March gallery is on the move out of the East Village

Photo by Stacie Joy

After more than five years at 62-64 Avenue A, March gallery is headed south. 

The gallery has shown its last exhibition here, and will open in a new space this fall at 209 Canal St. (#3). 

Per an Instagram post: "March is pleased, elated, thrilled, content, and generally enthused about moving to 209 CANAL STREET this September. Our new space is located on one of the most iconic streets in Manhattan, a stone's throw from both Tribeca and SOHO. See you then. See you there."

Phillip March Jones debuted March here between Fourth Street and Fifth Street in May 2021... before expanding into an adjacent storefront the following winter. 

New owners bought the block-long building in the fall of 2022, leading to an exodus of tenants. 

Staff here told us that the lease was up, and "all the galleries are moving," noting "there's more traffic in Tribeca."

March is the latest gallery to either close or move away from the East Village in recent years, a list that includes:

• Karma closed three galleries here and now operates from a 10,000-square-foot space on West 26th Street. 

• Ruby/Dakota closed earlier this year after 18 months on Second Street. 

• In 2022, Ki Smith Gallery relocated from Fourth Street to Forsyth on the LES 

• Gratin left 76 Avenue B in late 2024 for space on both Grand Street and White Street. 

• O'Flaherty's left Avenue A and Third Street in the summer of 2024 after a memorable 18-month run.

87 1st Ave. is for sale

There's a new listing for the sale of the 16-unit 87 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. 

The listing notes that the property "offers an exceptional investment opportunity in one of New York City’s most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods" and "enjoys convenient access to premier dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural destinations." 

Asking price: $7.499 million. 

There's no mention of the retail space, home for years to the Blue Door Video... where it's more difficult to window shop with the constant tagging here...

EVG's Stacie Joy documented the main floor of the business in this 2022 post. 

It's difficult to imagine someone purchasing the building as an investment and keeping the Blue Door as a tenant. We'll see! 

Also, as previously noted, a new development is in the works (still) in the empty lot next door to No. 87.

Carnitas Ramirez marks 2 years in the East Village

Photo by Stacie Joy

Carnitas Ramirez recently celebrated its second anniversary at 210 E. Third St., just east of Avenue B ... a noteworthy milestone in a neighborhood where we often end up reporting on restaurants that don't make it nearly that long. 

The taqueria's success has not gone unnoticed beyond the East Village (and their original outpost in Greenpoint). 

chefs Giovanni Cervantes and (far left in the top pic) and Yvon de Tassigny (2nd from right) were finalists for Best Chef: New York State at the 2026 James Beard Awards. The recognition was notable in another respect: Carnitas Ramirez became the first taqueria since 2022 to have a finalist in the category. 

In a neighborhood where restaurant turnover can feel relentless, two years — and a James Beard finalist nod — is a run worth noting.

Has the smoke-shop hydra finally met its match at 166 Avenue B?

Photos by Stacie Joy

An eviction notice has been affixed to the gate at 166 Avenue B between 10th Street and 11th Street, the latest development at a storefront that has housed a succession of (brightly lit) unlicensed smoke shops in recent years.

As we've documented, various iterations of smoke shops have cycled through the address, with enforcement actions and closures often followed by another operator appearing shortly thereafter.

So while the eviction notice suggests the current chapter has come to an end, experience has taught us not to declare victory too soon.

Still, it may be the strongest sign yet that the smoke-shop hydra at 166 Avenue B has finally run out of heads.

Tuesday's parting shot

EVG reader Eva Jakubowski shared this sunset shot from 10th Street near First Avenue as, she wrote, the last voters cast their ballots at the Theater for the New City on Primary Day in NYC.

Today is Primary Election Day

Election Day is today (Tuesday, June 23) here in NYC.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Find your poll site here.) 

East Village residents will be voting on the following (links include info on the candidates):

• Representative in Congress 10 

• State Comptroller 

• State Senator 27 

Find more election info at NYC Votes here. 

Meanwhile, 172,743 check-ins were recorded during the early voting period between June 13 and June 21...

📢2026 Primary Election-
Early Voting Complete!
Manhattan: 67,369
Bronx: 14,739
Brooklyn: 54,277
Queens: 33,143
Staten Island: 3,215
Total # of Early Voting Check-Ins: 172,743*
*Unofficial & Cumulative as of close of polls

— NYC Board of Elections (@BOENYC) June 21, 2026

16 Handles has a new 2nd Avenue home

It appears that 16 Handles has found a new home on Second Avenue. 

According to Crain's New York Business, Neil Hershman, CEO of the frozen-yogurt chain, has purchased the four-story building at 105 Second Ave. at Sixth Street for $4.5 million. (It's certainly one way to avoid another lease-renewal impasse.) 

 

Crain's reports that the property is expected to become the new home of the relocated EV 16 Handles shop. 

The move comes after the January closure of the longtime 16 Handles outpost at 153 Second Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

In January, signage for customers said the business would reopen elsewhere on Second Avenue after operators were unable to reach a lease-renewal agreement with the new landlord. The shop at 153 Second Ave. was the first-ever 16 Handles location when it opened in 2008. Since then, the chain has expanded to more than 40 locations around the country. 

The storefront at 105 Second Ave. has sat vacant in recent years following a succession of bank branches.

For those keeping score at home, the building also has a notable past, having housed part of the former Fillmore East rock club (1968-1971) and, later, The Saint before becoming home to a series of banks.

Signage arrives for 'Slam Frank' at the Orpheum Theatre

Signage is up at the Orpheum Theatre on Second Avenue between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place for the upcoming Off-Broadway run of "Slam Frank."

Written by Andrew Fox and Joel Sinensky and directed by Sam LaFrage, the musical begins previews on Sept. 17 ahead of an Oct. 4 opening. 

According to press materials, "Slam Frank" reimagines the story of Anne Frank through an "intersectional, multiethnic, genderqueer, Afro-Latin hip-hop lens." As The Hollywood Reporter noted in its coverage of the production's move to the Orpheum, the musical was inspired by a viral 2022 Twitter thread that asked whether Anne Frank ever acknowledged her "white privilege."

The show imagines a progressive community theater company transforming Frank's story into a hyper-woke parable. Fox has said the production's politics are intentionally elusive, though The Hollywood Reporter said that one of its primary targets is the excesses of identity politics.

The musical previously played at the Asylum NYC, where some critics called it among the boldest theatrical experiences of 2025. 

Tickets and additional information are available via the production's website. 

Monday's parting shot

A World Cup group-stage match between France and Iraq flickers through a window somewhere in the East Village.

New signs outline upcoming roadway changes for Avenue B

Photo by Stacie Joy 

The city is starting to publicize a street-improvement project for Avenue B, with notices recently posted along the corridor. 

The plans aren't new. The Department of Transportation has been discussing changes to Avenue B for several years. Last summer, DOT officials presented the proposal to the Community Board 3 Transportation, Public Safety, Sanitation & Environment Committee and later to the full board, while also seeking feedback from residents through an online survey (flashback). 

Among the planned changes: 

• A northbound one-way conversion on Avenue B between Seventh Street and 10th Street 

• Painted curb extensions along the corridor, with a focus on intersections near schools 

• A contra-flow bike lane between Seventh Street and 10th Street

• Additional bicycle shared-lane markings ("sharrows") 

• New truck-loading and no-standing regulations 

The DOT says the project is intended to expand public space, add bicycle infrastructure and update curb regulations. 

According to the posted notice, implementation began this month. The sign includes a rendering of a proposed streetscape treatment modeled after changes made on Berry Street in Williamsburg. 

We'll see what residents make of the changes once they begin taking shape on B. As with any change involving traffic, bicycles and parking, expect opinions. 

Generator in use outside the 9th Precinct amid ongoing electrical issues

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

A reader recently asked about the large generator parked on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue outside the 9th Precinct stationhouse. 

According to a source familiar with the situation, the generator is helping provide power for the building's internet, phone and air-conditioning systems while crews work to address an electrical issue inside the stationhouse. We're told portions of the building have been without normal power for roughly two weeks. 

The source said technicians have been working on the problem daily, though a permanent fix has not yet been completed.

The generator, about the size of a horse trailer, emits a noticeable hum as it helps keep systems running at the stationhouse. It's expected to remain in place until the issue is resolved.

External (loud) power source for NYPD's 9th Precinct during weeks-long loss of electricity pic.twitter.com/dbpk4GHGOF

— Stacie Joy (@Joy_of_photos) June 21, 2026

A longtime East Village destination for Japanese antiques is closing

EVG reader photos

Another distinctive East Village retailer is preparing to close.

Makari Japanese Antiques and Fine Art, at 97 Third Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street, is expected to shut down by the end of June after 17 years in the neighborhood. 

In a message to customers, the shop's owners wrote: "It has been around 17 years since we opened Makari in the East Village, where we wanted to share the beauty and depth of Japanese antiques and fine arts. After many wonderful years, we have made the difficult decision to close our store. We are incredibly grateful for your support, loyalty, and love over the years. It has truly meant the world to us to share the things we love with all of you." 

The shop specializes in Japanese antiques, contemporary art, crafts and tableware. We're told the owner is planning to return to Japan. 

Ahead of the closure, Makari is offering 50% off all merchandise in the store. 

We're sorry to see Makari go, especially businesses that aren't devoted to food, beverage or nightlife.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m.

A new omakase spot is in soft-open mode on Avenue B

Photos by Stacie Joy

A nondescript new sushi spot has quietly arrived on Avenue B.

Omakase by Tento is now in soft-open mode at 106 Avenue B between Sixth Street and Seventh Street, becoming the first tenant in the recently gut-renovated storefronts.

The restaurant is offering a 14-piece nigiri omakase for $75. Through July 1, customers can also receive 20% off during the soft-opening period.

You can find additional details and reservations on Resy.

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

A Father's Day cookout today on Third Street at Avenue B with Fingers working the grill...

At the Rebelmaticfest in Tompkins Square Park

Photos by Stacie Joy

Tompkins Square Park served as the backdrop yesterday for the inaugural Rebelmaticfest, a Juneteenth celebration featuring music, activism, and plenty of volume with artists from across the punk, hip-hop, and experimental music worlds. 

Rebelmatic closed out the afternoon with its signature blend of punk, funk and metal. 

The following photos start with the headliners, then move through a few scenes from offstage...

And elsewhere... Chris Flash of The Shadow...

Astrid was one of the vendors (we like her work—check it out here).

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week include (with a sunrise shot from 1st Avenue and 9th Street)... 

Never miss an EVG post with the weekly EVG newsletter. Free right here. 

• Remembering Steve Almaas (June 16) 

• A Thursday night on East Village Radio with Adrian Rew of Ergot Records (June 17) 

• Freedom Village, 13-story supportive housing, officially debuts on 2nd Street (June 18) 

• Trinity Lower East Side celebrates 30 years in its Avenue B home (June 16) 

• Billy Jones Forever Foundation launches to support emerging music professionals (June 19) 

• The newish office building at 1 St. Mark's Place is no longer empty (June 15) 

• Knicks championship celebrations from:
--Avenue C
--Sophie’s and beyond
--St. Mark’s Place
--Canyon of Heroes

• Jalen Brunson mural gets a championship update (June 17) 

• 'We’re back' — Kotobuki officially announces its East Village return (June 18) 

• Construction watch: 57 4th Ave. (June 16) 

• Bob Bert celebrates Beach Bongo Bloodbath at the Bowery Palace (June 19) 

• Where to find free music TODAY (June 21) as part of Make Music New York 2026 (June 20) 

• The Community Boutique & Café has closed on 12th Street (June 17) 

• A final look at Somtum Der (June 15) 

• Signage alert: Dim Sum Bloom (and officially farewell to Taverna East Village) (June 18) … Bar Monto on 2nd Avenue (June 17) … FKA on 2nd Avenue (June 15) 

• La Pizza Roma up next for 20 Avenue A (June 18) 

• Shaky Eyez coming into focus on 14th Street (June 16) 

And sidewalk signage of the week from 4th and A... thanks to @carlenemcgoldrick for the pic...

Waxing Crescent Moon over 2nd Avenue

Felton Davis, the still-honestly-retired founder of the Second Avenue Star Watchers, shared these photos and dispatch from last evening on Second Avenue and Third Street: 

Marathon Saturday night session showing the crescent Moon in the constellation Leo. Venus is setting in the west over 8 E. Third St. Basically, I just don't have the energy to keep this project going, but from time to time, people help me drag the equipment out to the corner, and then the crowds gather just as they did 14 years ago. Orion Telescopes went out of business, so I can't get spare parts, but the telescope is still in better shape than the sidewalk astronomer.

Last call for the Cozy Soup 'n' Burger

The Cozy Soup 'n' Burger on Broadway at Astor Place has extended its closure by one day — from today (Happy Father's Day!) to tomorrow (June 22). 

As previously reported, third-generation owner John Strats announced that the 54-year-old diner would close, citing a confluence of factors, including declining business and rising food and supply costs.

Usual hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays (notice to change tomorrow).

Saturday's parting shot

A walk in East River Park today... access via the Delancey Street pedestrian bridge...

Where to find free music tomorrow as part of Make Music New York 2026

If your Sunday afternoon plans include wandering the neighborhood, you may come across a few unexpected performances. 

Tomorrow (June 21) is the 20th edition of Make Music New York, with free music scheduled at several local spots, including: 

• 11th Street Community Garden, 422 E 11th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue 

• Albert's Garden, 16-18 E. Second St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery 

• Astor Place • Le Petit Versailles, 247 E. Second St. between Avenue B and Avenue C 

Hit the Make Music website for details about these shows and other venues citywide.