We’re sweating it out at the monthly meeting of Community Board 3’s liquor licensing panel. For the fifth time in recent months the team behind The DL (formerly Ludlow Manor) is back before the board.  Both CB3 and the State Liquor Authority balked at the establishment’s quest to expand its liquor license to the second and third level spaces. The huge venue, at the corner of Ludlow and Delancey streets, had been serving liquor even though a ground floor restaurant had not yet opened, a violation of the liquor license.
New General Manager Paul Seres assured CB3 members he would make sure the business operates responsibly. He also agreed to several restrictions covering live music performances, the late night use of the open-air roof deck and security staffing. Reluctantly, the committee approved the request. It’s now up to the Liquor Authority to approve or deny the expanded permit.
UPDATE 7:50 p.m. The committee approved a wine/beer license for a new Southeast Asian restaurant at 68 Clinton Street run by Leah Cohen (a top chef alum) and Rick Camac (of the Fatty Crab restaurants). The location is the former home of Falai, the Italian restaurant that shuttered last fall.
UPDATE 8:10 p.m. Darren Rubell (Gallery Bar) won approval to take over Nice Guy Eddie’s, the watering hole at East Houston and Avenue A. The bar is currently owned by CB3 member (and SLA committee member) David McWater. McWater recused himself from voting on the application. Rubell plans a restaurant serving comfort food.
