Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Beloved UWS Vegan Restaurant Cafe Blossom Is Closing
By
Jen Chung
Published May 4, 2014
Modified May 4, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Jen Chung/Gothamist
By
Jen Chung
Published May 4, 2014
Modified May 4, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last year, we sang the praises of the delicious vegan soy bacon cheeseburger at Cafe Blossom, which has three locations. But that burger was only available for lunch or dinner at the Upper West Side location, at 466 Columbus Avenue (it's a lunch-only option at the West Village and Chelsea locations). Now the UWS outpost is closing in eight days. And it's apparently because of a rent hike!
West Side Rag reported last week, "The restaurant on 82nd and Columbus, faced a massive rent increase, according to a tipster: 'Their rent was more than doubled.'" On Friday, this message was posted on its Facebook page:
To Our Loyal Guests and the Upper West Side Community,
After 7 wonderful years, we are disappointed to announce that Cafe Blossom will be closing its doors on Monday, May 12th, 2014, due to building management issues beyond our control.
When we opened in 2007, we had one simple mission which was to bring delicious, healthful, organic and vegan fare to the neighborhood. We were lucky to have been so warmly welcomed into the Upper West Side community, and are grateful to you: our loyal following of compassionate and health-conscious guests, including many who became cherished regulars.
We sincerely thank you for your business and hope that you will continue to enjoy Blossom by visiting our other locations which include Blossom Restaurant in Chelsea, and Blossom on Carmine in the West Village, as well as V-Note on the Upper East Side. Our other locations look forward to welcoming you with the same commitment to quality organic and vegan cuisine. All have slightly varied menus and ambiences, so we invite you to check them out.
Please note we will honor gift cards purchased at Cafe Blossom at either of our other Blossom locations and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to us at [email protected].
Lastly, we are exploring vacancies in the neighborhood and will be sure to send an update if we find the right location to reopen.
It has truly been a pleasure serving you from our Upper West Side location. Come visit us before May 12th!
With gratitude,
Cafe Blossom Management, Staff, and Owners
Our fingers are crossed they can find another location on the UWS, which doesn't have the density of delicious restaurants that other neighborhoods seem to have. Unfortunately, many building managers and landlords would rather have empty storefronts instead of keeping businesses that have become community fixtures.
Tagged
cafe blossom
real estate
rent hike
Upper West Side
vegan food
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Sep 12, 2026
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.
By
Sonia Rao
Food
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens’ immigrant communities?
By
Caroline Shin
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .