Frank's Deli

VANISHING

On 9th Avenue and 20th Street, surrounded evermore by upscale bistros and the like, is Frank's Deli. I've had many sandwiches from Frank, but today I got this sad news in an email:

"Frank's is closing this week as Frank could not get his lease renewed. Frank is really beloved in Chelsea, everyone knows and respects him. There's a photo with him and Archbishop Tutu over his register, from when the Archbishop visited the nearby Seminary."

A call to Frank's confirms they will be closed "in a couple of days."


my flickr

Teresa E.'s review on Yelp says it all about the place: "The reasons to go here are: deli sandwiches, beer, emergency light bulbs, and Frank himself. He's a flirt, and if you want to practice Spanish, he's right there for you. A real neighborhood haunt, frequented by kids buying ice cream after school, construction workers ordering 35 sandwiches for their crew, and a cute kitty."


Google streetview

As Chelsea's 9th Avenue gets more and more Vongerichtified, we'll be saying goodbye to more places like Frank's.

See also:
Les Desirs
Chelsea Court Meat Market
Holiday Cheer
Death of a Block

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