New-look Paquito's debuts

After an 18-day closure for renovations, Paquito's, the dependable Mexican takeout spot on First Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, reopened yesterday, as promised...

Here's a look at the new interior via the quick-serve restaurant's Instagram account...



The family-owned restaurant has been here since 1992...



Paquito's closed its larger bar-restaurant operation next door at the end of last year due to a reported rent increase. That space, one year later, remains without a tenant.

H/T Steven!

Previously on EV Grieve:
On 1st Avenue, Paquito's is closed for renovations until Dec. 28

New signage arrives for Paquito's on 1st Avenue

New signage arrives for Paquito's on 1st Avenue

[Photo by William Klayer]

The new signage for Paquito's arrived late yesterday afternoon... replacing the quick-serve Mexican restaurant's original circa-1992 awning here on First Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street...

As previously noted, the family-owned Paquito's closed on Dec. 11 for a renovation.


[Photo by Steven]

The owners expect to be open next week, likely even sooner than the original projected date of Dec. 28. They'll post the reopening news on their Instagram.

Glad to see that the to-go space is working. Paquito's closed its bar-restaurant next door at the end of last year due to a reported rent increase.

On 1st Avenue, Paquito's is closed for renovations until Dec. 28

Paquito's, the dependable Mexican takeout spot on First Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, closed for renovations yesterday... (thanks to Lola Sáenz for the tip and photos!)



Their Instagram account puts the reopening at Dec. 28... with the promise of a new look...

View this post on Instagram

Paquitos is getting a new look! Stay tuned for updates. #paquitos #paquitosnyc #tacos #quesadilla #burritos #eastvillage

A post shared by Paquito's (@paquitosnyc) on Dec 9, 2018 at 7:05pm PST

Paquito's, which first opened in 1992, closed its bar-restaurant next door at the end of last year due to a reported rent increase.

Free stuff alert in the former Paquito's space on 1st Avenue

Steven shares this from First Avenue just south of Ninth Street... inside the old Paquito's Restaurant space... there are free dishes, glassware, coffee cups, etc. ...



The sit-down Paquito's closed last December after 25 years. That storefront is for lease. Paquito's maintains a to-go counter and delivery service in the space next door.

Paquito's Restaurant closing after 25 years on 1st Avenue; take out and delivery will remain

[Image via Google Maps]

Paquito’s will shut down its restaurant and bar at 143 First Ave. near Ninth Street after service on Dec. 30. This news was first announced on the Paquito’s Facebook page.

However, fans of the usually-reliable Mexican restaurant can take some solace in that Paquito's will maintain a to-go counter and delivery service in the space next door to the restaurant.

The owners didn't provide a reason for the closure, offering: "It has truly been a pleasure to serve the East Village for all these years. Please feel free to visit our Take-Out & delivery next door which will continue to serve our same great tasting food."

Paquito's opened in 1992. Their location on Third Avenue between 16th Street and 17th Street closed several years ago.

Thanks to EVG reader Susan for the tip!

From Rustico to Paquito's

[Reader photo]

As noted yesterday, Rustico, the cafe at 135 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, has closed. And a source tells us that a rent increase was behind the closure.

Meanwhile, the owners were selling off what was left of the small restaurant yesterday.

And some of Rustico will be staying nearby... the owners of Paquito's, a few storefronts away at 143 First Ave., bought some of Rustico's tables and chairs...


[Photo last night by Raquel Shapira]

H/T Lola Sáenz