Beloved NYC Celebrity Hotspot Closes After Nearly 50 Years
The start of 2026 signifies the end of a New York City restaurant institution that served some of the biggest names in Hollywood, Broadway and even politics over the last 48 years.
Café Un Deux Trois, located at 123 W. 44th Street in Times Square, will close its doors today, Jan. 4, after nearly five decades. The reason, says co-owner Gerald Blanes, is financial.
“The expenses skyrocket,” Blanes told the New York Post. “The rent is very, very expensive.”
A favorite haunt for celebrities
Opened by Blanes, Georges Guenancia and Michael Morse in 1977, Café Un Deux Trois established itself as an essential French eatery, and taking advantage of its location, quickly became a hotspot for celebrities.
Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr. President Jimmy Carter and Sarah Jessica Parker are just some of the famous names who enjoyed steak frites, Boeuf Bourguignon, classic burgers and more at the restaurant over the years.
Back in 2024, Tasting Table published an article on Broadway stars' favorite NYC restaurants, with Parker's husband, acclaimed actor Matthew Broderick, citing Café Un Deux Trois as his top spot, calling it "an institution."
Café Un Deux Trois gets at least one last famous visitor
The New York Post reported that comedian Lewis Black was at Café Un Deux Trois Friday night, and on Sunday, the restaurant's official Instagram page shared a photo of legendary weatherman Al Roker enjoying brunch with his wife and son.
"Al Roker, America’s weatherman, joined us for one last brunch with his wife Deborah Roberts and their son Nicholas Roker (along with Un Deux Trois manager Chad Wilkinson)," the caption for the post reads. "Like so many of our guests, they were shocked to hear the news of our closing—but grateful to share one final meal and a few memories at Café Un Deux Trois.
"Thank you for the kindness, the warmth, and for being part of our story. One last brunch, forever remembered."