Coney Island "Open," But Ruby's Still in Limbo

Courtesy Ruby's Bar and Grill

Ha, remember how last spring that poor guy fell through Ruby's floor into a filthy, rat-infested basement? If this photo is any indication, patrons at the quintessential Coney Island dive should also use caution when stepping out of the bar. Or, at least they would if the place was actually open; after ongoing negotiations with controversial landlord Joe Sitt, the owners of Ruby's still do not have a lease.

According to the beloved bar and grill's website, the boardwalk is "due" to be completed by Sunday, and the management hopes to have a new lease for 2009 by then. If not, everyone will just have to find somewhere else for Easter dinner. Last weekend, the Cyclone and Deno’s Wonder Wheel amusement park opened for the season, but large sections of the boardwalk are still being repaired, and many businesses besides Ruby's are still in a holding pattern, waiting for their new leases from Sitt. [Via Grub Street]