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Pandemic fallouts in the world of food and drink continue: Sidecar, the beloved bar and restaurant in Park Slope, will officially close on January 31.
Co-owner Bart DeCoursy took to Twitter to make the announcement earlier this week. "It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that Sidecar will be closing for good on Monday, January 31," he announces before diving into the reasons behind the decision. "We have been kept afloat through these trying times with government financial aid, which has unfortunately run dry. Although we qualified for the Restaurant Revitalization Act [...] we weren't one of the lucky few that actually received the money. It has become clear that sustaining in this climate is just not possible."
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Unsurprisingly, New Yorkers took to the social media platform to mourn the loss of the neighborhood institution and recall memorable moments spent on premise.
"Lived in the 'hood a decade ago. This was MY spot. Used to get fried chicken there at a stupid hour. Like 2am!? Sad I'll never enjoy it again. You made something special there," writes user Matt Livingston.
"Gutted to hear this. You guys were like family. I'll be coming by soon to toast to all the memories. Thanks for everything," writes @adenhakimi.
And yet another fan: "Thank you for the joy you brought into the universe!"
DeCoursy went on to assure followers that contactless delivery will still be available via Seamless and the restaurant's website, also promising to treat the next few weeks like "a month-long Irish wake," urging folks to stop by to bid farewell and enjoy some of the food and cocktails that Sidebar has long been known for.
"I had long hoped that Sidecar would one day be a NYC institution that would outlive my stewardship. I have always gotten a kick out of watching people enjoy themselves, and take pride in the role I played to make it happen," reads the Twitter statement. "And if I may say, we have always been especially successful with societies greatest vocal critics and truth-sayers—the elderly and children, and that always gave me confidence that we were doing something right. But we are all ultimately a product of our times, and 15 years in this city is something I can always hang my hat on. Peace and Love-hope to see you!"
Although closing before its time, we can confidently say that DeCoursy and his team have succeeded in creating the exact world laid out by the co-owner on social media: a New York paradise frequented by the sorts of people that make the city what it is today.
Now part of a long list of notable NYC restaurants and bars (an iconic institution in and of itself!) that have closed since 2020, Sidecar will always hold a special place in our hearts. Here's to hoping it will open once again in the near future.