Defining the corner of 43rd and Eleventh, the Market Diner stands as a living phenomenon of Hell's Kitchen in the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. Opened in 1962 by the Zelin family, it has attracted a shockingly eclectic set of people, including Frank Sinatra, Jerry Seinfeld, Geraldo Rivera and members of the Westie gang. As this area of the city was undeniably dangerous, there were always several police officers in and around the diner, and in a show of appreciation, the staff allowed them to eat at half price. As this diner was supposedly, at one time, the only one in Manhattan that offered free parking directly in front of the building, the restaurant was also frequented by many taxi and limo drivers.
In 2004, the Zelins sold the diner for economic reasons. The new owners kept it running until 2006, when it seemed to have fully closed. Loyal customers imagined the worst, that the Market Diner was shut down forever. In 2009, however, it was reopened, having been restored and ready for business. The diner has always brought in an assortment of people leading completely different lives. Nevertheless, there is one common aspect that has consistently drawn people in for almost sixty years - they are a 24/7 operation.
