176 8th Avenue                (return to 18th - 19th page)

280 - 284 W. 19th St.


2000 - 2004        Nisos Restaurant

1986 - 2000        Sam Chinita's

1970 - 1986        Mi Chinita Restaurant

1970                   Nicosia No. 2 Diner

1959 -1965         Manhattan Diner

1945 - 1959        One Seventy Six Diner

1934 - 1940        Tom Karopoulos's Diner (new stainless steel diner, 1934)

 
Sam Chinita's Diner, which served Chinese-Cuban cuisine at this location since 1970, was razed in 2000. Local activists tried to stop its demolition by arguing for its historic value. According to Denny Lee, in a New York Times article (May 7, 2000), the owner of the Galaxy Cafe one building south bought the space with the intention of tearing it down to build a Greek restaurant. Lee quotes from a letter to the future owner by Councilwoman Christine C. Quinn and State Senator Thomas K. Duane, "With its metal streamline looks and classic diner interior, this building has long been a neighborhood landmark. Its loss would certainly be greatly regretted."

Lee's article references Daniel Zilka, president of the American Diner Museum in Providence, RI, who pointed out that in 2000, Manhattan had 20 traditional diners remaining.

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Sources:
Lee, Denny. Neighborhood Report: Chelsea; ...and a Quiet Closing for a Crossroads of the Palate, The New York Times, May 7, 2000.
New York City Department of Buildings website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/
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