Monday, November 6, 2023

The return of Rakka!

Top photo by Steven; photo below by William Klayer

A familiar restaurant looks to be returning to the East Village.

On Saturday, workers hoisted signage for Rakka at 156 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street...
Rakka (depending on the era, DBA Cafe Rakka or Rakka Cafe) had a long run offering affordable Middle-Eastern cuisine at 81 St. Mark's Place at First Avenue until the summer of 2021. Rakka's Avenue B outpost closed in late 2013.

(Of note: This sign states "since 1985" ...  the most recent signage on St. Mark's stated established in 1978, while the previous version had 1982! Anyway!)

The retail space at 156 First Ave. was previously Hello Banana Vintage, which quietly closed over the summer.
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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 7:27 AM

    Now that's a surprise!

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  2. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 8:27 AM

    Now that’s good news, welcome home Rakka!

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  3. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 10:53 AM

    Wonderful news! So happy they're back.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 12:41 PM

    Always my personal favorite for Falafel

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  5. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 1:24 PM

    Amazing that they were able to get another storefront nearby. Can't wait. I like Mamoun but missed Rakka.

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  6. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 2:47 PM

    Can’t wait to to eat there

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  7. Jill WNovember 6, 2023 at 3:00 PM

    glad to hear about any falafel joints, and especially a returning one! They were missed.

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  8. AnonymousNovember 6, 2023 at 9:22 PM

    More good news! I was just missing them today, so glad they're back.

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  9. EVQPNovember 7, 2023 at 4:18 PM

    Hurrah! Agree with anon. 1.24 that we like Mamoun's, but definitely missed Rakka. Welcome back!

    ReplyDelete

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