Two Decades-Old NYC Establishments Are Permanently Shuttering

La Caridad on the UWS and Sarabeth’s longstanding location on the UES are done

More restaurant closures continue to rock the city amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Neighborhood news site West Side Rag first reported that La Caridad 78, a Chinese and Cuban restaurant that was a fixture in the neighborhood for 52 years, has closed. The owners were a Chinese family from Havana, Cuba, and the place was known for serving up dishes that ran the gamut between the two cuisines, including Spanish-style tortillas, garlicky fried chicken, and shrimp fried rice.

On the other side of the park, local NYC brunch chain Sarabeth’s has shuttered its decades-old location on the Upper East Side. The restaurant announced the closure on Instagram, citing the economic downturn from COVID-19 and the closure of the boutique Hotel Wales — where that location of Sarabeth’s is housed — as reasons for the shutdown.

“This decision was a difficult one to put it best, but we have to be mindful of the realities of current market conditions,” the restaurant’s ownership said on Instagram. Sarabeth’s four other locations across the city remain standing, although all of the shops are temporarily closed due to the pandemic. In the note, owners said they would consider reopening the UES location “if there’s restaurant space available” after the conversion of the hotel into luxury condos.

The two restaurants join a long list of closures that are happening across the city as owners struggle to pay rent and keep their doors open during the pandemic.

In other news

— A car crashed into an outdoor dining setup in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, this week. Three people were injured in the accident.

— Former Williamsburg bar owner Bill Reed is hosting a cheesemaking class on Saturday through his new events company, A Bar Near Me. Proceeds from the event will go towards nonprofit No Kid Hungry.

— The New York Times profiles a waiter who has worked at the original location of J.G. Melon for over 30 years.

— Italian restaurant Adelina’s in Greenpoint will permanently close in August.

— Sandwich chain Potbelly’s is getting sued by one of its landlords in Manhattan over unpaid rent.

— Historic Neir’s Tavern owners speak with QNS.com about trying to keep up with the ever-changing rules and regulations of outdoor dining.

— Popular Flushing dumpling restaurant Dumpling Galaxy opened a takeout and delivery-only location on the Upper West Side.

— Welcome to Friday: