Manhattan late 1960's and early 1970's (Lexington, Bleecker: hardwood floors, apartments, rent)

[vermont artist]

Does anyone remember what the rents were for a 1 bedroom apt. in Manhattan - East Side in 1969-1970's? Also, what restaurants were in the vicinity of Bloomingdales on 59th St. in late 60's early 70's? Even Chock Full O'Nuts or other quick places to eat?

[30STM]

the rents varied. depended iif it was rent controlled or rent stableised or fair market.

Gino's was a restaurant near Bloomies and it still around.

Proof of the Pudding, Maxwells Plumb, Adam and Eve, Regines nite club and restaurant at the Delmonico. I think Lutece was around.

[missionhill]

I paid 199.75 (set by rent stabilization) on E. 65th Street in 1979. But it was a hovel. Maybe $250 for a nice place 10 years earlier? I remember $250 for a two-bedroom on W. 75th Street, also in '79. Chock full o' nuts were all over Manhattan. Don't remember what else but the little coffee shop at Lexington and E. 70th is unchanged in all those years.

[Kefir King]

In 1972, $200 for a 1 bedroom walkup/part time elevator on Commerce Street in Village.
Looked for 2 bedroom places in newer elevator buildings around the Village (14th St.)...most about $400.

But the difficulty was the shortage of apartments available. But then the two huge recessions of the 1970's hit (it was a NASTY decade economically.) I stayed in Jersey City (rent control for $160 for a Junior 2, hardwood floors, wall and ceiling woodwork trim.

Almost everything was rent controlled/stabilized (adopted 1969.) Typical was to move into something too pricey and file with the City who determined your REAL LEGAL rent. From that point on, you were at odds with your landlord forevermore.

I WISH I had rented a big cheap controlled apartment on the UWS, but then who knew it was going to become something other than South Harlem? Just holding a job was enough trouble in the '70's. But the SEX was terrific and booze and drugs were cheap.

My choices COULD have been better but they were on the whole pretty good.

[vermont artist]

Thanks everyone for great response to my question about NYC rents in 1960's and 70's. Restaurants were very helpful too! Vermont artist.

[Kefir King]

Never forget TAD'S steaks. They weren't Peter Luger but they were decent and $1.69!

[john_starks]

nyc in the 70's was the best

as a kid, we drove in from yonkers to little italy in the bronx - best pizza

[NRinNC]

I paid somewhere around $310/month for a 1 bedroom on the corner of 34th & Park Ave. in 1978. Maybe a "junior 1-BR" (quite compact, with a small Pullman kitchen in the foyer) but still quite a decent place in a good building & neighborhood. It was rent-stabilized with vacancy de-control, so I'd guess it was within $25 of $250/mo. around 1970.

[rlrl]

isnt there still a Tads on 47th and 7th and on 42 between 6-Times Square? also on 50th bet 6-7th?

i remember a restaurant **** Eyed Clam on 94th and 3rd in 1979

[John7777]

In the mid 70s I paid $180 a month for a studio on Bleecker St. A one bedroom in the building across the street was $300. I guess my place must have been rent stabilized.

As for restaurants near Bloomingdales? Friday's was a sort of nearby. Plus tons of other places on 1st and 2nd Avenues a bit farther north. I wonder in the Bagel Nosh places are still around?