DO NOT RESUSCITATE; MOVE TO HARWIN A reader who’s been intermittently monitoring the vital signs of the DNR European Cafe and Deli in Chelsea Market on Montrose reports that the restaurant has closed: “There is a sign out front announcing the impending opening of a new restaurant called ‘Chelsea Grill.'” Meanwhile, a notice on DNR’s listing at restaurant website B4-u-eat notes that DNR will be opening “soon” at 10400 Harwin Dr. [Swamplot inbox]
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DNR’s food was decent, but oftentimes it looked like the owner’s friends and family were dropping in for a free eat moreso than actual customers. Almost zero advertising, no wonder theyre relocating. Also, the interior felt very fast-foodish and less like a neighborhood cafe, could have been a lot better with little effort, perhaps they’ll have better luck on Harwin. Wish Fende was more like this place and less like, well, itself…
While the food wasn’t bad, the place suffered from a confused identity, like it couldn’t decide what it wanted to be. European? Turkish? Fast food? Cafe?
DNR’s location is one of those “cursed” locations. I worked in that area for a while. The only thing that was ever successful was the Buteras that was there back in the 80’s-early 90’s. Perhaps Swamplot could do a spread on the “cursed” locations that never seem to have success keeping a tenant.
Always thought DNR was the tackiest name for a restaurant so close to the med center. Would never, ever eat there.
Cursed restaurant locations are a fun game! It’s probably due to feng shui. The old Hard Rock Cafe/Fire + Ice. Pizzeria Uno/Corelli’s/Floridita/Tommy Bahama/Sushi King. Sausalito/Palazzo’s/Pan Y Agua/some wine bar. Serrano’s/Los Tonyo’s/Fox Diner/Crome/Pravada. Renata’s/Hessni’s/Side Street Brewing/Mia Bella
Every time I saw that sign I thought of Do Not Resuscitate also. Used to eat at the Butera’s all the time way back when but that place just never looked inviting especially since I thought of a heart attack every time I saw the name.
With regards to Renata’s/Hessni’s/Side Street Brewing/Mia Bella, it was also Te Amo between Hessni’s and Side Street Brewing. At least now, there are two restaurants there, Mia Bella and Saffron.