Jerusalem Restaurant, Popular UWS Eatery, Shutters Longtime Location

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Jerusalem Restaurant, a nearly 50 year-old Upper West Side staple that seemed to remain a beloved neighborhood secret during its long run in the community, has closed.

While there was no official announcement, a large for rent sign appeared recently outside of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food storefront at 2715 Broadway, between West 103rd and 104th streets.

The number for the restaurant now goes straight to voice mail, and Google suggests Jerusalem Restaurant is "permanently closed." The restaurant's website is not working, and it no longer appears as an option on GrubHub or Seamless.

Its menu included falafel, pita bread, hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves, feta cheese, salads, shwarma combo sandwiches, chicken kebab wraps, vegetarian options, platters, pita chips, and more.

"Try our falafel, or our famous pita with hummus today or any of the other delicious items on our menu," reads an old message from the restaurant. "We also carry large gourmet salads, sandwiches, and a large vegetarian menu. We truly have something for everyone!"

Jerusalem Restaurant did receive some outside notoriety, when it was mentioned in a song by the popular band Vampire Weekend. The band's signer was a Columbia University graduate, and has a line in the song "Finger Back" that goes — "Sing next year in Jerusalem, you know the one at 103rd and Broadway."

Patch will update this article if any more information is learned about the reasoning for the closure.