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With increased rent prices already ravaging the restaurant scene, the past few years have seen a slew of shutterings of some of our favorite New York staples. Now, the coronavirus crisis is keeping eateries closed, so we're bound to have to say goodbye to even more beloved institutions.
The latest restaurant casualty is unfortunately Keith McNally's Soho hot spot Lucky Strike. The chill, French-flavored bistro that's served as a cool kid hang for over 30 years, predating McNally's similar spots, Balthazar and Pastis, halted takeout and delivery service on March 22nd. This week, McNally has confirmed that it's shutting down for good.
In a statement to Eater, the restaurateur explained, "Due to the COVID-19 crisis, I was unable to find a way to make Lucky Strike work financially. This decision was particularly difficult since many of Lucky Strike’s wonderful staff have worked for me for over 20 years, and some of the customers have been coming since the day we opened: 31 years ago."
Needless to say, the news has been devastating for everyone who's ever enjoyed fries and espresso martinis at one of their rickety wooden tables, and tributes have poured in via Instagram.
If you want to support the longtime staff, donate to their GoFundMe HERE.
View this post on InstagramVery sad to hear that @luckystrikesoho is closing permanently. I will miss their penne arrabiata forever. And their tiny bathrooms which were separated by not-quite-opaque glass. I have so many great memories there, like this moment when @iammarkronson came by to visit me “spinning” on Christmas Eve and politely tell me to stop DJing forever. Good call. PS This photo is so old that the world was actually in black and white. #tbt
A post shared by Jordan Rubin (@jordanrubin) on
View this post on Instagramugh where do I even begin🥺 Lucky Strike has been such a huge part of my life in nyc. It’s been my cliché, quintessential neighborhood staple. What started as a job in college, turned into my home away from home after graduating. Where the staff who began as coworkers became an extended family to me. I’ve laughed until I peed, and cried so many tears (good and bad) at those tiny, rickety, wooden tables, and I can’t believe I won’t get the chance to again. The music, the spicy rigatoni, the jalapeño guava margaritas (made perfect every time by @jcsr.1107), the espresso martinis (@drizzy_dr3 ‘s speciality), the best french fries in the city, and the berry cheesecake. I know this all sounds corny, but it was such a special place that meant so much to so many people, and my heart is broken that it’s closing. As @arianaashley put perfectly: “I fell in love with my best friends here.” So here’s a small tribute of some of my favorite mems. The first blurry pic was taken on my first day as a server on a 98 degree summer day in July 2016. The rest have been taken along the way with some of my fav people in the world. Love you longtime, Lucky. You’ll be missed❤️
A post shared by Emily Greene (@emilygreenee) on
View this post on InstagramThis is how I’ll remember Lucky Strike (taken from a bar seat, obviously). RIP to one of the enduring greats, in a corner of town that can’t afford to lose it. Goddamn this shit.
A post shared by Lockhart Steele (@lock) on
View this post on InstagramHad to post this again in honor of Lucky Strike closing. What a part of our lives 😔 @melanievesey @stretcharmstrong @normskibop #oldnewyork
A post shared by Frankie Inglese (@frankieinglese) on
View this post on InstagramSome of the best nights of my life were spent at (and occasionally on) this bar. Today I learned that the one and only Lucky Strike in SoHo will remain closed forever. It is truly the end of an era. My thoughts are with all the staff who have lost their jobs. I hope despite this sad news you are safe and well. Most of all, a huge thank you for the absolute best of times.
A post shared by James Bareham (@happicamp) on
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