The onset of summer marked a series of restaurant closures in New York. From Greek cuisine eateries to coffee shops and bakeries, diverse eateries experienced a wave of closures in the city. Upperz Cafe and Bar, Bed-Vyne Brew, and Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery are some prominent ones.
Highlights
- Notable restaurants, bars, and coffee shops closed in New York in May.
- Buddies Coffee and Bed-Vyne Brew hinted at their comebacks in their respective Instagram posts announcing their closure.
- Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, which closed its flagship bakery shop in New York, will continue to serve food lovers at its Brookfield location.
Five Prominent NY Eateries Shut Down in May
The past month witnessed diverse NY food establishments stop their food operations for good. Below is a list of restaurants that closed their offerings across different locations in the city.
Buddies Coffee
Inside view and sweet treats at Buddies Coffee (Source: Google Reviews)
The beloved Brooklyn-based coffee shop was started in 2020 by Rachel Nieves and Taylor Nawrocki. In a short while, it garnered the love of sweet tooth lovers in NY, particularly for its coquito latte.
However, in May 2025, Buddies Coffee announced via Instagram that it would close its Williamsburg location at 150 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249.
Earlier social media posts by Nieves highlighted challenges due to rising rents at the New York location. Unable to find a viable solution for the Williamsburg outlet, the co-owners decided to cease operations. In their Instagram post, Nieves and Nawrocki stated that May 17 was their last day of coffee servings.
However, the duo hinted at plans to reopen in a new location, suggesting a potential return within the next three to four years.
Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
The outside seating arrangement at Mah-Ze-Dahr (Source: Google Reviews)
A popular West Village bakery and cake shop, Mah-Ze-Dahr began its culinary journey in NY in 2016. Located at 28 Greenwich Ave, the flagship store offered delicacies such as croissants, pastries, brownies, cakes, and granola. Mah-Ze-Dahr also had locations in Virginia.
However, it closed its flagship bakery shop in New York in May. Mah-Ze-Dahr made the official announcement on May 11 via Instagram.
Erica Zimmerman, Chief of Staff, cited a 42% rent increase as a primary reason for the New York closure. Zimmerman added that poor maintenance led to structural damage at the establishment.
Mah-Ze-Dahr officially bid farewell to New York after nine years. However, the bakery shared on Instagram its plans to return to the West Village. It added that it will continue to serve food lovers at the Brookfield location (225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281, United States).
Blue Door Taverna
Greek aesthetics at Blue Door Taverna (Source: Google Reviews)
This Greek restaurant was a staple for New Yorkers for over eight years. Blue Door Taverna was renowned for its lobsters, chicken skewers, kebabs, and Gambas A la Plancha. Opened in 2017, Blue Door Taverna quickly became a beloved spot in Brooklyn.
However, in an emotional Instagram post, its owner, Kyriaki Vitale, confirmed that the Greek restaurant was set to close by May 24.
Reflecting on serving the Bay Ridge community, Vitale said the closure was a bittersweet decision. As a mother of three boys, she found it challenging to balance both responsibilities. This is what compelled her to shut down the Greek food establishment.
Vitale opened the restaurant alongside her late father, Anastasios Lekkas, at 8413 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, United States. As of now, she has not hinted at any possible comeback.
Upperz Cafe and Bar
The inside view at Upperz Cafe and Bar (Source: Google Reviews)
This East Village coffee shop and bar quickly became a popular spot in New York within six months. The sibling duo of Marilyn and Ramon Velazquez, along with entrepreneur Fern Gellin, opened it in November 2024. Upperz Cafe and Bar offered a breakfast menu and artisanal bar food.
However, the establishment at 319 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, United States, closed last month. Upperz Cafe and Bar announced the closure on its Instagram page on May 23.
The establishment did not provide a specific reason for the closure in its Instagram post. Upperz Cafe and Bar expressed gratitude to residents and called them for their last meals through the remaining days in May.
As of now, it is unclear if the popular NY establishment will make a return with a new location.
Bed-Vyne Brew
The crowd enjoying drinks at Bed-Vyne Brew (Source: Google Reviews)
This beloved bar in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood started serving NY residents in 2013. Since then, it has emerged as a top choice for hand-crafted draught beer. Bed-Vyne Brew is known for its DJ nights as well. Its rustic interiors make the NY spot a favorite among the city’s aesthetic lovers.
Despite its popularity, Bed-Vyne Brew announced it would close by the end of May. It announced on Instagram that it would permanently close on May 31.
While the bar did not specify reasons for its closure, its Instagram post alluded to external pressures. Bed-Vyne Brew claimed that there were “some” who wanted to “diminish their space.”
Owners Rotimi Akinouye and Michael Brooks might return with a new outlet in the coming months.
May was a challenging month for several restaurants across New York. While these closures may disappoint regulars, some establishments plan to reopen in new locations.
