By Gus Saltonstall
An imposing sidewalk shed came down in recent days that had covered multiple popular Upper West Side restaurants, but it unfortunately appears to be only short-term relief.
Also significantly, the shed’s removal revealed a surprise from bygone times.
The sidewalk shed came down on Broadway, between West 90th and 91st streets. The block is home to the Mediterranean restaurant Dagon, which was named the best new restaurant in New York City by the New York Post in 2021, and the longtime popular spot, Carmine’s. Tal’s Bagels is also on the block directly next to Carmine’s.
A sidewalk shed has covered all three restaurants since at least 2019, according to Google Maps imagery.
The removal of the sidewalk shed on the Upper West Side block led to an unexpected discovery. The old sign for Big Daddy’s, a once-popular burger spot, never came down.
Big Daddy’s closed at the Upper West Side storefront seven years ago in 2019. But the signage for the burger joint never was fully removed, possibly due to the long-term sidewalk shed.
Here’s what the front of Dagon now looks like.
Dagon does not sell burgers, shakes, or tots.
The removal of the sidewalk shed also means unobstructed views of Carmine’s.
Unfortunately, it appears that the removal of the sidewalk shed is only temporary.
Permits were filed on July 31, 2026, at both 2450 Broadway (Carmine’s) and 2454 Broadway (Dagon) for the “proposed installation of a heavy-duty sidewalk shed.” Then, on August 11, permits were filed at the addresses for the “installation of temporary wiring and lighting for sidewalk shed.”
This means a sidewalk shed will most likely return to the block in the near future.
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Dagon does sell a burger and has some excellent potatoes, but alas, no fries.
I miss Big Daddy’s. I know all the food snobs here will disagree but it added a more unique presence to the neighborhood than Dagon – plenty of other restaurants like Dagon (which I actually like, though I think it is very expensive). There is not much like Big Daddy’s, which was particularly good for families. It is nice to have a diverse mix of restaurants, particularly given that there are a lot of families on the UWS.
One thing I don’t like about all the sidewalk sheds is that there is more of an obstructed view of pedestrians on the sidewalk from the other side of the of the street. I personally feel like it’s a security issue. I think we’d all have a better shot at being safe if someone might notice us from across the street while we’re being mugged or something…..
Literal insanity. Maybe we should all just walk around wearing helmets instead?