« The Homosexual Gourmand | Main | Barbie Is A Ken-Do Doll »
The Empire Diner in Chelsea is closing May 15th, which is a shame—it's a delightful antique eatery and a landmark in the area.
It was also where David Fincher shot part of Madonna's memorably cinematic "Bad Girl" video...
...you know, the Looking for Mr. Goodbar downer where ruthless career woman Louise Oriole defies warnings from Death and gets offed by a thieving gigolo:
UPDATE: Had the barbecue chicken entrée there today. Pix of my last visit after the jump...
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341c2ca253ef0133ecc9aab1970b
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Check, Please:
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
How much was your meal? That place always cost a fortune. Thats why its going bye bye!
Posted by: Jordan Vanwoden | April 19, 2010 at 06:43 PM
That is incredibly sad. It is NOT closing because it was expensive...it was hardly more expensive than MoonStruck diner just a block over. It will be missed...and now we can wait to see which High Rise "Luxury" condo building will take over that corner...ugh!
Posted by: John | April 19, 2010 at 07:17 PM
The diner is landmarked and being taken over by the owners of Coffee Shop (union Square)
Posted by: Scott | April 19, 2010 at 08:05 PM
I don't feel at all bad. Seriously, $3 for an 8oz glass of soda and most of that glass filled with ice? At least they were smart and overhauled the menu a couple of years ago and even started offering diet drinks.
I knew they were closing because they couldn't come to an agreement with the landlord and that it's being taken over by another restauranteur but it is interesting that it is Coffee Shop, another overpriced trendy dive.
Posted by: Paul | April 19, 2010 at 08:25 PM
Sad. When I was 18 in 1985, I was so excited to go here and it made me feel like I was in New York. I have great memories of being and eating at this place much like Florent. You can only appreciate it when it's part of your growing up. Obviously, most of you are quite young. And when something of your memory closes, you will have the same nostalgia. Sayonara, Empire Diner, Tunnel, Area, Florent, Nell's Studio 54, The Saint. RIP. (I am sure that most of you don't event know these places but trust me they were better than any of the places that you are currently going to. No posing required.)
Posted by: George | April 19, 2010 at 09:32 PM
i ate there a million times, i used to know that area like the back of my hand. another link gone.
Posted by: casey | April 19, 2010 at 09:44 PM
George,
I'm right there with you!
I'm begining to sound like my parents-
I remember when----
FD
Posted by: Deen | April 19, 2010 at 09:58 PM
Being taken by over Coffee Shop because of a astronomical rent hike. As with Florent...
One wonders how much one has to charge for a hamburger to make $50,000 a month.
Posted by: Brion | April 19, 2010 at 11:57 PM