Little Poland remains closed for now

With the news that Odessa is closing Sunday on Avenue A, several readers asked about the status of another local diner serving like-minded fare — Little Poland.

The diner, which opened in 1985 at 200 Second Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street, has been dark since the COVID-19 PAUSE went into effect in March... the space remains temporarily closed for now...



But in a hopeful sign, there is a note on the door prompting potential customers to monitor their Instagram account for reopening updates...



It's also a hopeful sign that Little Poland actually has an Instagram account, launched last fall. Odessa never embraced social media.

Thanks to Steven for these photos taken yesterday!

No sign of life at Bon Vivant

Still no activity at Bon Vivant, the Greek diner on Broadway near 12th Street. The diner, owned several decades by a Greek family, remained shuttered over the weekend... no sign, no explanation... and no answer on their phone...

Previously on EV Grieve:
A bad sign at Bon Vivant

A bad sign at Bon Vivant

Late yesterday afternoon I noticed that Bon Vivant, the Greek diner on Broadway near 12th Street, was closed... no sign out front... No one answered the phone when I called... I'm hoping that this is just temporary, like, something suddenly came up...

As New York magazine noted: "Imagine a prototypical old-school diner and, chances are, you’ll get a close approximation of Bon Vivant. Owned for decades by a Greek family, it has a huge illustrated menu, vinyl maroon booths, and chrome chairs." The Bon Vivant was especially welcome in a Broadway corridor filled with chain eateries such as Quizinos and Cosi...

[Update: Called again this morning and didn't get any answer...]

Will a bite at the Roxy ever be the same?

The Roxy Food Shop, an EV Grieve favorite on John Street in the Financial District, is one of the few great old luncheonettes left...



Been there since 1944. As Jeremiah noted back in January, "It's got everything a luncheonette should have: chrome swivel stools, a quilted stainless steel backsplash, and good egg creams."



Was upset to see it closed for remodeling the other day. The new sign is already in place... Meanwhile, we'll remain hopeful that some of its charming greasy ambiance is left intact...



[Photo of swivel stools via Jeremiah]

At Neil's Coffee Shop (where Abe Vigoda eats!)

If I lived near Lexington and 70th Street, and thank God I don't (kidding!), I'd likely spend a lot more time at Neil's Coffee Shop, a throwback to the days when diners were, uh, diners. Nothing phoney about this place, from the formica tables to the professional waiters.




And, before continuing...why, yes -- that's Abe Vigoda.



One of the waiters told me was just in the other day. By the way, Abe turns 88 this Feb. 24.



Other stars of stage and screen have been here, too, as you can see from the gallery of publicity stills...There's Harry Belafonte...Steve Martin...Jack Hanna, the zookeeper whose sole purpose in life seems to be as a guest on Letterman.



And the food? Delicious!




And here are a few more shots of the rest of the place...






Finally! A great NYC diner that's not moving to Alabama or Wyoming.

Worth noting:
In 2002, Neil's suffered damage when the tailor shop next door was destroyed by a firebomb...