Goodbye Dolly

Photo by Steven

An item we didn't get a chance to previously mention ... a for-lease sign recently arrived at 137 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

This marks the official end of the ice cream and waffle shop The Dolly Llama. The business had been closed since last summer, with a note for patrons announcing "temporarily closed for remodeling and a refreshed look." This was odd, seeing how it only opened in March 2023. 

A rep previously told us in October that they hoped to be back open soon.

The Dolly Llama started in Los Angeles in 2017 and has multiple locations in the United States now. 

Noting

Every so often, Blogger, the content management system that this site uses, seemingly randomly updates something, like the photo-uploading feature. 

On that note, the photo-uploading feature is currently displaying error messages when trying to upload photos. 

Back with posts AND photos when all systems are go. 

Meanwhile, we can still cut and paste the code from previously published photos... like this crowd favorite, currently on loan to the National Gallery of Art...

 

The Dolly Llama remains closed for renovations

Photos by Steven 

The Dolly Llama has been closed since the late summer at 137 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

According to the gate signage, the ice cream and waffle shop, which opened in March, is "temporarily closed for remodeling and a refreshed look."

Dolly Llama Watchers (oh, there are some!) wondered why they might need a refreshed look after just six months. 

In any event, the EV location is no longer listed on the Dolly Llama website. And based on the mail and leaves inside the front doorway, no one has been inside of late. However, in an Instagram message, management said they didn't have a reopening date yet but hoped to soon.

The Dolly Llama started in Los Angeles in 2017, and there are multiple locations now in the United States. 

Tatsu Ramen has not been open lately

The Tatsu Ramen location at 167 First Ave. has been closed for the past month-plus ... signs on the storefront between 10th Street and 11th Street note a closure for renovations.

An EVG reader who lives nearby hasn't seen any activity inside for weeks... with the mail piling up ... 

There isn't any mention of a closure — temporary or otherwise — on the restaurant's social media properties. The East Village outpost is also no longer listed on the Tatsu website. (The three L.A.-area locations remain open.) 

We reached out to find out if/when this space will return.

The Southern California transplant opened here in a competitive ramen market back in July 2018.

H/T Steven

Mi Tea currently closed for renovations on St. Mark's Place

The Mi Tea location on 19-23 St. Mark's Place has been dark in recent days.

Someone told us the sign basically says "closed for renovations" ...



Mi Tea opened here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue in October 2018. This was the fifth U.S. branch (there's one in Flushing) for the Hangzhou, China-based chain with 1,000 locations worldwide. Their speciality: Himalayan pink salted cheese tea drinks.

No word on when or if they will reopen. There's a lot of bubble tea competition in the area.

The space is also adjacent to St. Mark's Market, which closed back in the fall. These businesses have been under the doom and gloom of a sidewalk bridge for two to three years now.

Thanks to EVG Bubble Tea District Correspondent Steven for the photos!

Previously on EV Grieve:
More bubble tea for the Bubble Tea District (aka St. Mark's Place)

A new era for 'closed for renovations' signage

Perhaps the owners of Boilermaker have seen enough of those "closed for renovations" signs on local businesses... that never actually reopen after said renovations. (Here ... and here ... and here, to name a few.)

So when the bar on First Street at First Avenue closed for renovations after service on Sunday, they wanted potential patrons to know they were returning...

On 2nd Avenue, renovations turn into a seizure by the Marshal at Hot Box

[Photo from April]

Hot Box has not been open in recent months over at 77 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.

A handwritten note on the door stated that they were "closed for 'renovations'"...



During that time, there wasn't much, if any, activity inside the space...



And now that renovations sign has been removed... and there's a notice stating that the Marshal has taken legal possession of the space and turned it back over to the landlord...



The restaurant opened in May 2018, offering a quick-serve interpretation on traditional Chinese hot pot with a "signature burner system" for the table.

There isn't any word of a closure – temporary or otherwise — on the Hot Box website and social media properties.

Tough restaurant times at this address in the past two years. Ciala, which briefly served Georgian cuisine before switching to French food, had an inauspicious five-month tenure here.

Renovations and a 3-day rent demand at Bait & Hook

Bait & Hook, the sports bar on the northwest corner of 14th Street and Second Avenue, has been closed the past 10-plus days for renovations. (H/T Pinch for first sharing this.)



Meanwhile, as EVG regular Laura notes, a 3-day rent demand has arrived next to the Closed for Renovations signage...





According to the notice, the owners here owe $104,000 (and change) in back rent (and various fees) dating to October.

Bait & Hook opened in September 2012. The press materials noted at the time: "Bait & Hook offers a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere where seafood is the star. Diners can enjoy a reasonably priced meal without compromising high-end, quality cuisine and service."

View this post on Instagram

Come join us tomorrow for Santacon 🎅🏼at Bait & Hook 14th St and 2nd Ave. Live Dj, No Cover Charge and Enjoy our all day Specials.

A post shared by Bait & Hook (@baitandhook) on Dec 7, 2018 at 5:27pm PST

Cholo Noir space now for rent on 6th Street

A for rent sign now hangs in the window at 503 E. Sixth St., which apparently brings an end to Cholo Noir's 13-month run here between Avenue A and Avenue B.

The Chicano-inspired bar-restaurant had been closed since Aug. 19, with handwritten notes indicating the trusty "closed for renovations."

There's isn't any mention of a closure on Cholo Noir's website or social media properties.

As previously reported, CB3 twice denied a liquor license for the proprietors in 2016 ... among other reasons, there are 20-plus full on-premises liquor licenses within 500 feet of the address. CB3 members also didn't see much public benefit from the concept on a mostly residential block in a nightlife-saturated neighborhood.

Given the amount of work that they already put into the space, ownership went to the State Liquor Authority for a license. As DNAinfo reported in February 2017:

[T]he owners remain positive the eatery will be a good presence in the neighborhood, claiming Cholo Noir will be centered around the food, with cocktails to complement the menu.

“Most people don’t go into a Mexican restaurant and say, ‘Let’s go get wasted,’ but people do go for good Mexican food and they like to have something to complement it,” said Paul Le Mos, who plans to run the restaurant alongside Lennard Camarillo, former operator of West Village eatery Florencia 13.

The proprietors don't want to bring another noisy bar to the neighborhood, he said, but want to serve the community with great food and culture.

To the contrary, a few nearby neighbors felt as if they were, in fact, a drinks-first establishment ... offering all-you-can-drink brunch specials... and other happy hour deals ...

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there. Come celebrate @cholonoir with a special #brunch menu. #eastvillage

A post shared by CholoNoir (@cholonoir) on May 13, 2018 at 11:16am PDT

In 2014, the owners received $15,000 by winning the New York Public Library’s New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Another no for Cholo Noir

'Low and Slow' on 6th and A

Cholo Noir is currently closed 4 renovations

Several readers have noted that Cholo Noir has been closed since at least Aug. 19 here on Sixth Street just east of Avenue A ... Handwritten signs arrived on the front back on Aug. 22 noting a closure for (4) renovations...



There's no mention of the temporary closure on their website or social media properties. Their phone is currently not in service.

Cholo Noir, a Chicano-inspired bar-restaurant, opened in July 2017.

As previously reported, CB3 twice denied a liquor license for the proprietors in 2016 ... among other reasons, there are 20-plus full on-premises liquor licenses within 500 feet of the address. CB3 members also didn't see much public benefit from the concept on a mostly residential block in a nightlife-saturated neighborhood.

Given the amount of work that they already put into the space, ownership went to the State Liquor Authority for a license.

In 2014, the owners received $15,000 by winning the New York Public Library’s New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Another no for Cholo Noir

'Low and Slow' on 6th and A

Some back rent due at ZaabVer Thai on 2nd Avenue

ZaabVer Thai has been out of service at 75 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street since the late spring.

A sign on the front door still claims "under renovation" while Yelp and Google list the restaurant as permanently closed.

Back on Thursday, a three-day notice arrived from the landlord... noting that the tenant owes $114,499.65 at $14,475.23 per month for the base rent ... plus charges for water ...

Turntable 5060 returning after months-long hiatus

Turntable 5060 has been closed on Avenue B at Fourth Street since late July. A sign on the door pointed to a closure for renovations. (It never looked as if much renovating had been going on inside.)

In any event, now there's a new sign, one stating that they'll reopen on Dec. 1...



The restaurant serving Korean-style fried chicken and craft beers opened in July 2015. Turntable opened a new location on 33rd Street this past summer.

Baohaus closed for renovations for now on 14th Street

Just noting that Eddie Huang's Baohaus has been closed since last Sunday... and will be so for another few weeks here on 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue...



Huang, the chef-author-TV personality, will reportedly open an outpost on the Bowery in Chinatown. (This location was seeking a full liquor license last month. Not sure what the outcome was.)

The quick-serve Taiwanese restaurant opened on 14th Street in 2011... the original Rivington Street location closed shortly after this.

H/T EVG reader Shiv!

Turntable 5060 has been closed today for awhile

Turntable 5060 has been closed of late here on Avenue B at Fourth Street.

Two signs on the door note that they are "under renovation." There aren't any new work permits on file at the DOB to note any work in the space.

And there is a handwritten sign on the door that reads...

Hey guys!

We are sad to say that we are closed today for repairs!

If you're craving friend chicken, just come to our K-town location! 20 W33rdSt.

There isn't any notice about a temporary closure on their website or social media properties.

The restaurant serving Korean-style fried chicken and craft beers opened in July 2015. The 33rd Street location mentioned on the note just opened last month.

Black Market is not reopening

We noted yesterday that Black Market closed on Sunday... the sign on the door here at 110 Avenue A near Seventh Street notes that they are closed for renovations.

A now-former employee shared a text (said to have been sent March 7) from management about what was happening... per the text, Black Market won't be reopening ...



... a tipster said that the owners (Johnny T and Jesse Malin) are updating the space for another venture.

Black Market, which served burgers, oysters and cocktails, opened in 2010.

East Village Burritos & Bar and Apna Masala haven't been open lately

It has been dark of late at East Village Burritos & Bar and its sister establishment next door, Apna Masala.



A sign on the restaurants here on First Avenue at Sixth Street mentions a closure for "construction work" — today.



Perhaps connecting the dots, the FDNY responded to a report of a fire at the building, 97 First Ave., on Sept. 25...roughly the last time we saw these places open...





There wasn't any word of damage to the building. (Witnesses said that they smelled smoke, but never saw any actual fire.)

Neither of these places haven't been setting any dining attendance records, save for nice evenings when a few patrons will take advantage of their sidewalk seating (under the sidewalk bridge for a good part of the summer).

After Banjara left the corner in 2013, Figaro Villaggio, an Italian bar-restaurant, opened in January 2014. They later changed the name to Figaro Cafe Bistro Bar & Grill and, by November 2014, gave up part of the space to an Apna Masala. (All from the same owners, as we understand it.)

Then in March 2015, Figaro Cafe Bistro Bar & Grill changed its names/concepts to La Esquina Bar & Grill ... then the name evolved to La Esquina Burritos and Bar ... and eventually East Village Burritos & Bar.

There's nothing on file with the DOB about renovations/construction on the space.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Banjara space yielding to Figaro Bistro Grill, 15 comments

Banjara moving soon to the Haveli space on Second Avenue

Indian cuisine returning to the corner of 1st Avenue and East 6th Street

Figaro Cafe Bistro Bar & Grill is now La Esquina (not that one) Bar & Grill

La Esquina Burritos & Bar signage up on 1st Avenue

6th Street switcharoos: Another name change for La Esquina Burritos and Bar; Spice Cove exits

Not open lately: Atomic Wings on 1st Avenue; Edible Arrangements on St. Mark's Place

Both the Atomic Wings on First Avenue between 11th Street and 12th Street ... and the Edible Arrangements location on St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue have been closed now going on three weeks.

There isn't any signage at the Atomic Wings, which has multiple locations around the city.



The Edible Arrangements, which also has numerous outposts in the city, has a note on the door stating they are "currently closed for renovations." The note also points potential Edible Arrangers to visit the Tribeca location for your fresh-fruit bouquet needs.



There aren't any work permits on file for the storefront... and there hasn't been any sign of work in these past few weeks.

Updated:
Both businesses eventually reopened... however, Atomic Wings then closed again in the spring of 2017.

Tiny Empire's short run ends on Lafayette Street

Brooklyn-based juicery Tiny Empire opened a location down on Lafayette Street at Spring last August... by November, the DOH had shut down the location over some zoning issue with the downstairs bathroom, as BoweryBoogie noted.

By the end of January, a "temporarily closed" for "emergency maintenance/construction" signage arrived.

And Tiny Empire never reopened. On Wednesday, the Marshal paid a visit... and the landlord took legal possession of the space...



Previously

Moonstruck Eatery makes an appearance at 167 Avenue A

[Photo from May]

About six weeks ago we heard a rumor that Moonstruck Diner would be opening another location in the neighborhood, this time at 167 Avenue A between East 10th Street and East 11th Street.

The previous tenant, Ethos Meze East Village, is owned by the same folks who run the Moonstruck Diner chainlet in the city.

While we were never able to nail down that rumor, a new sign has appeared above the space — for Moonstruck Eatery.





Previously on EV Grieve:
Rumor: Moonstruck Diner opening location on Avenue A

Juice Press on East 10th Street (the one near Avenue A) closes for good

[EVG photo from March 1]

Back in early March, the Juice Press on East 10th Street near Avenue A closed for renovations … an employee at the Juice Press on East 10th Street near Second Avenue told us that this location would definitely be reopening in a few months.

Apparently those plans changed. An EVG reader shared this photo from yesterday, when a store for rent sign arrived in the front window…



A recent article at well + Good noted that Juice Press "is expanding faster than your body can absorb green juice nutrients." This is the first time that we actually heard about a JP closing.

Steve Croman's 9300 Realty is the landlord.

This Juice Press location opened in June 2011.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Juice Press on East 10th Street (the one near Avenue A) closes for renovations