Adios: The Neon Sombrero Goes Dark January 31

After 22 years in business, Gonzalez y Gonzalez on Broadway near Houston, distinguished by its landmark giant, multicolored flickering neon sombrero outside, is shutting its doors after losing its lease, according to its website. One of the City’s best Mexican restaurants, G & G was known for one of the best Happy Hours in the city, featuring a $5 frozen fruit margarita that just couldn’t be beat. Occupying a space that stretched a full city block – from Broadway to Mercer – G & G also boasted the longest bar in the city. I had many, many memorable birthday celebrations within its festively-decorated walls and will not soon forget its delicious guacamole, quesadillas with fresh corn, sizzling steaks and fried chimichangas. Nachos NY is reporting that the space will soon become a Chipotle. As much as I love me some Chipotle, I wonder if we should really be shutting down NYC icons like Gonzalez Y Gonzalez to make room for another fast food burrito joint. So much for progress.