Mary Bill Diner - Merrick

This restaurant appears to be in poor condition and quite unclean. When I walk by at night, I often see rats and cats sitting on the tables inside, and rats scurrying everywhere! There are flies and bugs throughout the place. I’m baffled by how this establishment is still open. The health department really should shut them down! Although it's referred to as a landmark, I find that laughable. It really ought to be demolished! The ceiling leaks into pots, and food is left out overnight, only to be served to customers the next day. It's truly appalling. And can you believe there's a sign in the window claiming they're the "Merchant of the Year"? Seriously, what year—1802? This is just scratching the surface of the issues. Honestly, I wouldn't even let my dog eat there!

The previous review was about the deli down the street, which hasn't sold an egg sandwich since... well, 1803. In my opinion, Mary Bills offers outstanding value, both in terms of food and entertainment. The portions are generous and served hot—definitely handle your plate with care! Their coffee is the best around, served in extra-large mugs by a friendly waitress. (Just joking about the waitress, of course.) While the place may not be the cleanest, it is The Original American Icon, capable of serving more food in one morning than seems humanly possible. You can’t really clean a place that old without demolishing it; that’s part of its charm. Keep things as they are, and I'll gladly return. If you change it up, then that deli might just win me over. But I doubt it!