I knew I had seen this sidewalk sign for Corner Deli before, as I was pacing around the Upper East Side at #1400 2nd Avenue at East 73rd Street. It turned out I had in fact seen it twice before. It turns out that this is an uptown branch of La Esquina at Kenmare and Lafayette, which also has a movie theatre-style marquee on its building.
I cannot readily explain the “est. 1932” except that that odd-shaped plot at Kenmare and Lafayette may have had a diner-style business there all these years.
200 West 55th Street in an otherwise residential building west of 7th Avenue. Street View from 2016 shows this location boarded up, while previous views from 2009-2014 show it as a white-paneled building entrance with potted plants.
The 2nd Avenue location maintains the movie marquee sign tradition, but has to do so on the East 73rd Street side.
Yelp reviews for Corner’s UES location are decidedly mixed.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
9/22/25
2 comments
When La Esquina opened on Kenmare, it played on a “speakeasy” theme. Upstairs was a diner, but La Esquina was downstairs. You approached folks upstairs who pointed out a “bouncer”, who then directed you to a staircase that appeared to service the kitchen (which is also did). At the bottom of the stairs you were in a “secret” space that was a lot of fun, with good food. Part of the charm (which must still exist) was feeling the rumble of the subway rushing past you, just the other side of the wall).
The Kenmare one will always be famous for me, as it was used as the command post for the task force fighting the cannibalistic humanoid underground dwellers in the subway in the horror film C.H.U.D.