On 2nd Avenue, Moko temporarily relocates during renovation

Photos by Steven 

Moko, an omakase restaurant that opened in the fall of 2021 at 138 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, is now closed for renovations. 

According to a sign on the door for patrons, Moko has "relocated temporarily for renovations" ... and can now be found at Moko's unnamed sister restaurant at 214 E. Ninth St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue...

In July, Moko's ownership was to appear before Community Board 3 for a new liquor license for 214 E. Ninth St. The restaurant, Shiso, was said to offer a Japanese and French tasting menu. (Questionnaire here.)

It's not immediately clear how long Shiso may have been in service. We spotted two nearly identical TikToks about the opening (here and here) from July. 

According to minutes from the July meeting (PDF here), CB3 SLA committee members recommended denying Shiso's application for a liquor license. 

Per the minutes: "Three people spoke in opposition, including a representative of the condominium board, primarily due to noise, safety, and quality of life issues as well as DOB violations for the construction, liens against the building for unpaid contractors and that they have already held events with velvet ropes, doormen and large crowds outside without a license." 

In addition, "there were 2 residents who wrote an email in opposition, and 2 residents who said their signatures were forged on the petitions."

According to the State Liquor Authority, this address has no active liquor license. Public records show that the license expired at the end of August for the previous tenant, Dumpling Lab, which closed last fall shortly after making the 2022 Michelin Guide's list of 18 new Bib Gourmands.

Moko's Second Avenue outpost also did not have an active liquor license, per the State Liquor Authority.