Gregory’s Diner (CLOSED)

The Vagabond Hotel couldn’t get any more adorable with its white-and-blue midcentury styling. But not even a charming, retro aesthetic could keep its revolving door of restaurants afloat. That is, until now. The masterminds behind Mandolin in the Design District landed it, revamped it and turned into a chic American diner named Gregory’s. Though early in its existence, the well-appointed space shows promise. Mandolin group’s creative director, Anastasia Koutsiouki’s keen eye for detail is obvious from the mismatched gallery wall that greets you to the retro crystal on which one of several desserts (blueberry pie, cheesecake, mint cake) arrives at your table. The menu is replete with American comfort food that’s too nice (and consequently too expensive) to find at a regular diner, such as the braised heritage pork shoulder, the roasted quarter chicken and tender glazed carrots. Gregory’s might bill itself as an all-American diner, but it’s definitely more of a silver spoon than it is your classic greasy spoon.