New York City is about to lose one of its true dining and nightlife legends.
After 25 years in the heart of Chelsea, Elmo Restaurant and Lounge will close permanently on Friday, March 13, 2026, marking the end of an era for one of the longest-standing gay restaurants in the city. The decision follows the news that the building housing Elmo has been sold, and the restaurant’s lease will expire with the sale.
For nearly a quarter-century, Elmo was more than a place to grab a meal–it was a sanctuary. From first dates and fabulous parties to memorial services and political fundraisers, it survived everything from the 2003 blackout to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the doors close this March, Seventh Avenue will lose a piece of its original identity.
A Chelsea anchor since 2001
Founded by Bob Pontarelli in 2001, Elmo arrived at a time when Chelsea was the undisputed beating heart of Manhattan’s gay community.
Inspired by the legendary, blue-zebra-striped NYC nightclub El Morocco, the space felt like a mid-century dream: mirrored walls, classy lounge seating, and a vibrant energy that felt both upscale and inclusive.
While the upstairs served up consistent American comfort food and a legendary weekend brunch, the downstairs Coby Club speakeasy offered a different kind of magic. Inspired by 1950s San Francisco Chinatown, it became a stage for impromptu jazz, Broadway performers, and burlesque artists, keeping the spirit of old-school New York nightlife alive.
A sanctuary for the LGBTQIA+ community
Throughout its run, Elmo has functioned as a social “living room” for the neighborhood. It has served as a space where queer New Yorkers can show up exactly as they are, settling in with a level of comfort and belonging that defined the Chelsea of decades past.
Over the years, Elmo became a cultural landmark, hosting everything from annual Pride celebrations that became a neighborhood tradition to countless drag shows that showcased the city’s top talent, and even political rallies and community gatherings for local organizers.
A 2021 New York Times article cited Elmo as one of the neighborhood’s last standing gay restaurants, a title that makes this month’s closing feel like a final chapter for “Old Chelsea.”
“Bad for the neighborhood”: New Yorkers react
The news of the closure has sent shockwaves through the community. Even Andy Cohen, best known for his work on Bravo and a longtime regular, took to the comments to share his grief:
Bob this sucks. What an incredible run. This news is Bad for NYC and bad for the neighborhood:(
Other regulars shared similar sentiments, calling Elmo the “last vestige of old gay Chelsea” and a place that “brought some of the best people into my life.”
The final days
The final service will take place this month on Friday, March 13. In a heartfelt farewell message on the restaurant’s Instagram, Bob Pontarelli wrote:
I personally will try to embrace all the beautiful memories and wonderful experiences elmo has given me and will move forward with new ventures and philanthropic projects that hopefully will have a wide impact…25 years is a very long time. To own a restaurant that has enjoyed the astonishing success and iconic stature that elmo has is a privilege and an honor. It has been a wonderfully exhilarating ride. I will always remain deeply and profoundly grateful for your years of support and for your friendship. I’ll see you around. – Bob Pontarelli
According to Pontarelli, the building is scheduled to be converted into residential units.
Plan Your Visit
If you want to say goodbye to a piece of living history, you’ll need to act fast. Reservations are already filling up for the final two weeks.
- Where: 156 7th Ave
- When: Mon–Thu (12 pm–10 pm), Fri (12 pm–11 pm), Sat (11 am–11 pm), Sun (11 am–10 pm)
- Reservations: via their website or phone
As Elmo prepares to dim the lights, the goodbye feels bigger than just one dining room. In a city that never stops moving, losing a 25-year-old institution is a stark reminder of how much the landscape of Manhattan is changing.
And yet, lasting almost a quarter of a century in the city that never slows down is no small feat–it’s a testament to the community Elmo cultivated and the regulars who kept coming back.
To add insult to injury, the news comes just days after NYC’s oldest Italian restaurants closed for good.
We’re pouring one out for Elmo, fr–a true Chelsea original.