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Chelsea's Iconic Empire Diner Reopens Yet Again On Monday


By

Nell Casey

Published Apr 24, 2017

Modified Apr 24, 2017


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By

Nell Casey

Published Apr 24, 2017

Modified Apr 24, 2017


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Chelsea's iconic Empire Diner gets another crack at life under new ownership, the fourth in the last decade alone. John DeLucie, along with the owners of Chelsea's Cafeteria, reopen the diner Monday evening serving "upscale renditions of classic diner favorites." Are there diners that serve Arctic Char Crudo and Celery Root Soup?

The Empire Double Patty Burger ($18) has more of a diner feel and comes with two patties, American cheese, house dill pickles, aioli and a side of herb fries. Other dishes include Beef Carpaccio with horseradish cream, shaved shallots and capers; Sweet Pea and Onion Toast with goat cheese and roasted garlic; and Braised Beef Short Rib with horseradish gremolata.

The actual Empire Diner closed in 2010, sitting vacant until 2012, when a new restaurant called The Highliner opened in the space. After that failed, Food Network personality and chef Amanda Freitag opened Empire 2.0 in 2014. Freitag left the business before that version closed in 2015 after reportedly falling behind on the rent.

210 10th Avenue, (212) 335-2277; empire-diner.com

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