There goes another one. New Parisian Deli, the 24-hour mini grocery store which held its post at 501 Columbus Avenue on the corner of West 84th Street for more than 40 years, is now closed.
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On Saturday, June 17, only wilted flowers were left outside, while empty shelves could be seen through the front window. ILTUWS spoke to a couple of passersby who were surprised to see the longtime deli closed. When asked if they were fans of the spot, one middle-aged man responded, “It was okay,” while an elderly woman said, “I go to Zingone’s.”
As Zingone Brothers has a 100+ year history in the neighborhood, we decided to head a couple blocks south to see if they could tell us anything about their now-former neighbor.
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Richie Zingone first told us that New Parisian Deli had been in business since about 1980. He then called over his cousin Dominick to nail down an exact opening year, but it was an old-time customer who apparently had it on lock, saying New Parisian actually opened in 1978. The elderly man also said they had some issues at the store, including a leaky ceiling and problems with the flooring. This led to a debate about whether New Parisian avoided fixing the issues because they saw a potential imminent closing.
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Prior to New Parisian, Richie says it was another deli named Ruocco’s that operated at 501 Columbus Avenue.
Yelp reviews haven’t been very kind to New Parisian Deli, even as one of the few remaining 24-hour spots on the Upper West Side. With a score of 2.5 stars (out of 5), there have been complaints about mistaken orders and increased prices, while others have praised their breakfast sandwiches and late-night convenience.
Back in October, we reported that Andy’s Deli, a local favorite that had been open since 1980 at 418 Columbus Avenue, was closing as well.
Locals might want to check out Amsterdam Marketplace at 401 Amsterdam Avenue and West 79th Street to get their 24-hour deli and small grocery selections. We can attest they make a bacon, egg and cheese worth trying.
This is upsetting in that everyone who worked there over the years has been so kind and helpful. True, the “fresh” food had gone down and prices up. I just wish there was some warning. It would have been nice to say goodbye. Some of these workers helped us in many ways, especially during the pandemic. Please tell me there’s not a nail or hair salon going in there.
They were on a downslide for years…reduced selection and inventory, no flowers, etc. Nevertheless, this store will be missed. Hopefully, a good replacement comes in. I think the neighborhood can support a 24 hour deli.
Horrible place! The place was a dump, it was overpriced, and they weren’t requiring masks in the middle of the COVID epidemic, which was the last straw. Good riddance! If you want the best LOCAL place, head to Zingone Brothers two blocks south!! They are the best, the store is well-stocked and clean, and they don’t price-gouge!!
Comparing Parisian to Zingone is like comparing apples to oranges, Parisian Deli had hot food made to order 24/7–an entirely different operation.
Yes, Parisian’s prices increased during and post covid. But that’s life everywhere. It would be foolish and expensive to do ordinary grocery shopping at a deli.
No, Parisian was known for and relied on to provide a cheery greeting and a coffee and BEC or any other sandwich you might crave at any hour of the day or night. An increasingly rare thing in a city that never sleeps.
I second the comment that everyone who worked there over the years has been so kind and helpful. I will miss them.
I hear a brand new, clean, fresh deli is already set to go in that space. Watch for it.
Tragic. This place made the best Reuben I’ve ever tasted – and for less than half the price of most of its rivals. A New Parisian Reuben, eaten in or near the Toll Family Playground in Central Park, has been a highlight of my biannual visits to NYC (from the UK). No more… and it’s a shame. Was looking forward to another later this year.