A few restaurants and retail locations have either just opened in the neighborhood or will open in the coming weeks.
Vanguard Wine Bar is opening at 189 Amsterdam Avenue (between 68th and 69th streets) in the former home of Hands On, which offered children’s music lessons. Vanguard signed a 12-year-lease for a 1,000-square foot space, according to the Commercial Observer.
The wine bar’s first location at East 29th street serves some tasty dishes, says New York magazine. “The American food has French influences, which goes nicely with the cozy, wooden tables and low lighting. The wine list speaks directly to casual drinkers; it’s broken up by color, body, and taste. The food is creative without being pretentious; standouts include the straight-forward pimento cheese served with crispy toasts, and mushroom tarte with ricotta cheese and truffle oil.” More info here. Thanks to Alex and Madhu for the tips, and Alex for the photo.
A big CVS has opened at 77th street and Broadway, on the ground floor of the Larstrand apartment building. The first Yelp review says employees are almost shockingly friendly. “New, huge CVS, open 24/7, with groceries, in a new building. I didn’t see the whole store, but the two employees I spoke to were super-friendly (almost off-putting for a native NYer).”
Marshalls opens May 8 right next to CVS. Thanks to Harriet for the tip.
Vive La Crepe has opened its doors at 86h and Columbus where the health food and sandwich store Lite Delights used to sit. We’ve been waiting for it to open since December. Thanks to Kevin and Jill for the tips, and Kevin for the photo.
Sherwin-Williams Paints is opening on 89th and Amsterdam in the former home of Rose’s Carpets, which moved two block South and is now called Amsterdam Carpets. Thanks to Marsha for the tip.
In other carpet-related news, B.I. Rosenhaus and Sons Carpets has moved from 72nd street between West End and Broadway to Columbus between 87th and 88th. Thanks to Alan and Linda for the tips.
The service is very slow at the crepe place. I ordered a crepe when there were 3 people behind the counter and hardly any customers (no line, just me) and it was minutes before anyone got it started. Also, they have no a/c, and it was really hot with the grill putting out all that heat. Still, they have more seating area than the branch at Columbus in the 60s.
We had very quick service there on opening day….
The giant glassy 24-hour CVS at 77th and Broadway (a block from the glassy 24-hour Duane Reade at 76th), and the new Marshalls: jeez, this looks just right for a strip center in Paramus NJ. Glad to get the sidewalk back after more than two years, but a missed opportunity with the retail.
Too bad: as Justin Davidson wrote when the old block was torn down, “Once, the restaurant Ruby Foo’s, the Manhattan Diner, a Così sandwich bar, a Tae Kwon Do school, the Curl Up & Dye hair salon, a watch-repair service, a travel agency, a jewelrymaking school, a pizza joint, a Subway, the World of Nuts & Ice Cream, and a jewelry shop were all crammed into 200 feet of frontage.” I miss having street retail with character and verve on this block.
Thanks West Side Rag for highlighting the other openings!
agree, its sad to see the old taxpayers be torn down and what worse is when they replace them with bland cheaply made boxes (Ptak units scaring the facade instead of central AC). Sadly Friedland properties – a long time owner in the area always seems to cheap out when it comes to new construction.
Why not build something along the lines of the Laurette just one block away?
Friedlands this is your legacy and your gift to the neighborhood that made you wealthy should be quality architecture – for everyone else who does not live in the buildings.
I say this as another box is planned for 80th and bway courtesy of the same family.
And not one single tree on that entire block in front of Marshall’s/CVS. How was that approved???
Was that approved? Oh, Tom. Big corporations and developers pretty much do whatever they want. Not putting in trees are the least of it.
Can you tell us what is going on with Kidville at 83rd and Columbus? And are they really moving to 88th and Amsterdam? Seems like a small space. Thank you.
The wine bar sounds nice. There need to be more little eateries in that area and fewer banks.
My wife and I were just at Vangard Wine Bar Saturday night and I think it’ll be a great addition to the neighborhood. That entire front facade opens up and it is nice, open, and airy, with atmospheric decor. The wine menu is adequate as expected and the little plates were very tasty (the cumin infused carrots in the Pot of Pickles were memorable). I’d like to see a bit more food options but that will come with time.
There’s really nothing like it nearby that block, and I think (hope) it’ll do really well.
I agree. I walked by the Vanguard last night and it definitely seemed like it will be a great addition to the area. With the open entrance it adds a much different feel to the block/area.
Sounds good! I’ll be sure to check it out soon.
I noticed that the spanking new extra wide sidewalk bordering the new Marshall’s and CVS is a great performance space! On Broadway, no less!
In other words, occupy the new sidewalk with people being uninhibited and vocal (free) and see how fast they plant some trees. Sadly, trees and glass facades don’t mix for migrating birds.
My husband and I went to Vanguard last Sunday. What a wonderful addition to the neighborhood! We enjoyed some great champagne and wine and a tasty charcuterie plate. We’ll be regulars!
Went to the new CVS at 77th & Bdwy right after it opened.
I found it to be depressing. No where near as nice as the one on 70th and WEA. The 77th street CVS looks and feels like a giant warehouse. It lacks charm, warmth, and isn’t appealing. Hate to say it, but the Duane Reade on 70th and Broadway or the Rite Aide on Amsterdam and 70th Street are more appealing.
Also, I didn’t find the staff welcoming, and the prices were very high even by UWS standards.