Long-running NYC vegan restaurant Red Bamboo is closing

NYC is losing another long-running vegan restaurant. Red Bamboo, which has been open since 2002 and which Billie Eilish named as a favorite, closes its doors on February 28.

“Hi guys, I’m closing the Boo,” owner Jade Wong says in a video. “After a year of doing everything we could to keep the Boo alive, from starting a GoFundMe to selling merch, we are very sad to say this is no longer sustainable and we’ll be closing our doors on February 28. We are grateful for the 24 years you have spent with us and the love and support you’ve shown our vegan food. Much love from my dad and I, we hope to celebrate with you before the 28th. Bye for now and thanks for the memories.”

In the Red Bamboo GoFundMe, Wong wrote, “Since the pandemic, we’ve been struggling to get back on our feet. We haven’t been able to make up our losses from having to close indoor dining for over a year. Our rent continues to increase while foot traffic has slowed down tremendously. After an issue with the gas pipe in our building that the landlord chose not to fix, we were forced to overhaul our entire kitchen for more than $40,000. Your generous donations would help in paying the rent that we owe, past due ConEdison bills, commercial liability insurance, payroll taxes, and escalating food costs.”

Red Bamboo is right by Washington Square Park at 140 W 4th St, and you still have a few more weeks to eat there before they close. Find their menu and ordering details here.

Other vegan restaurants that have closed over the past few years include Modern Love, Organic Grill, and Ro’s Diner (formerly Champs).