Updated 5/17: Sammy's received the OK from Community Board 3.
As we first reported on April 27, NYC classic Sammy's Roumanian Steakhouse is looking to reopen in a new location.
Next Monday, ownership will appear before CB3's SLA committee for a new liquor license for 191 Orchard St. between Houston and Stanton — space that has been vacant for nine years.
According to the public document, Sammy's 2.0 would feature 58 tables for 118 guests. They're also looking for seating in the outdoor garden behind the restaurant.
The paperwork notes that there will be two seatings per evening .... and that an estimated 90% of the seating will be by reservation only. Other highlights: The sale of Sammy's merch (T-shirts are mentioned) and the entertainment will feature "a lounge singer on keyboard." (The application says they'll hire a sound engineer "for comprehensive sound mitigation.")
The proposed hours are Monday-Wednesday from 4-11 p.m., with a midnight close on Thursday and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The outdoor space would shut down at 10 p.m. all days.
Sammy's closed in early January 2021 after 45-plus years of serving up ice-encased vodka, smeared pitchers of schmaltz and enormous platters of meat from the lower level at 151 Chrystie St.
The restaurant had been shuttered since the PAUSE of March 2020, and this wasn't a business ready-made for delivery or outdoor dining.
In an Instagram post at the time, owner David Zimmerman left the door open for a return.
You know it's not gonna be the same really. But I'll take it, what choice do we have...
ReplyDeleteSeems like a real strategic mistake to ask for that patio too... I'm sure the neighbors will be up in arms (understandably) about that.
ReplyDeleteWell of course the neighbors are going to have a fit about this… the space has been vacant for 9 years because it was the old Sixth Ward space. They were pushed out of the space due to some messiness with DOB and fire exits after the neighboring building expanded its footprint into the emergency exit space of the backyard. The neighbors on that block have fought every venue that has moved in on any side of it… the hotel nearby seems to have done enough to satisfy the authorities despite being bustling and noisy. Sammy’s is going to need a GREAT “expediter” to get this one through…
ReplyDeleteSammy’s closing felt like a piece of LES and NYC had died.
ReplyDeleteSammy’s should be welcomed back with open arms and local pols, including the mayor need to be all over making this happen for NYC. Especially that they are coming back to LES…closer to Katz’s and Russ & Daughters…amazing for NYC!
And really, I thank the heavens Sammy’s is not looking to open this in Florida, Las Vegas or somewhere else. It would be another serious loss of heritage to the best city on earth.
It would be another serious loss of heritage to WHAT USED TO BE the best city on earth.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back
ReplyDeleteOur family has been lost without you
Can’t wait
See you soon
Yeah but is Dani coming back? Without him what is Sammy’s?
ReplyDeleteBring back the Fillmore East as well with Jerry Garcia and Bill Graham.
ReplyDeleteStan and David welcome back. Breakout the roasted peppers. Mix the chopped liver tableside. Bring back the unborn eggs, seltzer bottles and don’t forget the bittersweet ubet
ReplyDeleteAny news re a reopening? I know a lot of people waiting to hear.
ReplyDelete