One of the things that makes New York City great is its classic neighborhood diners. On the Lower East Side, we’ve got our share of these old-school spots places that are so familiar some of us think of them as extensions of our own apartments.
Carmine Morales, owner of Classic Coffee Shop. Nodas Kekatos, owner of Zafi’s Luncheonnette at 500 Grand St. Photo by Alex M. Smith. Luis Miguel Collado, owner of El Castillo at 131 Rivington St. Photo by Alex M. Smith. Steve Palakas, co-owner of Olympic Diner. John Vasilopoulos, co-owner of Cup & Saucer Luncheonette. Nick Castanos, co-owner of Cup & Saucer. Photo by Alex M. Smith.
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the April 2013 edition of The Lo-Down’s print Magazine.
One of the things that makes New York City great is its classic neighborhood diners. On the Lower East Side, we’ve got our share of these old-school spots places that are so familiar some of us think of them as extensions of our own apartments. In a world that’s becoming more impersonal, there’s something comforting about these no-nonsense hangouts. They’ll make you anything you want, exactly the way you want it, and fast! The guys behind the counter are quic
Olympic Restaurant, 115 Delancey St.
The end of the month is nearly upon us. For several longtime Lower East Side businesses, the arrival of July this coming Tuesday, represents the end of an era. As developers rush to complete plans for the Essex Crossing mixed-use project on the former Seward Park urban renewal lots, these establishments are preparing to clear out.
As previously reported, the first phase of the nearly 2-million square foot project will be focused on three parcels: sites 1, 2 and 5. Construction is expected to begin next spring.
In preparation for demolition of existing buildings, city officials have notified three businesses and one non-profit organization that they must vacate properties by next week. They include the Olympic Restaurant (115 Delancey St.) and Jade Fountain Liquors (123 Delancey St.), the only two tenants in the mostly vacant Essex Street Market building on the south side of Delancey Street.