Side-by-side business closures on Avenue A

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Two storefronts have gone dark at 68-70 Avenue A between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

Angels Boutique, which sold vintage fashion collectibles and accessories, closed at No. 70 last Thursday after seven months. 

It was a spin-off business of vintage-designer purveyors Angels on A, two storefronts to the south. Angels on A remains in business. (And some of the merchandise from the boutique may end up at Angels.)

Owner Angel Ramirez said the boutique was "a niche business that didn't catch on." 

Meanwhile, Viva! Café, which was located next door, has also closed. The quick-serve establishment was revamped in the fall and rebranded from Café Social 68. 

Ramirez, who operated Angels Boutique and Viva! Café and the still-open Angels on A, cited economic reasons. 

"Cost of goods rising, a difficult economy, retail struggles," he said.

Ramirez said he will miss his regulars, some of whom he has known and served since Café Social 68 opened in August 2019.

[Updated] Café Social 68 revamps its space and is ready to debut as Viva! Cafe

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After several weeks of renovations, a new-look cafe is ready to debut at 68 Avenue A between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. 

Owner Angel Ramirez has revamped Café Social 68, expanding the menu to offer more options throughout the day. Along with the new menu comes a new name: Viva! Café. 

The counter has been relocated from the left side to the center of the storefront, and a larger kitchen takes up the are where the few tabletops used to be. Viva! Cafe will now be an order-and-go operation with a new delivery (Seamless, et al) service. 

Aside from a variety of coffee drinks (still offering Devoción), they'll have special sandwiches, salads and soups... and a focus on breakfast foods such as egg sandwiches and French toast.

Last evening, Ramirez, who owns adjacent clothing businesses Angels on A and Angels Boutique, was busy finishing up the space for today's expected grand opening.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. 

Café Social 68 opened in August 2019.

Café Social 68 temporarily closes for renovations on Avenue A, reopening in 2 weeks

Café Social 68, located at 68 Avenue A between Fourth Street and Fifth Street, will be closed for the next two weeks.

The signage that arrived over the weekend notes that the temp closure is "due to some changes being made in our café. These adjustments will allow us to better serve our community and offer you all a better experience." (Thanks to Stacie Joy for the sign picture!)

Café Social 68 opened in August 2019, taking the space over from Croissanteria.