Photo: Raising Cane’s
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Fried chicken fans of the Upper West Side are about to have another late-night option. Raising Cane’s—the chain known for its minimalist menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and signature Cane’s Sauce—is opening its first neighborhood location on Thursday, September 4 at 2850 Broadway, between 110th and 111th streets. It replaces Mel’s Burger Bar, which closed at the end of 2023.
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This will be the brand’s fifth Manhattan location and its first foray into the UWS, with a second outpost in the works at 2067 Broadway (between 71st and 72nd streets), pending city approval. That space was most recently home to Freshly Bagel, which came and went in under a year, and before that, Gigi Café, a neighborhood favorite that many were sad to lose.
To celebrate its Morningside Heights debut, Raising Cane’s is planning a full day of festivities on opening day. Starting at 7 a.m., early birds will be treated to giveaways, live DJ sets, jazz performances, and a ribbon-cutting with local organizations including the Harlem Chamber of Commerce and NYPD’s 26th Precinct.
Photo: Raising Cane’s
Among the incentives to line up early:
- A drawing for “Free Cane’s for a Year” for 20 customers — this will take place between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Free hats and future meal cards for the first 100 dine-in Combo purchases
- A gift basket for the first customer through the doors
- Live music and a cappella performances throughout the day
- Community check presentations to local groups including the West Harlem Arts Alliance
While Raising Cane’s is new to many New Yorkers, the Louisiana-based company has a devoted following across the country. Its menu keeps things simple: fried chicken tenders (either solo or in a sandwich), sides like Texas toast and coleslaw, and their cult-favorite Cane’s Sauce.
Cane’s Box Combo. Photo: Raising Cane’s
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The new location will be open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Broadway and 111th Street location is fully outfitted for the September 4 opening. Meanwhile, a rep for the chain told us the outpost at 2067 Broadway is slated for a 2026 debut “pending city approval.”
Other eateries opening in the immediate area include Ayat, a Palestinian restaurant, and a new location of Xi’an Famous Foods.
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