Broadway Restaurant, a NYC institution on the Rebound
2024 Update
Sadly, Broadway Restaurant closed for good a few months ago.
June 27 2018 Update
If you’re a friend, associate, or perhaps one of my authors, I may have invited you to meet for breakfast or lunch at Broadway Restaurant, near my office on the upper west side of Manhattan, on Broadway btw 101st & 102nd St. It’s a stalwart survivor of the golden age of NYC coffee shops from the early 1970s, a vanishing breed that’s hanging on even in a time when so many small businesses have gone under. Amid the tumult of yesterday, with a Supreme Court vacancy opening alarmingly, I am excited to announce some positive news from my own micro-locale: the operators of my favorite local diner, the Broadway Restaurant—Chris, Angelo, and Tony—have reopened following the fire their establishment sustained last winter. Here are some pictures from today’s opening, with the building front bedecked in pennant flags. I’m sure I’ll be having a meal there very soon, so let me know if you want to meet up. I’m happy I can go back to giving them my custom. #community #thirdplaces
Original post from March 22, 2018
Happy to see one of the metal shutters raised at the stalwart Upper West Side diner, Broadway Restaurant, with renovations now underway on its fire-damaged interior. The fire happened sometime during New Year’s week, and both shutters have been down ever since. In January, a neighboring merchant told me he’d heard that the owners plan to renovate and reopen, and I’ve been happy recently to see signs of activity. The establishment dates back to the early 1970s at a time when Greek-style coffee shops were common in NYC, though they have become much more scarce over the years. It has been my go-to place to meet clients for breakfast or lunch in the neighborhood. The veteran staff, Chris, Angelo, and Tony, have become friends, along with others who work there, and I’m hoping to see them all again sometime in the Spring.
In case you wonder about the location, here’s some info. They have great reviews on Yelp, including one I wrote:
Broadway Restaurant
2664 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
b/t 101st St & 102nd St
The resurgence of Broadway Restaurant, a cherished NYC institution, as captured in “The Great Gray Bridge,” speaks volumes about the resilience and enduring appeal of this iconic dining spot. Its rebound is not just a testament to the restaurant’s quality and the fond memories it holds for many New Yorkers, but also a beacon of hope for the city’s vibrant culinary scene, especially in challenging times. The restaurant’s ability to adapt, persevere, and continue to serve its community is an inspiring narrative that resonates with anyone who cherishes the rich tapestry of New York City’s dining establishments. This story of revival is a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the enduring spirit of one of the city’s beloved eateries.
Dear Zatar Cafe & Bistro,
Sadly, Broadway Restaurant closed forever a few months ago.