For Beloved 88 Lan Zhou, a Brief Reprieve

Photo: Sara Graham
For lovers of 88 Lan Zhou, a temporary reprieve.
The popular Chinatown noodles spot had previously announced its final day in business as this past Saturday (August 15). However, ownership just “extended” the timeline to closure. A new final date was not provided in the Instagram post, only that it would be announced soon.
Ownership blamed the coronavirus pandemic for destroying the business, yet worked with the landlord of 40 Bowery to remain just a little while longer.
This isn’t the first brush with closure for 88 Lan Zhou, though, which debuted back in 2007. It previously shuttered its dive spot on East Broadway in 2017, but later rebounded to its current locale on the Bowery.