According to a readers, there's a full bar with nine seats ... and 18 tables packed side by side — not an inch between them. Another reader reported seeing some business types (owners? investors?) inside for a meal yesterday afternoon... But the place was sealed up last night...
Some residents on Avenue A and the nearby side streets are understandably nervous about what kind of crowd El Camion will attract... More on the low-key side, like Benny's, or more like, say, something in the Diablo Royale Este-Señor Swanky’s mix... Said a reader: "I am praying it'll be a nice, quiet little corner joint and not a loud hangout!"
Back in May, the CB3/SLA committee denied their application for a liquor license ... However, despite CB3's denial, the State Liquor Authority ultimately approved the license.
On Nov. 30, Patrick Hedlund wrote about El Camion at DNAinfo... Per his story:
"The man, who was listed in online records for the restaurant's corporate company but declined to provide his name, did confirm that the emphasis will be on food rather drinks, and that the space would close no later than midnight or 1 a.m. on weekends."
Meanwhile, someone affiliated with the restaurant has a Twitter account...
And here's another shot via EV Grieve reader Paul W...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Coming to 154 Avenue A: Mexican restaurant
The place looks pretty nice, definitely more interesting than benny's and senor swanky's. Def more legit than diablo.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the "SLA ultimately approved them" is correct. It appears that they are using the Raven's liquor license, which was held in "safekeeping" for the last 5 years. Once a liquor license, always a liquor license.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Jill... you're right...
ReplyDeleteActually, I will clarify, they bought the Raven's liquor license, which doesn't require approval. What they did was buy the corporation that had a single asset - a liquor license. And when you buy a corporation you don't have to go through the same approvals process because it's like nothing changed. Another back door way to get a liquor license.
ReplyDeleteAh... but didn't CB3's SLA committee say no to all this back in May at that Epic meeting?
ReplyDeleteI hope the emphasis really is on food. I am all for a great new restaurant in the neighborhood. I also hope the menu is affordable but that might be hoping for too much in the East Village these days.
ReplyDeleteI lived in this building until it was hit by landlord lighting and burned.
ReplyDeleteIf it's opened and focussing on food, they need to focus more.........
ReplyDelete