After Delays The Highliner Opens in Empire Diner Space

The Highliner is open. Kind of. The new Chelsea restaurant that was originally scheduled to open in the old, beloved, landmarked, sadly shuttered Empire Diner space opened to the public last night for cocktails. The owners, who also own Union Square staple and scenester gathering place Coffee Shop, tell Eater that we can expect a menu within the next week, but for now, the place is serving cocktails only.

We'll be back with menus and photos once they do a full launch, but for now, a reader report from this morning: "We stopped by for drinks last night. They did a beautiful renovation, lots of super-nice craftsmanship in reconstructing this place." Sounds promising.
· Signs of Life at The Highliner in the Old Empire Diner Space [~ENY~]
[@orensten]