The Empire Diner, for more than 3 decades a New York City institution, located on 10th Avenue and 22nd Street in Chelsea, has lost its lease and will close.
Based in the 30’s deco style of roadside diners and train dining cars, it is one of the last classic Streamline diners in New York City and one of the most popular.
Having hosted actors, athletes, politicians, gangsters and local residents and tourists, it went from a greasy spoon that was almost abandoned in 1976 to be later re-opened and transformed into a landmark restaurant that has witnessed the transformation of the Chelsea area.
The diner, featured in movies like Men in Black 2, TV shows like Law and Order and the opening sequence of Saturday Night Live, is a designated New York City landmark.
The structure will probably survive, but the Empire, will become part of NYC’s history even though the owners are looking for a new location from where to serve the classic late night menu.