In a surprising shift for the city once known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” New Yorkers are coming to terms with the fact that many of their beloved late-night establishments are now closing their doors earlier than ever before. The blame for this change was initially placed on the COVID-19 pandemic and its detrimental impact on the economy, which led to widespread closures and restrictions. However, even as the pandemic wanes, numerous late-night businesses have chosen to maintain reduced hours, leaving residents feeling that the vibrant nightlife they once enjoyed in the Big Apple has been severely diminished.
Older New Yorkers fondly recall a time when they could catch a movie at 10pm and then head to a diner for a leisurely dinner well into the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately, iconic establishments like Veselka, a beloved Ukrainian diner in the East Village, have abandoned these around-the-clock operations and now close their doors by midnight. Likewise, Wo Hop, a small lo mein restaurant in Chinatown, which was known for its all-hours service, now shuts down by 9pm. Even L’Express, a famous French bistro on Park Avenue, has scaled back its hours, closing at 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm for the rest of the week.
This trend extends beyond restaurants to include other businesses as well. Whitestone Lanes, a renowned 24-hour bowling alley in Queens, now closes at 2am. Even a 24-Hour Fitness location in Kew Gardens, Queens, ironically shuts its doors at 10pm. Locals point to rising costs as a factor contributing to these closures, both for businesses and consumers. Many workers who played a crucial role in New York’s bustling 24/7 economy can no longer afford the high rents in Manhattan or Brooklyn, making long commutes and odd working hours unappealing. Additionally, some New Yorkers feel that enjoying a basic night out now costs upwards of $50, further deterring them from venturing out.
There is also a concern that residents have become accustomed to the comfort of staying home and watching Netflix instead of exploring the diverse and vibrant nightlife that the city has to offer. The shift towards closing earlier is seen as a reflection of this changing mindset. Tammie Teclemariam, a food columnist for New York Magazine, expressed her disappointment with these early closures, noting that even finding a late-night sandwich at a neighborhood bodega has become a challenge.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects are often blamed for this premature end to New York City’s nightlife. With remote work becoming the norm, the after-work drinks and late-night eats that were once a staple are no longer possible. Additionally, inflation has made late-night outings more expensive, while a labor shortage has further exacerbated the challenges faced by businesses. Finding staff has become increasingly difficult, with many aspiring Broadway performers now seeking work from afar.
The loss of round-the-clock establishments like Veselka and Wo Hop has been deeply felt by their loyal customers. These changes signify a shift in the availability and accessibility of services in New York City. The iconic imagery of the city as a place where anything is possible at any time seems to be fading away. It is not only about the social aspect of these establishments but also the convenience for those who work unconventional hours or simply need a late-night meal.
In conclusion, New Yorkers are grappling with the reality that their city’s late-night haunts are no longer open around the clock. The pandemic, rising costs, and changing consumer habits have all played a role in the reduced hours of these once-thriving establishments. As New York City adapts to a new normal, residents are left with a sense of longing for the dynamic and vibrant nightlife that defined their beloved city for decades.
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