Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
A 'Golden Girls' Themed Cafe Is Set To Open In Washington Heights
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jun 25, 2016
Modified Jan 10, 2017
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 .
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jun 25, 2016
Modified Jan 10, 2017
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
Now that a Tim Burton-themed bar's made a splash in the East Village and a Will Ferrell-themed bar's staying classy on the LES, it's time to honor The Golden Girls, which is inarguably the greatest show about retirees ever made. Indeed, one man plans to debut a Golden Girls-themed cafe in Washington Heights this fall—cheesecake for everyone!
As first reported by DNAinfo, Washington Heights man Michael J. LaRue wanted to honor the memory of his late best friend, Rue McClanahan, who played Blanche Devereaux on the show. So, he'll open the Rue La Rue Café at 4396 Broadway in September, theming the joint after the show and offering Golden Girls-esque bites like soups, wraps, wine, and cheesecake on the menu.
LaRue says he inherited McClanahan's personal belongings and show business memorabilia after she died in 2010, and he plans to decorate the cafe using some of her stuff. Highlights include McClanahan's own couch, rocking chair, and piano, along with costumes, the wallpaper from Blanche's room, and a bathroom modeled after the one on the show. Dishes from the show, like "flugel kaka" and character Rose's "Looks Like Chocolate, Tastes Like Spice, You'll Wish You Had a Bigger Slice Marble Cake," will also be available for purchase.
Though no official opening date has been announced, keep an eye out for more details in the future—Betty White, who played Rose on the show, will attend the ribbon cutting, according to LaRue.
Tagged
cafe
golden girls
golden girls cafe
Washington Heights
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Oct 19, 2026
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
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 .