Neptune Diner Closure: End of an Era and Neighborhood Loss

End of an Era for Neptune Diner in Astoria , Queens

Neptune Diner , a beloved establishment in Astoria , Queens , closed its doors for the final time after decades of serving the community . The diner , which has been a fixture in the area since the early 1980s , had to shut down as it was unable to renew its lease on the property . The iconic red - tiled roof and stone facade of the building , dating back to the 1960s , will soon make way for a new housing development.

A Loss to the Neighborhood

Customers of Neptune Diner expressed their sadness at the closure , with many reminiscing about the good times and delicious food they had enjoyed over the years . Nicholas DiVittorio , a loyal patron , described the diner as a loss to the neighborhood , praising the quality of the food , the friendly service , and the reasonable prices . The Katsihtis brothers , who have owned the building since 1983 , were unable to reach a long - term agreement with the landlord after the land was sold for over 0 million in 2018.

Neptune Diner 's Michael Savidis revealed that the lack of a new lease forced the business to vacate the premises by the first of August . The closure marks the end of an era for many residents who have cherished memories of dining at the establishment since childhood . Despite the plans for a residential development to take its place , the sentimental value of the diner remains strong among the community.

Customers flocked to Neptune Diner for a final meal , with some even ordering a second serving to take away . The closure of Neptune Diner is part of a larger trend of declining diners across New York City , a phenomenon that has been accelerated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic . Longtime favorites like Good Stuff Diner in Chelsea have also succumbed to the pressures of the changing dining landscape , leaving many residents wondering if there are any diners left to enjoy in the area.

As iconic establishments like Neptune Diner bid farewell to their loyal customers , the community in Astoria reflects on the memories and traditions that will be missed . The closure serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the city 's culinary scene and the enduring impact of neighborhood institutions on the fabric of daily life.