Saltwater Coffee

Farewell to Odessa in NYC, Closed During the Pandemic

"Opened in 1994 by the bar’s owners as a late-night coffee shop, it was intentionally overlit and under‑chic—green marbled Formica, vinyl booths, and abrupt middle‑aged staff—serving pierogies, stuffed cabbage, blintzes, kielbasa and ordinary diner fare to the neighborhood’s dwindling Ukrainian population. More than a place to eat, it was a steady, no‑frills meeting spot where friends convened for endless conversations, consolation, and comfort food (pierogies in particular), and its disappearance is felt as the loss of an easy, dependable gathering place that held personal memories and bonds." - Christopher Bonanos