Signage alert: Kaliiva, a cannabis dispensary for Avenue B

Photo by Salim 

Signage arrived late last week for Kaliiva at 11 Avenue B between Houston and Second Street, the latest (currently unlicensed) cannabis dispensary for the neighborhood. (We mentioned this pending arrival on Dec. 19.) 

This will be the first NYC shop for the Washington, D.C.-based business offering "premium edibles, flower, vapes and pre-rolls."

Kaliiva takes over the storefront in this Steve Croman-owned building after the departure of Raul's Barber Shop, which held forth for six decades. Raul Velez Sr. decided to retire in 2022 at age 81 (and after a rent hike). His nephews opened a new spot at 256 E. Third St. between Avenue B and Avenue C. 

Jay Joe's Classic Cuts now open on 3rd Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Jay Joe's Classic Cuts debuted earlier last week at 256 E. Third St. between Avenue B and Avenue C. 

The business evolved from Raul's Barber Shop, which recently closed — courtesy of a rent increase — after decades on Avenue B. In addition, Raul Velez Sr., who ran the shop at 11 Avenue B between Houston and Second Street for 61 years, decided to retire at age 81. 

Edgar Joe Velez (pictured below) is one of three owners ... along with his brothers Benny Velez and Steven Velez Gonzalez. All three are Raul's nephews. (The new shop is named for Edgar Joe's 15-year-old son).

You can expect to see some familiar faces from Raul's here. Jay Joe's is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The phone: (718) 578-9559. And you can find the shop on Facebook.

The last days of Raul’s Barber Shop

Photos by Stacie Joy 

After 60-plus years on Avenue B, Raul's Barber Shop has closed its doors. 

First, a quick bit of positive news: Raul's already secured a new location nearby and will be up and running very soon. As for 11 Avenue B between Houston and Second Street ... Steve Croman took over as landlord in 2020, and that's all you need to know. 

Raul Velez Sr. has been at the head of his eponymous barber shop for 61 years...he and his son Junior still run the business. 

EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by for a last look at the space, which includes murals created by Antonio "Chico" Garcia...

We will have more about Raul's new outpost in the days ahead... when it's going as Jay Joe's Classic Cuts at 256 E. Third St. between Avenue B and Avenue C...

A visit to Raul's Barber Shop

Text and photos by Stacie Joy

Like most local businesses, Raul’s Barber Shop at 11 Avenue B (between Houston and Second Street) is struggling during the pandemic.  

Raul Velez Sr., 78, has been at the head of his eponymous barber shop on Avenue B for 59 years, and he and his son Junior show me around space. 

I meet barber Cesar Barros, 63, who has been cutting hair here for 32 years, and learn more about the space, which was separated into individual sections for increased COVID precautions. Business has been slower recently and the shop is working to adjust.

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed that the barber shop no longer bears Raul’s name on the awning, nor the phone number, and the mural of Puerto Rican fighter and entertainer Hector “Macho” Camacho that used to grace the gate is also missing. 

The building (in a package deal along with its neighbor at 9 Avenue B), which was previously owned by Michael Chang now belongs to notorious landlord Steve Croman, and the shop was told to paint over everything. Junior tells me there has been no rent increase yet but they are concerned about changes might be forthcoming.

Raul’s hours right now are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it may close early so call (212-777-1121 or 212-353-3057) before you come. Walk-ins accepted! Raul’s is pretty old-school, cash only, no website or social media.