Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
A brother-sister team is opening a new cafe-bar concept at 319 E. 14th St., between First Avenue and Second Avenue, next month.
Marilyn Velazquez and Ramon Velazquez (pictured above) are behind Upperz Cafe and Bar. With a CB6-approved liquor license, the establishment will feature breakfast and pastries in the morning with coffee drinks and "artisanal bar food," like pizza bites in the evening. They will also offer mocktails and organic energy drinks. Plans include hosting special events in the evening, such as a Dungeons & Dragons and movie night.
How did they end up in this location, the former 787 Coffee,
which closed in June 2023 after multiple break-ins and deteriorating quality-of-life issues along the corridor? It turns out their third business partner, Fern Gelin, plays soccer with the building's owner.
"We'd like to offer healing for the community," said Ramon, who also does all the woodworking in the space.
If you're on Instagram, you can keep tabs on the opening
here.
