The Nite Owl opens for night owls and probably other people

North River's transformation into the Nite Owl looks complete at 166 First Ave. near East 10th Street.

Several EVG readers told us that The Nite Owl was open for business on Saturday evening...



Said one reader: "Not a single table and chair left. All high tops with stools and the bar. So much for a restaurant."

The Nite Owl is serving food. Here's a look at the menu on display outside… featuring bar-food items like chicken nuggets, smoked deviled eggs, burgers and tacos…





We first noticed North River closed after service on Feb. 21… a sign on the door said there "there are changes afoot at North River." North River, which served American-style comfort food from chef Adam Starowicz, opened in December 2013.

North River looks to be going as The Nite Owl now on 1st Avenue

[Photo from last weekend]

Back on Wednesday, we noted that North River at 166 First Ave. just north of East 10th Street was closed for renovations.

There were't any other details about what was in store for the restaurant serving American-style comfort food from chef Adam Starowicz, who spent time at Momofuku Ko and Hearth. (The sign on the door simply said that changes were afoot.)

Now, however, a new sign is up for — The Nite Owl ...



There isn't any mention of the new venture, which sounds decidedly more nightlife-focused, on North River's website or social media properties.

Changes afoot at North River

North River at 166 First Ave. just north of East 10th Street has been closed in recent evenings.

There isn't any mention of a closure on the restaurant's website or various social media properties.

Meanwhile, someone has removed the North River sign and menu … and painted over the gate.

And over at Open Table, the first reservations are available starting on April 16.



But apparently the place is just closed for renovations … according to the sign now on the front door…



In case you were wondering, Dead Drop is the name of the sorta hidden speakeasy in the basement.

North River's American-style comfort food, from chef Adam Starowicz, who worked at Momofuku Ko and Hearth, seemed to get positive notices (here and here, as an example), though some readers thought the prices were too steep.

Anyway, so no word yet on what these changes might be at North River, which opened on Dec. 19, 2013.

North River now open on First Avenue

North River opened on Dec. 19 at 166 First Avenue near East 10th Street… Per Eater, the chef is Adam Starowicz, who worked at Hearth and Momofuku Ko. "The menu is mostly American comfort food, with dishes like ham salad, grilled salmon with kale and farro and fried chicken." You can find the North River menu here.

Previously the space was home to La Zarza Lounge.