Everyone Came to Elaine's

Everyone came to Elaine's. And that's hardly an exaggeration. A Manhattan Upper East Side institution helmed by a chain-smoking owner who wasn't afraid to toss men twice her size just because she didn't like them, Elaine's was the go-to spot for generations of celebrities and media types—and was the place to be on Oscar night in New York City. Elaine Kaufman died in December 2010; earlier this week, it was announced that her beloved restaurant would follow.

When the owner departs, the fizz disappears from the champagne. It's over," said William Grimes, author of a culinary history of New York. But even after Elaine's is gone, New York will still have the memories. Click on any photo below to expand. View the full gallery on LIFE.com.