Openings: The Commodore on Avenue C

Photos from March 10 by Stacie Joy 

The Commodore made its EV debut Wednesday evening at 14 Avenue C at Second Street...

This is the sibling (twin?) to The Commodore, the popular retro spot in Williamsburg that serves fried chicken and other Southern-fried menu items. 

This also marks the first Manhattan venture for owners Taylor Dow and Chris Young, whose establishments include The Drift Inn in Greenpoint. 

You can find the Commodore menu here. The Commodore is open daily Monday-Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., with a 4 a.m. close Thursday-Saturday. There's brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The kitchen closes at midnight every day. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Full reveal at 14 Avenue C, where the team behind The Commodore is opening a new outpost

Full reveal at 14 Avenue C, where the team behind The Commodore is opening a new outpost

The plywood is down around 14 Avenue at Second Street ... and we spotted workers painting the exterior yesterday. 

We go back to December 2022 for news about the next tenant ... when Taylor Dow and Chris Young, owners of The Commodore in Williamsburg (and The Drift Inn in Greenpoint), appeared before CB3 for a new liquor license for the corner space.

The applicant's questionnaire on file with CB3 stated the establishment would be doing business as The Commodore, which means their acclaimed* fried chicken and retro vibes will be coming here. This will mark the owners' first Manhattan business.

No word on an opening date, though The Commodore-esque palm tree neon is on in the window.

Recent tenants at 14 Avenue C included Sanatorium, the hospital-themed cocktail lounge ... and the hookah lounge C Lounge.

Updated:

EVG's Stacie Joy also got a few photos from yesterday...

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re: acclaimed*

From Bon Appétit:

People don't "like”"The Commodore. They f*#%ing love the Commodore. People don't think the fried chicken sandwich is "delicious." It's the best f*#%ing fried chicken sandwich in Brooklyn, or New York City, or probably the world — a ridiculously crunchy breast on a squishy roll with just the right amount of cooling, crunchy slaw.

Plywood report: The Commodore at 14 Avenue C

Renovations continue at 14 Avenue C at Second Street, where an outpost of the Commodore is in the works.

This past December, CB3 approved a full liquor license for the space (previously licensed) for the operators of the retro bar-fried chicken joint that opened on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg in 2010.

 

Eater reported a late fall opening here.

Recent tenants included Sanatorium, the hospital-themed cocktail lounge ... and the hookah lounge C Lounge.

Residents launch petition to oppose method of operation for Albert Trummer's new cocktail bar on Avenue C

[Image via Buchbinder & Warren]

On Monday night, CB3's SLA committee gave the OK to mixologist Albert Trummer to open a cocktail lounge/tapas bar at 16 Avenue C (aka 262 E. Second St.).

Despite the committee's thumbs up for Trummer — who made headlines for his flaming concoctions at the Prohibition-era styled Apothéke in Chinatown — members of the tenants association at 262 E. Second St. are circulating a petition to oppose part of the unnamed bar's plans, such as the DJ and hours of operation, approved at 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

According to the petition:

The Community Board approved because the SLA (State Liquor Association) would approve the license and that if the board actually denied it (which they were inclined to do) it would have meant that the SLA would grant the license and the establishment could stay open until 4am. A motion was passed and the establishment can be open 7-days a week from 5pm-2am. Apparently this falls under the 500-foot rule. Since there are only 2 other establishments within 500 feet of 14 Avenue C holding full liquor licenses it makes it very easy for 14 Avenue C to secure a new license.

Albert Trummer, the new owner, is proposing to serve $1,600 bottles of champagne and there was bottle service listed on the menu that he submitted to the board – including $375 bottles of vodka and a single cocktail priced at $300. Mr. Trummer wants to have a DJ for “background music” and serve "tapas" style food, though there is no kitchen (except a "prep kitchen" which consists of a countertop). 

We support the #SAVENYC mission and understand that this is a small business that wants to open. However, this particular business is completely incongruous to the neighborhood and we fear the collateral damage it could inflict on the other small businesses on the block...

Neighbors include Barrier Free Living, a shelter for homeless men and women with mobility impairments and/or severe medical problems.



The petition mentions that Trummer was arrested when he ran Apothéke. According to published reports, FDNY investigators arrested Trummer in 2010 after setting alcohol aflame on the bartop at Apothéke on Doyers Street. He was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal nuisance, both misdemeanors. After the arrest, he told the Times: "My intention was not to hurt anybody. I'm an artist. I'm a mixologoist. I'm a cook. But I'm not a pyrotechnic maniac."

Anyone interested in signing the petition can contact the tenants association via email here

14 Avenue C was previously home to Adinah's Farm, the market that closed for good last June.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Mixologoist Albert Trummer looking to bring a cocktail bar to Avenue C

Mixologoist Albert Trummer looking to bring a cocktail bar to Avenue C

[Image via Buchbinder & Warren]

Albert Trummer, perhaps best known for his flaming concoctions at the Prohibition-era styled Apothéke in Chinatown, has designs for a new cocktail bar at 14 Avenue C, home of the former Adinah's Farm corner market.

Trummer's name is on the 30-day notice submitted to CB3 ahead of Monday night's SLA committee meeting.



FDNY investigators reportedly arrested Trummer in 2010 after setting alcohol aflame on the bartop at Apothéke on Doyers Street. He was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal nuisance, both misdemeanors. After the arrest, he told the Times: "My intention was not to hurt anybody. I'm an artist. I'm a mixologoist. I'm a cook. But I'm not a pyrotechnic maniac."

He vowed to fight the charges, but, in September 2011, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received $120 in fines and two days community service.

Most recently Trummer has been opening bars in South Beach.

The questionnaire with more specifics about the new bar here at Avenue C and East Second Street has yet to arrive on the CB3 website.

Updated 1:24 p.m.

The questionnaire (PDF) is now online. The proposed hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The configuration shows 10 tables seating 45 people, and one bar for 15 people. The unnamed bar plans to serve a tapas-style menu.

Adinah's Farm closed for good last June. The asking rent for the space had been $17,500.

The SLA committee meeting is Monday night at 6:30 in the CB3 office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.