Adapt or die-ner.

Times are undeniably tough for New York City’s legendary diner culture, squeezed by skyrocketing food costs and rent hikes leading to higher menu prices — all amid stagnating demand , as Big Apple eaters turn their attentions elsewhere.

Longtime local restaurant critic Robert Sietsema told The Post that the city is currently locked into an “era where everyone is obsessed with food” — where younger diners need their food to be more “innovative” and “beautiful” than any homely diner burger ever could be. 10

“They’re willing to pay more — [but] somehow the old food doesn’t cut it,” said the former Village Voice critic, who maintains an active Substack newsletter . “They want foie gras on top of their special blend of rib and brisket.”

But even with the decks st

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