Southside Goes South

The Southside Cafe on W. 47th Street appears to have suddenly folded. The interior has been swept clean of furniture, pictures and wine. No sign was posted in the window saying it had closed, but no one answers the phone. The 14-year-old old, hole-in-the-wall Italian eatery was a favorite secret of theatregoers. It dependably furnished an affordable and good meal in an intimate, unpretentious environment.

I asked a couple of the Southside's neighbors what had happened, and they seemed as stunned as I by the closure. They didn't know the restaurant had shuttered.

The Southside was no landmark, but Times Square has lost another affordable, independent restaurant. And that's not good.