Photo by Chris Yera
Back in July, we wrote about the signage which was posted for “La Caridad 72nd Comida China y Criolla” at 130 West 72nd between Amsterdam and Columbus avenues.
At the time, we weren’t sure if this was a resurrection or a copycat of the original La Caridad 78 that opened in 1968 and closed during the summer of 2020. Or maybe something in between.
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Ellen Lee, a representative for the restaurant, provided more info at a Community Board 7 meeting on Wednesday.
“It’s not the same owners but they’ll carry on the same menu,” said Lee. She reiterated this several times throughout the meeting, as board members asked her to confirm the menu would be the same.
So, we can’t guarantee it will be 100% identical, but that’s what she said.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss liquor license applications, and the board unanimously voted in favor of moving the new La Caridad’s forward.
Upper Left: board members excitedly raise their hands in approval of the new La Caridad. Lower Left: Ellen Lee, a representative for the restaurant who seemed happy that the meeting was wrapping up. Upper + Lower right: board members.
It’s unclear when the restaurant will open, but it’s expected to have nine tables and 36 seats, operate between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., and have recorded background music. There won’t be any outdoor seating.
The original La Caridad was located at 2199 Broadway on southwest corner of 78th and Broadway, a space now occupied by New Cottage (which was previously just The Cottage, a long-running Chinese restaurant which closed its location on 77th and Amsterdam in 2020 as well).
If you’re referring to same restaurant from the 80’s than anything else will be an improvement.
La Caridad was on 78th and Broadway from 1968 to 2020.
Does it matter more that they have the same menu, or that they have the same chefs? As well, one of the most important elements of the original was the staff: a lovely bunch of guys, and even the ornery ones were fun. Will any of the original staff be returning?
agree Ian. I was hoping when the owners retired, they would sell to the brothers who worked there.
And the prices? It used to be so inexpensive to eat at the last one. it’s probably $25 a meal now, easy. The best rice and beans in the city.