Boulton & Watt has closed

After 11-plus years on the NW corner of Houston and Avenue A, Boulton & Watt has closed ... shutting down after service yesterday. 

In announcing the closure earlier this month on Instagram, the bar-restaurant's management wrote, in part: "To all of our guests, staff members, friends, and family, thank you for making Boulton & Watt your home." 

The Boulton & Watt brand will live on with an outpost at JFK's Terminal 4 in the coming months (we happened to spot it while catching a flight last month)...

Look for the prime EV corner to stay in the Paradise Hospitality (Mister Paradise, Wiggle Room, Pretty Ricky's) family. The Instagram post also notes: "Stay tuned for some exciting news about a new project in this space; see you all very soon!" 

And because someone will post "Bring back Nice Guy Eddie's" in the comments... this space was previously Nice Guy Eddie's. The bar-restaurant with Chico's KISS mural closed in June 2011 after 16 years in service.

David's Cafe abruptly closes on St. Mark's Place

Several residents were surprised to find for-lease signs at David's Cafe on Thursday night. The bistro at 102 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue is now closed. 

A reader spotted movers hauling equipment out of the space on Friday. 

The David Cafe's website and Instagram account do not mention a closure, though Google lists it as permanently closed. We reached out to David's for more information.

David's Cafe, from Daniel and BLT Market alum David Malbequi, opened in late 2015 and received praise for its menu, including "The Absolute Best Steak-Frites in New York," per Grub Street.

Malbequi is also a partner in Spice Brothers next door... the quick-serve Middle-Eastern venture just got high marks from Pete Wells at The New York Times. 

Top photo by Kelly Chasse/2nd photo by Clem Robineau

Updated: Crazy Burger's short tenure has come to a close on Avenue C

Renovations continue inside 193 Avenue C, the short-lived home of Crazy Burger here between 11th Street and 12th Street. (Thanks to Edmund John Dunn for these photos!)

Based on the refrigerated display cases, it appears to be becoming a market-deli (or maybe a smoke shop with snack and soda options)...

The quick-serve smash burger joint debuted in January and appeared out of business by early June. 

Updated July 13 

Signage arrived for the new business...

A permanent closure for Dhom on 12th Street

Dhom has announced its permanent closure as of Monday at 505 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

A sign outside for patrons thanks them for their support (thanks to all the readers who noted this)...

Dhom opened in July 2022, serving up Laotian cuisine from owners whose credits included Tribeca's Khe-Yo. That 11-year-old restaurant also just closed. 

Co-owner Nick Bradley told Eater: 

He says he feels "slightly betrayed" by the hospitality industry, "that you put your life’s work into," and “all those who make 3 to 5 percent off our work is what's causing us to close." 

Bradley cited the percentages taken by credit card companies, point-of-service apps, rising insurance premiums, and inflation as having battered not just his restaurants, but the industry at large. "It leaves me kind of bitter," he says. 

He pointed out he’s articulating these reasons for closing in an attempt to get the attention of local government and others who "can help do something about it." 

The 12th Street space previously housed the high-end cocktail lounge Mace. Double Wide closed at No. 503-505 in March 2018 (much to the relief of some neighbors). 

That's all for M & J Asian Cuisine on 14th and B

Multiple readers shared the closing news on Tuesday about M & J Asian Cuisine (seen below in better days), a budget-friendly Chinese restaurant and sushi bar on the SE corner of 14th Street and Avenue B.

No word on why it closed. The restaurant arrived in the fall of 2014, so perhaps the lease was up... and how much longer can a prime corner like this continue with single- and two-level buildings.

Thanks to EVG reader Patrick for the top photo!

Joey Bats Café has closed on Avenue B

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Over the weekend, the Joey Bats Café signage was removed from 50 Avenue B, marking the official end of the business here between Third Street and Fourth Street.

Joey Batista (aka Bats) opened his eponymous business here in October 2021. He initially sold his signature pastéis de nata from a sidewalk table until he debuted the cafe-bar late last summer.

While the Avenue B outpost is no longer open, Batista (below) will continue to sell his Portuguese custard tarts from several locations, including the Essex Market, Grand Central Terminal and Chelsea Market. (He's also expanding to Boston.) He'll also still use his shipping center on Houston Street near Clinton for nationwide orders. 

Batista was a former partner in the basement business at 50 Avenue B, GAMA Lounge. We hear that GAMA will take over the street-level space, though they have yet to respond to a request for more information.

Lamia’s Fish Market is 'temporarily closed for maintenance'

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Lamia's Fish Market is closed for now at 47 Avenue B between Third Street and Fourth Street.

Door signage notes a temporary closure "for maintenance." 

The restaurant's website and social media properties do not mention the closure, and as of last night, Lamia's was still accepting reservations.

However, multiple sources tell us that the Fish Market will not reopen and that staff has already left for new jobs.

Owner Lamia Funti was previously involved with Le Souk, a longtime trouble spot on this block that eventually had its liquor license canceled by the State Liquor Authority in 2009.

Lamia's made a splash upon opening in the summer of 2019, garnering media attention for its two-level, six-room "aquatic splendor."

This smoke shop won't be reopening after an assault and robbery

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Several weeks ago, two smoke shops were robbed near Fourth Street and Avenue B — the Green Apple Smoke Shop, 240 E. Fourth St., and Best NY Smoke Shop at 46 Avenue B. 

The suspect allegedly assaulted the workers at both locations and has since been apprehended. Police sources tell us that the suspect had a gun, though it turned out to be fake. Per our sources, he was wanted for similar robberies in the Bronx and Uptown. 

Green Apple, one of the many unlicensed cannabis businesses to pop up in the past two years, never reopened after the attack. We're told the worker on duty was severely injured. 

The shop is now permanently closed. Yesterday, management started cleaning out the shop. We were invited inside to see the damage from the robbery...

Bad Habit closing on Avenue A as owners will head west to start a family

Photo from January 2023 by Stacie Joy 

You have about three more weeks to partake in this Bad Habit. 

Javier Zuñiga and Jesse Merchant Zuñiga, the owners of the ice cream shop at 131 Avenue A between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, announced they are closing on July 14. 

Here's part of their farewell announcement: 

As many of you know, we founded Bad Habit out of our Brooklyn apartment towards the tail end of the pandemic. Freshly engaged, on the cusp of getting married, we formed this passion project having no idea where this crazy ice cream adventure would lead; we owe its success in large part to all of you, our loyal customers. Now we are on to a new adventure, welcoming a baby boy of our own on the West Coast, where we will continue churning, cooking and baking … this time just a little bit closer to the beach.

We hope you can join us before our last day of service on July 14 to stock up on pints, swing by for an ice cream sandwich, or just say hi. It has been our pleasure to host your engagement dinners, cater your weddings, and have you trust us for your little ones’ first taste of ice cream. 

Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime. 

The space, which also initially included Caleta, a 21-seat cafe that served beer, wine and small plates, opened in January 2023.

Bad Habit quickly gained a loyal following with concoctions that included olive oil, chocolate honeycomb, and dill & yuzu.

H/T Vinny & O!

The Marshal takes legal possession of Ace's on 2nd Avenue

That's apparently all for Ace's (sometimes Aces) at 197 Second Ave. 

The cocktail lounge-restaurant went dark, per an EVG reader, in mid-May. 

There's a Marshal's notice on the storefront, noting that the landlord is now in legal possession of the space just north of 12th Street... Google also lists Ace's as permanently closed.

Restaurateur Mike Dollaway, whose résumé includes management/ownership at several now-closed upscale spots, including Provocateur in the Meatpacking District and Lily Pond in East Hampton, was behind this neighborhood-ish bar concept that opened in the fall of 2022. 

No. 197 was previously Black Emperor, which shut down in August 2020. Shoolbred's closed here in June 2017 after nearly 10 years in business. This address was also Jade Mountain, home of the great Chow Mein sign, until 2007.

That's all, folks: Tacos El Porky closes on Avenue A after 3-plus months

Photo by Steven 

Tacos El Porky has shut down after three-plus months at 151 Avenue A between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

On Saturday, the South Florida-based business announced via Instagram: "Our New York restaurant is closing its doors permanently. Thank You to all the people that came and tried our food; we’ll miss you! But… The Party continues in Miami!"

The taco shop debuted in late February ... taking over from its sibling El Primo Red Tacos, which came and went after four months. Owner Frank Neri previously told us they couldn't make enough money with the limited beef birria menu.

The closure comes after management appeared before CB3 for a beer-wine license last month and pitched to use the backyard space — a proposal with seven tables and 28 seats. (According to the minutes from the public meeting, they were also on the August 2020 docket for a similar ask but "refused to appear" before the committee.) 

While CB3 gave conditional consent last month for the beer-wine, the committee stated Tacos El Porky could not use the backyard space for dining. 

A lot of locals also spoke out against this applicant's quest to use the outdoor space. According to the minutes from the May meeting: 

We have received a petition in opposition to the backyard use, and late night/early morning hours, signed by 143 nearby residents. The neighbors state that the applicant has been using the backyard for staff use, including cleaning mats, pots and pans and other kitchen equipment late at night causing noise and disturbances, as well as letters in opposition from the church next door, and ...

We have received complaints about the applicant giving away and selling margaritas and shots. The applicant states that it was wine/agave-based tequila. We have photos of the applicant advertising these drinks, as well as a menu submitted that lists margaritas and shots, with no mention that it is agave-based. A resident asked the staff about the drinks and was told that it was real tequila and triple sec and shown a bottle of triple sec, and ...

Five residents, including a representative from the 9th St. A1 Block Association, a co-owner representing residents of 149 Avenue A, and a representative from a condo association at 272 E. 10th Street, appeared to speak in opposition to the late-night hours and any use of the backyard. 

As a reminder, tacos can work in these spaces (without the backyard). San Loco was in the south storefront at No. 151 for 15 years until February 2014.

Updated: What might be next for this 2nd Avenue storefront?

In recent months, the gate has been down in the north storefront at 128 Second Ave., and it appeared that Roasted NYC was, well, toasted. (We also spotted an eviction notice taped to the gate in March.)

Fast-forward to the other day... when the gate was (finally) up, and the space appears to either be ready for a new tenant or a for-lease sign here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

The coffee shop opened last summer, pivoting from the weed-related NYC Kind Cafe ... which took over for the short-lived Paint Puff "N" Peace in 2022 — one of the early unlicensed shops to arrive in the neighborhood. 

Updated 5 p.m. 

A for-lease sign arrived today... photo by Steven

After 36 years in business, Ise Restaurant is closing its doors this month

The owners of Ise have announced that the Japanese restaurant will close its doors on June 28 at 63 Cooper Square, between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

Per a message on Ise's website: 

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our restaurant. Our last day of business will be June 28, 2024. 

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your support and patronage for 36 years. 

Serving you has been a privilege and joy, and we have cherished the many memories made here. Thank you for being part of our journey! 

The restaurant debuted in the Financial District in 1988 and eventually relocated to Cooper Square in the former Menkui-Tei space (also owned by Ise) in 2014.

Ise is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner those days from 5 to 9 p.m. 

H/T jba!

Dear Rufino has apparently moved on from 2nd Avenue

Dear Rufino has closed after several months of operating in the front retail section of 221 Second Ave. between 13th Street and 14th Street.

The space has been empty for the past two weeks... and mentions of the EV location have been scrubbed from the taqueria's Instagram account. Meanwhile, the quick-serve restaurant opened a new outpost at the Worldwide Plaza on West 50th Street.

Dear Rufino, a venture from the same owners as Zona Rosa located on Lorimer Street and Metropolitan Avenue, made its debut in the EV earlier this year, taking over the food operation from Chicken & the Egg.

Sincerely, Ophelia, the speakeasy in the back of the address remains in operation. 

Closings: Yakiniku West on 9th Street

Yakiniku West, a restaurant specializing in cook-it-yourself Japanese BBQ, has closed at 218 E. Ninth St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (Thank you to EVG reader jba for the photo and tip.) 

Management did not offer a reason for the closure and thanked patrons for their loyal support through the years. 

The longtime business reopened in November 2020 — two-plus years after a devastating fire at the address. Fire officials reportedly deemed the blaze an accident due to wiring on the ceiling of the first level. 

The closure coincides with the building arriving on the sales market earlier this month with a $7.85 million ask. No. 218 includes two apartments upstairs.

Planet Taco exits East Village orbit

Photos by Steven 

Planet Taco shut down its East Village operations on Sunday, bringing an end to the shop's three-plus-year run at 141 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

In a note to patrons, ownership blamed "rising costs" for the closure...

The Planet Taco on Ninth Avenue remains open.

Planet Taco opened in March 2021 and received generally positive reviews from readers and critics. 

The address previously housed Otto's Tacos for seven years. Before that, many things came and went here, such as Good Guys, a Subway (sandwich shop), part of a Max Brenner outpost and Burritoville (!!!).

Closings: Viva Cucina on 2nd Avenue; Da Radda on 7th Street

A for-rent sign hangs on the front of 85 Second Ave. on the SW corner of Fifth Street, presumably marking the end of Viva Cucina. 

There's no mention of a temporary or permanent closing on the Italian restaurant's website or social media properties. (Google lists them as "temporarily closed." A look inside reveals more than that.) 

The restaurant debuted here in April 2022. It was a return to the neighborhood for the family, which previously ran Viva Herbal Pizzeria at 179 Second Ave. until it closed in early 2014.

Da Radda has also closed at 127 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

The Argentinian and Italian restaurant, which opened in the summer of 2022, seemed like a nice spot and got some press for its pizzas. (However, those two outdoor tables next to the Peter Jarema Funeral Home were a tough sell). 

The space is currently for lease with a $6,900 ask.

On 3rd Avenue, Cutlets and the world's narrowest weed shop have closed

A for-lease sign hangs on the storefront at 99 Third Ave., marking the official end of Cutlets here between 12th Street and 13th Street. 

Richard Zaro of Zaro's Family Bakery was behind this quick-serve deli concept that touted "quality sandwiches made with premium ingredients." And they were pretty good. 

Cutlets launched as a delivery-only business in July 2020, expanding into a Flatiron District pop-up in late 2020 ... before opening a flagship location on West 35th Street. The EV location debuted on Dec. 1, 2021. (There was a Cutlets opening on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, but those plans were squashed.) 

Also gone: The world's narrowest weed shop that shared the address.

Kōbo by Nai has not been open lately

Kōbo by Nai has been dark the past few weeks at 202 Avenue A between 12th Street and 13th Street.

There isn't any notice of a temporary or permanent closure on the storefront or online. The Mediterranean restaurant no longer accepts reservations, and Kōbo has been removed from the main Nai website. 

Meanwhile, someone looks to be packing up the interior...

The restaurant opened in late 2022. This is the second establishment from Chef Ruben Rodriguez to close in the East Village in recent months, following Emilia by Nai on First Avenue.

Rodriguez still operates the original Nai at 84 Second Ave. near Fifth Street and Bad Hombre at 29 Second Ave. 

Also on the block, Borrachito Taqueria & Spirits will not reopen at 206 Avenue A. It has been dark since January. Someone painted the marquee and added Bar TBA on March 30. (Thanks to EVG reader Joe for this photo from March.)

Closing notices: J-Spec Wagyu Dining and Esora Omakase on 5th Street

Photo from October 2020 by Jacob Ford 

The owners of J-Spec Wagyu Dining and Esora Omakase have announced that they are closing the 44-seat restaurant at 239 E. Fifth St. at the end of April. 

Here's part of an email they sent out last evening (thanks to the EVG reader for the tip)...

Regrettably, after careful consideration, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we will be closing our restaurant at the end of this month. This decision was not made lightly and comes after much reflection on various factors, BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE GONE FOREVER. 

We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support over the years. It has been our utmost pleasure to serve you, and we are truly grateful for the memories and experiences we have shared together.

As we approach the closing date, we will provide you with further details regarding any upcoming events, possible transition arrangements, and how we plan to bid farewell. 

While we embark on this new chapter, we will continue to strive to provide you with the best service possible until our last day of operation. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patronage and loyalty throughout the years. It has been an honor to serve you, and we will cherish the memories we've made together. 

J-Spec, an abbreviation for "Japan-Specification," opened here between Second Avenue and Cooper Square in November 2020 ... taking over part of the former Jewel Bako space. 

 Tomoe Food Services Inc., a Waygu supplier, owns and operates the restaurant.