One of NYC’s Oldest Jewish Delis Appears to Have Closed After 93 Years

Legendary Jewish delicatessen Fine & Schapiro appears to have shuttered after more than 93 years on the Upper West Side. The famed Kosher deli had previously closed with a sign on its door that read, “Closed for renovations until further notice: sorry for the inconvenience,” local publication the West Side Rag reports. At that time the closure was believed to be temporary. However, a Facebook post from local blog Manhattan Sideways alleges that the landlords have denied the owners a lease renewal. Eater has reached out to the owners for further information.

Fine & Schapiro has long been home to one of Eater critic Robert Sietsema’s favorite pastrami on rye sandwiches, even if the knishes were at times just “decent” and the chopped liver tended a “bit too sweet.” The roast chicken, which was served with free sides of pickles and slaw, was also one of the standouts at this Upper West Side’s institution. Except for a brief closure in May 2018 by the Board of Health, Fine & Schapiro has remained open at the same Upper West Side location since 1927.

Jewish delicatessens once formed the backbone of New York City’s dining scene, but rising rent prices and lucrative offers to sell have slimmed their numbers in recent years. In the 1930s, there were reportedly close to 1,500 Jewish delis that called New York their home. Today just a few dozen remain.