Friday, March 3, 2017

From Rustico to Paquito's


[Reader photo]

As noted yesterday, Rustico, the cafe at 135 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, has closed. And a source tells us that a rent increase was behind the closure.

Meanwhile, the owners were selling off what was left of the small restaurant yesterday.

And some of Rustico will be staying nearby... the owners of Paquito's, a few storefronts away at 143 First Ave., bought some of Rustico's tables and chairs...


[Photo last night by Raquel Shapira]

H/T Lola Sáenz

9 comments:

NOTORIOUS said...

I threw up in my mouth a little before realizing this wasn't outdoor seating.

Because everyone is waiting with baited breath for my thoughts on this matter: I'd rather dine inside of a dumpster than on the sidewalks of First Avenue.

Both Jeremiah and I can now breathe a sigh of relief.

As you were.

Unknown said...

FU**&&&KKKKKKK !! Used to go here every weekend for coffee and to read the digital newspaper! Used to do this at Cafe Pick Me Up until that was crushed. The staff was always really friendly too :( This sucks.

Gojira said...

Yow, thank God that's the story, I read the headline and thought Paquito's, my go - to Mexican, was closing, too!

Anonymous said...

When Paquito's really does close (and one day they will), that will finally really, REALLY be the end of the end.
It will officially be over.

Cosmo said...

Paquito's doesn't get enough love. It's a great affordable place without the screaming drunkards.

Anonymous said...

Go to Paquitos! Support them; great food. DO NOT allow another great place to close.

EV Grieve said...

I agree Cosmo!

Need to write one of those Paquito's — Still Got It posts.

Any volunteers??????? Seriously!

Gojira said...

What would I need to do? Review it? I eat there often enough that it wouldn't be a problem! Let me know.

Anonymous said...

The writing was on the wall, you just never saw enough traffic in Rustico. I never went in since they were so unneighborly with their sign; left it on all night, bright red.
Basically, if the place isn't packed with people waiting to get in (like Momofuku) then you can't afford a space that size in the EV.
I don't see many people in Paquito's restaurant either, though the take out place is always busy, I order from them at least once per week, the food is excellent.