Espresso bar-barber shop in the works for 137 Avenue A

A tipster told us last month that a coffee shop will open in the former Top A Nails space going under renovations now at 137 Avenue A between Ninth Street and St. Mark's Place.

That is partially correct. There is a CB3 SLA notice now on the storefront noting applicants are opening Three Seat Espresso and Barber in this space...



The applicants are seeking a beer-wine license for the business. This item will not be heard during this month's meeting, which is Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the CB3 office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

There isn't any other information about the cafe-barber shop combo just yet. (There is a website that appears still under construction.)

As for Top A Nails, they moved next door to No. 139 in May.

Coffee shop slated for former Top A Nails space on Avenue A

A tipster passes along word that a coffee shop will open in the former Top A Nails space going under renovations now at 137 Avenue A between Ninth Street and 10th Street. The tipster did not have any further details, such as who the proprietors are.

Top A Nails moved next door to No. 139 — the former Sustainable NYC — at the beginning of May.

Updated: Restaurant in the works for Top A Nails storefront on Avenue A

[Image via Goggle Street View]

As we mentioned last week, CB3 has released the SLA licensing committee docket for October.

One mystery item on the agenda (to be heard Oct. 6) is a new liquor license for 137 Avenue A — currently home to Top A Nails between St. Mark's Place and East Ninth Street.

So far, there aren't many details on the CB3 website about the applicant. The application (PDF!) notes that a restaurant with a full liquor license is in the works. There isn't any mention of the names behind the project. Attorney Ravi Ivan Sharma reps the applicant. (Sharma worked for Pride and Joy BBQ as they tried to open a restaurant in the former Lucky Cheng's space on First Avenue.)

This might prove to be a challenge for the applicant — a full liquor license within a so-called saturated area in a space that previously didn't house a bar-restaurant.

At this point, we're not sure what the deal is with Top A Nails. Based on the number of people we see waiting for manicures and pedicures, this place seems to do brisk business.

Updated 10:58 a.m.

It appears that there might be a mistake on the application with the address. The folks at the salon say they aren't moving. The application might then be for No. 135 — home now to Lucy's. Ugh.

Updated 4:56 p.m.

We're still waiting for clarification on this... the CB3 schedule shows 137 Avenue A ... the application on file at the CB3 website mentions 137 Avenue A on Page 1 ... and 137 Avenue C on Page 2... the owner listed is the same as 137 Avenue C's owner... so, this appears to be a mistake. The application is very likely for 137 Avenue C then — the former home of the Sunburnt Cow...



Updated 5:08 p.m.

There was a mistake on the application — it's for 137 Avenue C, not 137 Avenue A as posted at the CB3 website. Sorry for any moments of panic.