Writing about so many NYC businesses closing over this past year has been hard, but as someone who worked in the Flatiron neighborhood for years, this one is especially tough!
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop, which opened across from the iconic Flatiron Building in 1929 and has been feeding New York since then, is no more.
The shop transitioned to takeout during the pandemic and then closed “temporarily” (or so we thought) this summer, but many New Yorkers spotted a “For Lease” since in the restaurant’s window this week.
Others responded on social media immediately, completely devastated by the news and sharing their own memories in the old-school joint:
https://twitter.com/susanchumsky/status/1370048905761685515
Eisenberg’s closing is a real gut punch. I used to work down the street and I’d call in our order and the lady would always call me “sweetheart.” I may have liked that as much as the tuna on whole wheat toast.
— Judes (@HitOrMissJudy) March 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/hels/status/1370136086400397314
Eisenberg's sustained me through two years of the most horrible abusive job, I will never forget the medicinal power of bagels https://t.co/4Xa6cBZ4HC
— Camille Beredjick 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@cberedjick) March 11, 2021
Heartbroken to hear that Eisenberg’s, classic deli open since 1929, is closing. This is the oldest photo on my camera roll, taken Feb. 17, 2011. Truth! pic.twitter.com/BmZmUXSs2s
— Jennifer Schuessler (@jennyschuessler) March 12, 2021
The classic NY diner/sandwich shop served delicious Jewish deli-style food, and was known as a comforting place where anyone could find a stool at their 30-foot-long counter, their problems Tuna-melting away for even just for a little while.
Still, not all hope is lost. Grub Street reported that though the space is for lease, the landlord is hoping someone will take over the same shop and keep Eisenberg’s legacy alive. Apparently, the owner had not paid rent since before the pandemic, so sadly a closing was imminent.
We hope someone else is able to take it over! Wouldn’t want to lose another NYC institution for good.
featured image source: Instagram / @EisenbergsNYC