Francisco's Centro Vasco

On West 23rd Street between 6th and 7th, Francisco's Centro Vasco has been in business since 1979.

They're just a few doors down from the location of this weekend's bomb explosion in Chelsea. The restaurant was not damaged, but it had to close temporarily due to the investigation. They hope to reopen today at 4:00.



As they told their customers on Facebook:



Francisco's is one of the last of a dwindling number of Spanish restaurants in the city, along with El Quijote in the nearby Chelsea Hotel and Spain, on 13th Street, recently the star of a lovely feature in the Times.

Even closing for a day can disrupt a small business. And terror can keep people away. If you're looking to support New York, Chelsea, and the people of its small business streetscape at this time, please keep Francisco's in mind for a meal or a round of drinks. Many of us could use a drink after this weekend.




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