Looking at two recent storefront reveals on 2nd Avenue

On the NE corner of Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place, Café Maud's signage is officially official as of yesterday. (We got a sneak preview last Wednesday.)

The self-described "neighborhood cafe & bar" replaces EV oldster Dallas BBQ, which closed in December 2022 due to a rent hike.

Opening date for Café Maud: SOON.

Meanwhile, on the NW corner of Second Avenue and Ninth Street, we have a full reveal after workers recently removed the plywood (and layers of wheatpaste ads)...

As previously mentioned, a fast-casual restaurant, Balkan StrEAT, was in the works for the space (the former Starbucks). However, the Balkan StrEAT on Sixth Avenue abruptly closed in October, putting this outpost in doubt.

The RUMOR now is a Greek restaurant will open here.

Thanks to Steven for the top photo.

Café Maud is the name of the new establishment in the former Dallas BBQ space

Photo by Jose Garcia 

In breaking signage news, workers were spotted putting up the letters outline this afternoon for Café Maud on the NE corner of Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place. 

Readers and residents have been curious about the name of hospitality vet Curt Huegel's new concept at 132 Second Ave. amid the renovations over the last year-plus. (His portfolio includes concepts such as Bill's Townhouse, Campagnola, Printers Alley, and, closer to home, Jackdaw on Second Avenue at 13th Street.) 

Café Maud's placeholder Instagram account refers to the place as a "neighborhood cafe & bar." 

Huegel appeared before Community Board 3 in June 2022 and received approval for the concept. (He didn't respond to our previous request for comment about what's in store for this space.) 

Dallas BBQ closed in December 2022 after anchoring the corner since the mid-1980s. Staff said the building's landlord would not renew the chainlet's lease.

No word about an opening for the café-bar.