The Union Square Pavillion Renovation Project

[Photo from The Observer]

Luna Park, the popular outdoor eatery in Union Sq. may have operated out of the “dirty old greasy kitchen” in the existing Union Square pavilion’s basement, at the north end of the park, but it was still one of our summertime favorites.  This year, the Union Square Pavillion is in the process of seeing a $19.6 million renovation project, and it seems Danny Meyer may be in the pilot seat.  The Zagat king, and man responsible for the Madison Square Park revamp wants to turn the once-Luna into something even more spectacular.  Many think that it would be a great addition to the park, however just as many critics think that taking over more of the little left green space would be detrimental to the city.

"Critics of the restaurant plan, citing Parks Department figures, have noted that the prior outdoor cafe (Luna) contributed less annually to city coffers than the park’s two newsstands." New York Observer

This is surprising, considering the money we spent on mozerella sticks alone at the place last year....Had we had known last September that it would have been our last night at Luna, we may have tried to make a better night out of it.  We are excited to see what Meyer may bring to the space, maybe the "Shake Shack" of Union Square?  Change is good, especially if it comes with cleaner bathrooms.