Violent Romance Ignites at Dubrow's Cafeteria
Dubrow's Cafeteria: A Beloved Manhattan Institution
Dubrow's Cafeteria, a cherished eatery in the heart of Manhattan, particularly in the Garment District, closed its doors 40 years ago, marking the end of an era for this iconic establishment [2][3][4][5]. At its peak, Dubrow's operated four locations, including one in Brooklyn, and was more than just a place to eat; it became a cultural landmark and social hub for the local community [1].
The cafeteria, frequented by Garment District workers and local entertainers, played a significant role in the lives of comedians Van Harris and Shirley Harris. Their romantic story, documented in a 2025 interview titled "Love at first punch at Dubrows Cafeteria," recounts how they met and fell in love while frequenting Dubrow's Cafeteria at night [1].
The atmosphere and community at Dubrow's evidently played a key role in bringing them together. They would gather around to watch a regular known as Herbie the Nibbler eat large amounts of food, and Herbie, in turn, was given a discount on his meals [6]. The Harris family, including their children who have a great sense of humor as a result of being surrounded by their friends, remember their parents by listening to their StoryCorps interview on their wedding anniversary each year [7].
Van Harris and Shirley Harris shared a StoryCorps conversation in 2012, where they reminisced about their experiences at Dubrow's Cafeteria, discussing who would have dinner and enjoying their shared cups of coffee [8]. Van Harris had a friend named Filthy Milthy, who served as their babysitter on occasion [9]. Another regular at Dubrow's, Filthy Milthy was known for his prank of exchanging dresser drawers [10].
In its heyday, Dubrow's Cafeteria was not only a beloved eating spot but also a gathering place for the local community. Each year, their children remember their parents by listening to their StoryCorps interview on their wedding anniversary, preserving the memories of this unique and cherished institution. [7]
Social media users worldwide might have enjoyedimmerse themselves in the heartwarming story of Van Harris and Shirley Harris, whose love blossomed at the iconic Dubrow's Cafeteria, reminiscing about the memorable encounters and entertainment that the cherished Manhattan institution provided [11]. In a digitized archive of personal histories, their StoryCorps interview serves as a testament to the role Dubrow's played in shaping their love story and a portal for future generations to relive the belonging, laughter, and social connections the cafeteria symbolized [11].
