The final curtain has come down for one of New York City's most cherished theatrical haunts. Café Un Deux Trois, a Parisian-style bistro in the heart of Manhattan's theatre district, served its last customers on Sunday, 4 January 2026, after an illustrious 48-year run.
The End of an Era for Broadway's Dining Scene
In a heartfelt announcement made on Facebook the day before its closure, the restaurant's management confirmed the permanent shutdown. The post bid farewell to "an era defined by extraordinary leadership," marking the conclusion of a business that had been a staple for the Broadway community since it first opened its doors in 1977. Located at 123 West 44th Street, just steps from the neon glow of Times Square, the eatery was more than just a place to eat; it was a backstage hub for actors, producers, and theatre lovers.
Georges Guenancia, one of the three founding partners, expressed a bittersweet sentiment to PIX 11 News. He stated that the business had undergone significant changes in the wake of the pandemic, and the partners themselves felt ready for a new chapter. "I'm happy the way it's ending because a lot of people are here," Guenancia remarked, reflecting on the bustling final service. "We did a good job. We had a big clientele."
A Star-Studded Guest List and Generations of Memories
Over its five-decade history, Café Un Deux Trois built a legendary reputation, attracting a glittering array of celebrities from stage and screen. Its tables regularly hosted the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Nathan Lane, Cynthia Nixon, Alan Cumming, and Jonathan Groff. The restaurant's unique ambiance was famously captured by Michael Riedel, theatre columnist for the New York Post and Vanity Fair, who told PIX 11 it felt "like a piece of Paris" and evoked the romantic spirit of the Left Bank.
The closure resonated deeply with loyal patrons, many of whom returned for a poignant final supper. Janna McInerney shared memories of visiting while pregnant with her son, Christopher, in 1984. "We are back here, closing it down. It's a tragedy," she told reporters. Her son, now 41, continued the family tradition, bringing his own six-year-old daughter after her first Broadway show. "It ends there, but three generations, that's pretty good," he noted, highlighting the restaurant's role as a multi-generational landmark.
What the Closure Signifies for New York's Cultural Landscape
The shuttering of Café Un Deux Trois represents more than just the loss of a popular restaurant; it signifies a shifting chapter for New York's cultural and dining landscape. The pandemic's long shadow, changing consumer habits, and the natural evolution of city neighbourhoods have all contributed to the end of this particular institution. Its closure leaves a void in the Theatre District, where it served as a constant, welcoming space for pre-show dinners and post-performance drinks for nearly half a century.
While the partners are moving on, the legacy of the restaurant is secure in the memories of the countless stars, theatre staff, and families who passed through its doors. The story of Café Un Deux Trois is a quintessential New York tale of longevity, celebrity, and community—a story that, like a long-running Broadway show, has now reached its final, emotional act.
