Closing Time for Red Eye Grill in Manhattan

It’s time to say goodbye to the Red Eye Grill.

Fireman Hospitality Group has announced that Red Eye Grill, a Manhattan staple since 1995, will serve its final Cowboy Ribeye Steak and Shellfish Tower on July 12. CEO Ben Grossman shared the bittersweet news, stating, “After 30 unforgettable years, we have made the difficult decision to close Red Eye. We are so grateful for our time here.”

Located at 890 Seventh Avenue, between West 56th and 57th Streets, the American Brasserie was a local favorite among patrons of Carnegie Hall, just across the street. Grossman noted that while business has mostly bounced back following the pandemic, the lease negotiations didn’t pan out, saying, “Although Vornado discussed this matter in good faith, we were unable to mutually agree on new terms.”

Red Eye Grill reportedly struggled more than some other establishments during the downturn caused by the 2020 lockdown. A spokesperson for Vornado chose not to comment on the situation.

Known as the “Home of the Famous Dancing Shrimp,” Red Eye Grill hosted a well-attended memorial service last year, featuring appearances from Jerry Seinfeld and NYC Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Riggy.

Grossman reassured diners that the rest of his restaurant portfolio—including the three-year-old Paris Bar and the nearly 40-year-old Trattoria de l’Arte—are thriving.

In related restaurant news, widely praised L’Artusi, located on West 10th Street, announced plans to expand uptown.

Set to open next year at 1271 Sixth Avenue, this new location will join a vibrant group of restaurants like Avra Estiatorio, Cuerno, and The Capital Grille. L’Artusi will take over a 6,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Ted’s Montana Grill, which quietly closed last month.

The area is bustling with office buildings, busy sidewalks, and an increasing number of restaurant options. Kevin Garry, managing partner of L’Artusi, commented that expanding here was a “response to long-standing interest in the concept from the Manhattan community.”

In other news, East Side favorite Seafire Grill will be relocating this fall from its 14-year home at 158 East 48th Street to a larger space at 216 East 49th Street. This impressive new venue will span three floors, accommodating 456 seats and featuring eight private dining rooms as well as a dining garden.

Seafire Grill is known for its extensive seafood menu, alongside steaks and pasta. The new building is owned by Benjamin Sinanaji and Benjamin Prelbukai, who are also behind Seafire Grill and Benjamin’s Steakhouse in Manhattan and Westchester.