Merrick Ave. Diner is closed

Add the Merrick Ave. Diner to the list of restaurant closings in 2013.

In its previous incarnation, the Merrick eatery was known as the MaryBill Diner. It came under new ownership and had a name change in 2010.

What distinguished the place was not its food but rather its status as a classic vintage railroad car diner —  sliding front door, curved ceiling and old-time ambience. The diner had been manufactured in 1947 by the Silk City company of New Jersey and brought to Merrick soon afterward. For years, it has been a local  landmark. Its next incarnation remains to be seen.