the form of JR’s Coffee Shop, located a few blocks over on Grand Avenue, warranted the neighborhood’s attention when the new diner opened last October.

You’d think JR’s and Clinton would be fighting over customers gladiator-style, considering their proximity, but they both have a different niche.

While Clinton has a rich history on its side, JR’s has the all-important fresh factor.  Clinton has a central location frequented by a steady stream of hungry truckers and locals, but JR’s also gets many people from nearby neighborhoods and inter-borough travelers due to its location on Grand Avenue.

So they tap into two different markets, though food-wise they both feature the same (delicious) diner-style fare: egg creams, Philly cheese steaks and so on.

The only thing that could create some contention is the Maspeth Bypass Plan, currently being finalized by the Department of Transportation.  If it manages to drive a significant amount of trucks out of Maspeth, the Clinton Diner might face tough times but JR’s would be largely unaffected.

Aside from that, it appears the two diners can coexist without digging into each other’s business, as they’ve done so far.  If you’re on the fence on which to choose, in any event, try both: there’s no harm in supporting local businesses.  (Matthew Collura)