Snap Judgment: Florent 'Depression' soirée

The final days

On June 29, iconic diner Florent will say au revoir after 23 colorful years—but not without saying goodbye to some old friends first. Florent was the first 24-hour eatery to set up shop in what was then a gritty 1980s Meatpacking District—home to an eclectic mix of trannies, hookers, artists and performers.

Recent rent hikes have forced owner Florent Morellet to succumb to the forces of gentrification (there are rumors that a Starbucks is opening in its place), but he’s not going out without a bang. A series of five Monday-night parties themed after Kübler-Ross’ stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) are helping regulars mourn the loss of this beloved cultural fixture. At last night’s “Depression” party, we stopped by to see how people were feeling. —Kelly Dobkin