The Milling Room NYC: Why This UWS Gem Closed And What's Replacing It In 2025
The Milling Room, a beloved fixture on the Upper West Side (UWS) dining scene, has officially closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the stunning, sky-lit restaurant space at 446 Columbus Avenue. As of late 2025, the venue, known for its sophisticated New American and French-American cuisine, is in a state of transition, preparing for a highly anticipated new concept. This closure follows a period of speculation about renovations and a temporary shutdown, culminating in a permanent change that is sending ripples of excitement and nostalgia through the New York City food community.
The transition is not just a simple change of tenants; it represents a major culinary upgrade for the neighborhood. The historic location, which has housed several iconic restaurants over the decades, is set to welcome a world-class chef, signaling a dramatic new chapter for one of Manhattan's most architecturally beautiful dining rooms. This article delves into The Milling Room’s rich legacy, its defining features, and the exciting details of the elite new restaurant poised to take its place.
The Milling Room: A Retrospective Profile and Legacy
The Milling Room opened in November 2014, taking over a space with a storied history on the Upper West Side. It quickly established itself as a neighborhood favorite, praised for its seasonal, locally-sourced American cuisine and its breathtaking ambiance.
- Location: 446 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024 (Between 81st and 82nd Streets)
- Neighborhood: Upper West Side (UWS), Manhattan
- Cuisine Focus: Seasonal New American, French-American
- Key Features: Stunning sky-lit dining room, high ceilings, lively tavern-inspired bar, and a magnificent courtyard setting.
- Historical Significance: The space was originally the grand lobby of the historic Endicott Hotel, built in 1890.
- Predecessors: The location previously housed the popular Sangria hotspot Calle Ocho and, briefly, Corvo Bianco.
- Notable Staff: Chef Scott Bryan was associated with the restaurant early in its run.
- Function: Popular venue for cosy fine dining, romantic evenings, and private events/weddings due to its beautiful architecture.
The Defining Ambiance and Architectural Marvel
What truly set The Milling Room apart was its physical space. It was not just a restaurant; it was an architectural experience. The dining room was built within a magnificent courtyard, a remnant of the grand Endicott Hotel’s original design. The centerpiece was an enormous, arched skylight that flooded the main dining area with natural light, a rare and impressive feature for an NYC restaurant.
This striking environment created a unique duality. The main dining room offered an airy, sophisticated, and almost romantic atmosphere, while the front bar area maintained a lively, tavern-inspired energy. This combination made it a versatile spot, perfect for a casual drink, a celebratory brunch, or a formal dinner.
The space was consistently lauded as one of the most beautiful dining spots in the city, making its closure for a new concept particularly poignant for regulars.
The End of an Era: The Closure and Transition
Rumors about The Milling Room's future began circulating in the latter half of 2024, with initial reports suggesting a temporary closure for "renovations" around July 31st. However, the renovation period appears to have transitioned into a permanent change of ownership and concept. The Upper West Side, known for its strong community and appreciation for its local institutions, has been watching closely to see what would become of the coveted address.
The space's history of turnover—from Calle Ocho to Corvo Bianco to The Milling Room—highlights the extreme challenge of maintaining a long-term, successful restaurant in Manhattan, even in a prime, historic location. High rents and the constant pressure to deliver a fresh, compelling concept often lead to these dramatic transitions.
The New Culinary Era: Chef Jesús Durón Takes Over
The news of the replacement concept is arguably more exciting than the sadness of the closure. The space at 446 Columbus Avenue is being taken over by a world-renowned chef: Jesús Durón.
Durón is a major figure in the global culinary world, best known as the former executive chef of Pujol, one of Mexico City's most acclaimed and highly-ranked restaurants globally. Pujol, under the direction of Enrique Olvera, is a perennial fixture on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list and holds multiple Michelin stars, making Durón’s pedigree impeccable.
This move is a massive win for the Upper West Side and for New York City dining as a whole. It signifies the arrival of a chef with a profound understanding of modern, sophisticated cuisine, promising a concept that is likely to be one of the most talked-about openings of 2026.
What to Expect from the New Restaurant at 446 Columbus Ave
While specific details about the new restaurant's name, menu, and opening date are still emerging, the involvement of Chef Durón provides strong clues about the direction of the new venture. The intention is clearly to elevate the dining experience at the historic location to an international, high-end level.
Topical Entities and Expected Focus:
- Cuisine: Given Durón's background, the cuisine is expected to be a highly refined, modern interpretation, likely focusing on Mexican or Latin American flavors with a global, fine-dining sensibility. This would be a dramatic shift from The Milling Room's New American fare.
- Ambiance: While the stunning architecture (the skylight, the high ceilings) will remain, the interior design will likely undergo a significant renovation to match the new concept's sophisticated vision.
- Target Audience: The new restaurant will likely target a clientele seeking a world-class, destination dining experience, drawing food lovers from all five boroughs, not just the UWS neighborhood.
- Impact: The opening is set to revitalize the culinary landscape of Columbus Avenue, solidifying the Upper West Side's reputation as a serious destination for elite gastronomy.
The legacy of The Milling Room—its beautiful space and its role as a neighborhood anchor—will be fondly remembered. However, the excitement surrounding Chef Jesús Durón’s new project suggests that the historic walls of the Endicott Hotel are poised to house a restaurant that may redefine fine dining in New York City for years to come. Food enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official debut, which promises to be a spectacular new chapter for this iconic UWS address.
Key Takeaways for NYC Foodies
For those looking for the latest update as of December 2025, The Milling Room is closed, and the space is undergoing transformation. The focus has entirely shifted to the incoming concept, making it one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the city. Keep an eye on the 446 Columbus Avenue address for the debut of Chef Durón’s new culinary masterpiece.
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