It’s been a couple of weeks since Eastwood opened for business at 221 East Broadway. The new bar, run by Sivan Harlap and Andrew States, joins Pushcart Coffee and Malt & Mold in building a locally-owned, indie nitch in the historic “Mayflower Hotel” building at the corner of Clinton Street and East Broadway. The other day, we stopped by to find out how things are going.
Harlap and States, both musicians, poured a lot of creative energy into the design of this sun-splashed spot just down the street from Seward Park. He restored the original door; she made the lighting fixtures hanging over the bar, using old bike rims. The colorful floor tiles, made of cement, are from Mexico but inspired by a floor Sivan noticed in Tel Aviv. The bar and stools were designed for maximum comfort.
They’ve had plenty of time to work out the kinks in the menu (an adjoining “chip shop” opened several months ago). The falafel sandwich ($7) has been getting good reviews. A fresh fish sandwich ($12) comes on fresh-baked bread with tarter sauce and greens. There’s a nice kale salad, available with an egg ($11) if you so choose, and of course fish & chips ($12). The “Israeli scotch egg,” surrounded by a falafel crust, seems like an ideal bar snack. There’s an interesting beer selection. Among the options: an Oskar Blues Pilsner, Green Flash IPA and a Bronx Pale Ale on draft. Cans and bottles are also available. An Austrian white wine, Hans & Franz Grüner, is on tap; a red and Prosecco will start flowing soon, and pitchers and carafes will be offered.
Harlap and States survived a whole lot of drama over their liquor license, finally having to settle on wine and beer, rather than full liquor. They’ve put all of that behind them, and are operating a friendly place that has a casual, neighborhood feel. There’s a turntable behind the bar, and customers are encouraged to bring in their own records. While we were hanging out, selections ranged from jazz standards to Fleetwood Mac. There are tables set up for Chess and Backgammon. Could be some fierce games on East Broadway!
Eastwood has a happy hour special Monday-Friday 5-8 p.m. — draft beer is two-for-one. For now, the hours are 3 p.m.-4 a.m. every day.
It’s a great addition to the nab!
the fish and chips are SOOOoOoOO good. my gal and i even ordered an EXTRA fish and chips after we finished our first round. the canned cider is delicious, and the bar tender is rad. YESSS.
Love This place. The chips with Malt Vinegar are some of the best around. I can’t wait until the wine selection gets as good as the beer selection.