Manhattan’s legendary 24/7 eateries, once bustling with night owls looking for a late-night bite, are facing numerous challenges that threaten their existence. Staff shortages, rising real estate prices, and increased crime have contributed to the decline of all-night dining options. According to Mark Amadei, co-founder of the popular Chelsea diner Cafeteria, people now prefer to go out earlier and avoid late-night subway rides due to safety concerns. Even iconic establishments like Cafeteria had to limit their hours during the pandemic, disappointing loyal customers.
The few remaining all-night eateries can be found in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Hell’s Kitchen. Remedy Diner, located on E. Houston St., has been serving customers around the clock since 2007. Empanada Mama, with its 24/7 outpost in Hell’s Kitchen, is another late-night favorite. However, these establishments are becoming increasingly rare.
Stacy Pisone, co-founder of Cafeteria, believes that the decline in all-night dining is not limited to restaurants. Even popular late-night spots like clubs and stores, such as Walgreens, have reduced their operating hours. Pisone laments that New York, once known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” has become sleepier than ever.
Despite the challenges, not everyone agrees that Manhattan has lost its late-night edge. Restaurateur Stratis Morfogen sees an opportunity and plans to open a 24/7 Greek diner called Diner24 in Chelsea. Morfogen recognizes the demand for late-night eats and believes that strategically targeting popular search terms like “late night eats” and “late night snack” will help attract customers.
While some argue that late-night culture has shifted to Brooklyn, Morfogen believes that people in the neighborhood still desire late-night dining options. He cites the abundance of bars and the presence of a working-from-home crowd as potential customers. However, others, like Stathis Antonakopoulos, owner of the Carnegie Diner & Cafe, explain that operating an all-night establishment is financially challenging due to high costs and staffing shortages.
Cafeteria, now in its 25th year, has managed to adapt to the changing landscape by adjusting its operating hours. The restaurant has shortened its hours and now opens at 9 am and closes at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and at 1 am from Thursday through Saturday. Despite the changes, Cafeteria remains a beloved establishment, with a rich history of attracting celebrities and becoming a go-to spot for brunch, immortalized by its appearance in the popular TV show “Sex and the City.”
According to Mark Amadei, the decline of all-night dining is primarily influenced by the rising prices of real estate in Manhattan. He believes that clubs and late-night restaurants will eventually be replaced by development sites and condominiums. Although some may argue that the city has become too expensive, Amadei acknowledges that New York is constantly evolving and that change is an inherent part of its nature.
In other news, City Harvest recently hosted its annual summer fundraiser, City Harvest Presents Summer in the City 2023, featuring renowned restaurants, chefs, and mixologists. The event aimed to raise funds to rescue food waste and provide meals to those in need. Similarly, Citymeals on Wheels celebrated its 36th Annual Chefs’ Tribute, themed “Family Affair,” to raise funds for preparing and delivering meals to homebound elderly individuals. The event featured a star-studded lineup of chefs and garnered support from renowned culinary figures.
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