We reported last month that two Lower East Side nightlife spots, 2nd Floor on Clinton and Barramundi, would be closing at the end of June. The moves were triggered by the sale of 67 Clinton St., where the businesses are located. Tony Powe, the former building owner and operator of the bars, told us the new landlord was looking for potential new management to take over the ground floor and second floor spaces. Documents filed with Community Board 3 ahead of this month’s liquor license hearing offer some clues about the possible future of these two spaces.
The applicants run Rocky Slims, a pizza-centric Italian restaurant in Kips Bay that offers, of course, fancy cocktails. No indication on the CB3 questionnaire about the concept on Clinton Street. There would be 60 seats and 2 bars with a 4am closing time 7 nights a week.
The sale of the building hasn’t yet popped up in public records. According to the community board documents the new owner’s name is Stuart Richer.
Other items of note on CB3’s agenda:
- Katz’s Deli is looking to upgrade its wine/beer permit to full liquor. Is the famed Lower East Side institution looking to enter the cocktail business? Apparently not. Co-owner Jake Dell tells us the family decided to seek an upgrade for catering events and parties. “We won’t be serving alcohol (meaning hard liquor) during normal business hours to the general public.” Dell said quite a few people have requested liquor during private events.
- Ivan Ramen will ask for an upgrade of his beer/wine permit at 25 Clinton St. In 2013, owner/chef Ivan Orkin backed away from full liquor after it was suggested that his restaurant was possibly within 200 feet of Congregation Chasm Sopher, the synagogue at 10 Clinton St. State law prohibits bars from opening within 200 feet of religious institutions.
- The brothers Max and Eli Sussman will outline their plans for Samesa, a Middle Eastern restaurant at 121 Orchard St. The spot, just a stone’s throw from the Russ & Daughters Cafe, is currently home to Sheherazade, the home furnishings store that has been saying a very long goodbye.
Community Board 3’s SLA Committee meets next Monday at 6:30 p.m. at 59 East 4th St.
