A television production company recently inquired about any old school Harlem eateries that were not the typical tourist institutions and this got us thinking about the good old fashion diner that is missing in Harlem. The storefronts of Louise's by the Mount Morris Park Historic District and the iconic M & G diner on West 125th Street still stand today as a reminder of Harlem's culinary past and waiting for some sort of possible future. Both establishments have been around forty years and had shuttered their doors in the past two. We remember a little place called the Coffee Shop in downtown Union Square which opened a couple of decades ago and how popular it was because it kept the original vibe of the previous establishment. With a little bit of an update (drop ceilings, begone!) but keeping the nice touches in these historic restaurants, the old and new residents would surely come. Photos by Ulysses
A television production company recently inquired about any old school Harlem eateries that were not the typical tourist institutions and this got us thinking about the good old fashion diner that is missing in Harlem. The storefronts of Louise's by the Mount Morris Park Historic District and the iconic M & G diner on West 125th Street still stand today as a reminder of Harlem's culinary past and waiting for some sort of possible future. Both establishments have been around forty years and had shuttered their doors in the past two. We remember a little place called the Coffee Shop in downtown Union Square which opened a couple of decades ago and how popular it was because it kept the original vibe of the previous establishment. With a little bit of an update (drop ceilings, begone!) but keeping the nice touches in these historic restaurants, the old and new residents would surely come. Photos by Ulysses
Don't forget Sherman's
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right! Sherman's has the one store still open on ACP and 145th. These guys are still in business and could be a great chain once more if they find a good backer. The historic brand name is there, somebody just has to provide the extra financial support so that it can grow again.
ReplyDeleteGutted about Louise's. Would love to see it reopen. Anybody know if this is a possibility?
ReplyDeleteExactlyy point! Shermans is 48 years old this year and is hanging on by a string. My parents had their rehearsal dinner there in '63 at the Washington Heights spot on west 165th Street. The owner is Shermans daughter ang she's having a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that Louise's closed because they had over forty health code violations and were unable to afford upgrades. It's a shame really, because I really enjoyed Louise's atmosphere and the food. However, having eaten there regularly, I wasn't particularly surprised by the health violations.
ReplyDeleteIt was a greasy spoon diner and most of those could use a little touch up. At the end of the day, money to update a space is the big issue but the investment is worth it since the growth potential is there. Maybe someone out there could partner with the owner to get it on its feet again?
ReplyDeleteM & G was bought out as part of a real estate transaction for the building. Does anyone know anymore about it? We had a couple of post on it in the past but there isn't any new information that we have seen recently.
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