CB3 gives OK for East Side Tavern to take over the former Redhead space on 13th Street

As we've noted, Michael Stewart, a co-owner of Tavern on Jane at 31 Eighth Ave., is opening East Side Tavern in the former Redhead space on 13th Street.

On Monday night, CB3's SLA committee gave their blessing for the new venture. And those in attendance were happy about the arrival. Per BoweryBoogie: "It was a rare sight to see so many longtimers in attendance to support Stewart’s endeavor."

Several EVG readers have said they liked the idea of a Tavern of Jane-type place in this neighborhood. Per one commenter: "Tavern on Jane is the sort of place I'd love to see in the EV: not overly expensive, decent food in a nice surrounding, no uber-trends or the sort of crowd that rushes in to be part of a 'scene.' If the new place is like ToJ, then that could be a nice addition to the hood."

Here's what New York magazine had to say about Tavern on Jane, which opened in 1995:

Bleecker Street may be teeming with expensive boutiques and cupcake tourists, but the Village vibe lives on at Tavern on Jane. With vintage posters on its exposed brick, an embossed ceiling, and low, topaz lighting, the dining area feels as inviting as a bustling English roadside inn. Most customers sip brimming pints of ale in the front room’s convivial bar, or settle into the back room to doodle with fat crayons on each table’s butcher paper. The Tavern’s brand of classy pub grub goes for hearty flavors over foppish modern flourishes. Tender, marinated hanger steak comes with your choice of potato and vegetable — the emerald asparagus is charred and sweet, while potatoes au gratin have the creamy bite of blue cheese. The grilled, juicy burger, capped with gooey cheddar, comes nestled inside a toasted bun and served with tawny fries and a dish of sweet coleslaw...

Stewart said that he will replicate that Tavern on Jane vibe on 13th Street. "My whole idea is to make it feel exactly the same as Tavern on Jane feels," he told DNAinfo.

After a few minor renovations Stewart hopes to have East Side Tavern open in March. The committee did stipulate a 2 a.m. closing time instead of the proposed 4 a.m. hour. (East Side will close on midnight on Sundays.)

The Redhead closed here just west of First Avenue last month after 10 years in business.

A few more details about East Side Tavern, coming to the former Redhead space

As we noted way back on Dec. 28, an applicant is vying for a new liquor license for the former Redhead space, 349 E. 13th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The applicant's application (PDF!) is now live on the CB3 website. The venture, going as East Side Tavern, will serve "American fare" in a dining room that seats 44 guests. There's also a 14-seat bar. The proposed hours are 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.; with opening times at 11 a.m. for weekend brunch. (The application also notes "acoustic live music on occasion.")

The applicant, Michael Stewart, is also behind Tavern on Jane at 31 Eighth Ave.

Here's what New York magazine had to say about Tavern on Jane, which opened in 1995:

Bleecker Street may be teeming with expensive boutiques and cupcake tourists, but the Village vibe lives on at Tavern on Jane. With vintage posters on its exposed brick, an embossed ceiling, and low, topaz lighting, the dining area feels as inviting as a bustling English roadside inn. Most customers sip brimming pints of ale in the front room’s convivial bar, or settle into the back room to doodle with fat crayons on each table’s butcher paper. The Tavern’s brand of classy pub grub goes for hearty flavors over foppish modern flourishes. Tender, marinated hanger steak comes with your choice of potato and vegetable — the emerald asparagus is charred and sweet, while potatoes au gratin have the creamy bite of blue cheese. The grilled, juicy burger, capped with gooey cheddar, comes nestled inside a toasted bun and served with tawny fries and a dish of sweet coleslaw...

The Redhead closed here last month after a successful 10-year run.

CB3's SLA committee meeting is 6:30 p.m. on Monday in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

Previously on EV Grieve:
East Side Tavern in the works for former Redhead space on 13th Street

East Side Tavern in the works for former Redhead space on 13th Street

After 10 years in service, the Redhead closed on Dec. 17 here at 349 E. 13th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The space, however, doesn't look to be empty very long.

Paperwork from an applicant vying for a liquor license is now up on the front door...



The applicant, going by the name East Side Tavern, is proposing to open a restaurant here.

So far, the applicant's questionnaire with more information about the establishment hasn't been posted to the CB3 website.

CB3's SLA committee meeting is 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. at the Bowery.

As for the Redhead, the well-regarded restaurant that served Southern fare, the lease was up for renewal ... and the partners have been living out of state.