Rabbit Books and Bar owners share an update ahead of a mid-July opening on Avenue A

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy 

Signage arrived Monday for Rabbit Books and Bar, the incoming business at 170 Avenue A on the corner of 11th Street. (We first reported on this here.) 

Yesterday, owners Marianna Vaidman Stone and her daughter, Emily Samara Stone, discussed the community's response to the project, addressed questions about the bookstore-bar-cafe concept, and said they remain on track for a mid-July opening.

What has the response been like in the community and from the neighborhood? 

Marianna Vaidman Stone: It’s been so delightful! It really has been so delightful. We feel welcomed to the neighborhood. When we were out there [on Monday] putting up the posters, so many people stopped to say hello, to say how excited they were to meet us. And some of them had already been aware of us from social media. 

It's been really nice, a wonderful welcome, and we're excited about the welcome we've gotten. 

Emily Samara Stone: People are excited about the concept itself. We got quite a few "we're so happy that it's a family business that's coming in here," like a mom-and-pop or mom and daughter. [laughs] People have been super welcoming. 

Has anyone reached out from Barnes & Noble [opening across Avenue A in November]?

Emily: No. 

Do you think they might? 

Marianna: No. I don't expect them to. 

Emily: They're pretty big. 

Marianna: Right. I don't know if we're on their radar, but even if we were, I imagine their view would be, ‘we're doing our thing.’ And our view is we're doing our thing, and we're going to continue to do our thing. Presumably, they're going to continue to do their thing. 

Emily: Hopefully, there'll be more reaching out when they're closer to opening. 

Marianna: Yeah, they're still a ways away from even their anticipated opening date. 

What would you say to the people who are concerned, is this a bar or is it a bookstore? 

Marianna: We would say that this concept, at its heart, is a bookstore. We have always conceived of the food and drink as a way to help people have the book experience. 

I know that this neighborhood has faced, in the past, places that claim to be one thing and then turn louder and more boisterous. My childhood dream was a bookstore. I'm pretty quiet…we're both quiet. I have always looked for a place where I can talk to my friends, and I want that to be this place. 

I'm not in it to maximize the return on the people walking by this corner. I'm really in it to make a community space, a lovely space for conversation. And to some extent, other people have no reason to trust me, per se; they don't know me yet. But I think once they get to know us, they'll hopefully come around and see that we are good-faith operators and are presenting a good-faith picture of our plans that we're committed to. 

Emily: I also, in that vein, want to be clear that it is really both a bookstore and a bar. And we hear concerns about the density of nightlife in this area. But the answer to that isn't "Footloose." 

One of our answers to that is a slightly quieter alternative where you can hear your friends, talk about books, and have a glass of wine. We're not pretending that that's not true.

How are things with the targeted opening date? 

Marianna: We're still aiming for mid-July, and so far, we're sticking to it!

Work starts on new 10th Street pedestrian bridge to East River Park

The latest Weekly Construction Bulletin for the East River Park reconstruction project includes an update on work tied to the new 10th Street pedestrian bridge. 

Beginning this week, crews are mobilizing equipment east of Avenue D on 10th Street in preparation for pile installation for the new bridge, which will provide a fully accessible connection into East River Park.

According to project officials, pile installation is expected to be a noisy and disruptive operation and is scheduled to continue for approximately three months. The work will require parking restrictions and road closures, including access to the FDR Drive Service Road from 10th Street during work hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

Noise, vibration and air-quality monitors are in place, according to the bulletin.

Access to the 10th Street pedestrian bridge closed in May 2025. Later, workers demolished the bridge overnight last July. 

The replacement structure is one of several new elevated access points being built to connect the neighborhood to the rebuilt East River Park. 

The "phased work operations" in East River Park started in November 2021 as part of a billion-plus-dollar project to elevate large sections of the park by 8 to 10 feet above sea level, aiming to protect the neighborhood from future storm surges. 

The southern half of East River Park, past Houston Street, is now open again. 

The timeline for completing this northern section of East River Park was pushed back by a year to the end of 2027, as we first reported here.

Former Karma gallery for lease on 2nd Street — for use as a gallery

Photo by Stacie Joy 

The listing has arrived for 188 E. Second St., the one-story building between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

We expected the property to be marketed as a development site for the always-popular condoplex.

However, the Redwood Property group is pitching it as a top-flight gallery space. Listing here. The Karma gallery closed here this spring after nearly 10 years in the space. (Karma debuted their flagship New York location in the 10,000-square-foot ground floor of the old Otis Elevator Company Building on West 26th Street last summer.) 

Before Karma, the space was a beverage distributor.

Tuesday's parting shot

Here's a look at the entrance to the Dry Dock Pool today on 10th Street near Avenue D. 

The city's outdoor pool season officially begins on Saturday, June 27, when the Dry Dock Pool and others open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day (with a cleaning break from 3-4 p.m.). 

Given the forecast calling for temperatures in the 90s over the next few days, some residents might wish the opening day were arriving much sooner...

Village View board exploring development options for one of its parking lots

Photos by Stacie Joy 

The board at Village View, the 1,236-unit Mitchell-Lama cooperative that opened in 1964 between First Avenue and Avenue A, has taken another step toward exploring the future of Parking Lot 7. 

According to minutes from the co-op's January board meeting, directors voted to hire Alan Cohen of ABS Partners under a six-month exclusive contract to market Parking Lot 7 — located on Second Street between Avenue A and First Avenue — to prospective residential developers.

The board had previously met with representatives from the law firm Sheppard Mullin, former City Council member Domenic Recchia, and Cohen to discuss potential economic opportunities associated with the site. 

While no formal redevelopment proposal has been made public, the board's decision to retain a broker has prompted questions among some shareholders about what, exactly, could be built there and how any future project might affect the co-op and the surrounding neighborhood. 

The possibility of redevelopment has raised concerns among some shareholders, who say they want more transparency about the process and assurances that affordable housing will be considered if the site ultimately moves forward with development. 

Since January, several residents have contacted EVG, saying the concerns extend beyond parking.

"Village View has been a steadfast example of mixed-use affordable housing that works and is financially stable — a godsend for many families," one resident said. "We want transparency and to know that affordable housing is being considered in this project." 

A resident-run website, VillageViewCommunity.com, has been documenting concerns surrounding the proposal. In recent posts, contributors questioned the board's handling of the process. They cited statements made during an April 28 meeting, including discussion of more than $300,000 in spending on legal, lobbying and development-related work before many shareholders were aware of the initiative. 

The site has also raised concerns about whether shareholders will have an opportunity to vote on any future transaction involving the property.

These are the free movies screening in Tompkins Square Park this summer

ICYMI... The Lower East Side Film Festival is bringing its free summer screening series back to Tompkins Square Park this summer. 

Here's what is on the docket: 

• July 22 — "Little Miss Sunshine" 

• Aug. 5 — "Super Troopers" 

• Aug. 19 — "Beasts of the Southern Wild" 

Each screening, beginning around 8:30 p.m., takes place in the center of the park, where the bands usually perform on weekends. 

The series is in partnership with presenting sponsor Searchlight Pictures and local City Councilmember Harvey Epstein ... with community support from East Village Community Coalition, Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), and Loisaida Inc. Center.

Openings: Alma Mexicana Restaurante on 3rd Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

There's a new restaurant serving Mexican and Dominican fare on Third Street. 

Alma Mexicana Restaurante recently opened in the former Rossy's Bakery & Café space between Avenue B and Avenue C. 

The name translates to "Soul of Mexico." Owner Luis Cano's restaurant debuted on June 1 and is serving a menu of Mexican and Dominican dishes, including tacos ($3 each or two for $5), pollo guisado platters with rice and beans, plus snacks such as alcapurrias and empanadas.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Rossy's Bakery & Café closed in April after 16 years in the neighborhood. 

Owner Roselia "Rossy" Caba told us last year that trying to stay affordable while covering costs was no longer sustainable.

NY Copy Print & Ship Center preparing to close after 34 years on 7th Street

Another longtime neighborhood business is preparing to say goodbye. 

NY Copy Print & Ship Center, a family-owned business at 13 E. Seventh St. near Cooper Square, is winding down after 34 years. 

Owner Mousume Sarker told EVG that the shop had originally planned to close last summer but decided to stay open for one more year.

Now, however, the end is in sight ... with a closing set next month.

"The rent is very high for us, and trying to negotiate with the landlord didn't work out," Sarker said. 

The business opened in 1992 and has served generations of neighborhood residents needing copies, printing, shipping and other office services. 

"Thirty-four years in business — it's a milestone for me," Sarker said. 

As part of the closing process, all stationery merchandise is now marked down 50% to 70%. 

Current hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The incoming Barnes & Noble gets the plywood treatment on Avenue A

The retail space at 181 Avenue A between 11th Street and 12th Street is now wrapped in plywood as workers are prepping the interior for the first tenant here — Barnes & Noble. (First reported here.)

The Barnes & Noble website lists a November opening.

The storefront in the base of Steiner East Village has been vacant since residents began moving into the condoplex eight years ago. 

Developer Douglas Steiner bought the former Mary Help of Christians property here in 2012 from the Archdiocese of New York for $41 million. During the summer of 2013, workers demolished the church, school and rectory.

Closures: Gooey On the Inside Cookies

Photo by William Klayer

Gooey On the Inside Cookies has closed its East Village outpost after nearly nine months at 149 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

In an Instagram message, owner Kafi Dublin said the space "just wasn't working" for the business and added that the landlord agreed to let her out of the lease. 

Dublin, who started baking and selling cookies as a kid, opened Gooey's first storefront on Chrystie Street in 2017 after leaving her job as a clinical analyst with the city. Her gooey-centered cookies have since developed a national following, with orders shipped across the country.

In February, she opened a location on Christopher Street. The Chrystie and Christopher shops remain open.

Openings: Tacos Domingo on 1st Avenue

A quick post to say that Tacos Domingo officially opened yesterday on the southwest corner of First Avenue and St. Mark's Place. 

As previously reported, the Mexico City-based taquería is making its first expansion outside its home market with the East Village outpost. 

Tacos Domingo is known for its charcoal-grilled meats and handmade flour tortillas. They are also only focusing on a few menu items...

The space also includes several standing communal tables... and per one reader, a fixings bar with various salsas and guacamole. 

The restaurant arrives with a fan base, thanks to a series of NYC pop-ups and collaborations, including well-received events with Apollo Bagels and Esse Taco. 

An EVG reader left us this report: "Charcoal-grilled meat is my thing, these were quite good — but the bean and cheese was even better," CHFDigital said. "Definitely a great addition to the neighborhood."

Current hours are noon to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday's parting shot

In First Street Green Art Park (33 E. First St. + Houston at Second Avenue)... new Knicks mural by Cram Concepts ... Ratchi NYC and @yellowkidslanty... 

Scenes from the 3rd annual Lower East Side Puerto Rican Parade & Festival

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Puerto Rican flags were flying — and so were plenty of Knicks colors — as the third annual Lower East Side Puerto Rican Parade & Festival stepped off yesterday afternoon.

This year's parade honored Kanielle Hernandez as Madrina and Frige as Padrino (below)...

The march made its way from Columbia and Rivington streets to Avenue D and 12th Street, where a community celebration showcased Puerto Rican culture, heritage and resilience through music, dancing and neighborhood camaraderie...

Even an approaching thunderstorm that cut the festivities short couldn't take much away from the day's celebratory mood.

Week in Grieview

We spy Clyde! The neighborhood pup was keeping a low profile while hanging out with his owner, Santo Mollica of The Source Unltd copy shop. Photo by Steven.

Meanwhile, posts from this past week included...

• Community input wanted for the $30.2 million renovation of the Tompkins Square Library (June 3) 

• For HAGS, bigger things are on the menu with new space on the Bowery (June 1) 

• Pride outside the 2nd Avenue F stop (June 5) 

• A look at 'Loisaida Thrives' on Avenue C and 6th Street (May 31) 

• Hoy! Filipino Street Food is heading to Clinton and Houston (June 2) 

• East Village musician Franzi Szymkowiak on her band Lukka’s latest release (June 3)

• Book Club Bar reopens after a spring spruce-up (June 6) 

• After a lengthy pause, construction restarts at 1st Avenue and 2nd Street (June 1) 

• No more Karma for the East Village (June 2) 

• ‘No Picnic’ starting its 8th week at the Film Forum (June 5) 

• Viral vexors prompt no-filming policy at 1st Avenue smoke shop (June 2) 

• The 5th annual LUNGS Theater Festival takes place this weekend (June 4) 

• Retro signage alert: Good Time Country Buffet on 1st Avenue (June 3) 

• Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier leaves Avenue B after 25-plus years (June 4) 

• Tribeca Festival time at the Village East by Angelika (June 2)

• Openings and reopenings on 3rd Avenue: Han Dynasty and Olio e Più (June 1) 

• Closings: Marylou on St. Mark's Place (June 3) 

• The 'best burritos' in Los Angeles are coming to Lafayette Street this fall (June 3) 

• Cotti Coffee coming to 14th Street (June 4) 

• Openings: Cups of Pasta on 4th Street (June 1) 

• EVG highlights from May (May 31) 

• EVG road trip: Total Bummer at the Knockdown Center (June 1) 

... and Udder madness on Avenue B! New this past week outside the newish Andrew Steak Society at 51 Avenue B between Third and Fourth streets... something for influencers and vandals... (photos by Stacie Joy)

Sunday's opening shot

The fifth annual LUNGS (Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens) Theater Festival continues today at the 6th Street and Avenue B Garden. 

The free performances run from 1-5 p.m. (Note: Today's program is the same as yesterday's.) In total, there are five original one-act plays. For a preview, visit the LUNGS website here.

Saturday's parting short

Right when the rain started falling this evening on St. Mark's Place...

Noted

EVG reader Cynthia Reynolds shares these photos from Fifth Street between Second Avenue and the Bowery this morning, where someone took the time to warn the owners of two parked cars that a man was on the pavement directly in front of — or behind — their vehicles.

Fortunately, by the time Cynthia took these, the man had apparently moved along...

Important dates leading up to the June 23 New York Primary

Visit Vote NYC for more info.

Book Club Bar reopens after a spring spruce-up

Photos by Stacie Joy

Book Club Bar is back in action today following a brief closure. 

As previously reported, the bookstore-bar at 197 E. Third St., just west of Avenue B, closed on May 4 for repairs, maintenance and a general refresh of the space. 

We stopped by last evening for a quick look and caught up with co-owners Erin Neary and Nat Esten...

The temp closure also timed with the opening of a second Book Club Bar location in Bushwick, which debuted on Troutman Street on May 2. 

The EV outpost is open daily: Sunday-Wednesday 9 a.m. to midnight; Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Caturday's opening shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Sky looks thrilled by his newfound fame at Love Story on Third Street near Avenue B...