As 2016 approaches, more cafes and restaurants are coming to the Upper West Side.
Coffee Berry has opened on the corner of 90th street and Amsterdam, the former home of the Bagel Basket. Ezra, who took the photo above, has the early word: “I have not been but my wife said her sandwich was tasty. I believe it is fully kosher.”
Crave Fishbar is set to open on Monday, Dec. 21 in the former home of Brother Jimmy’s on Amsterdam between 80th and 81st. Eater says it “features a large bar area with adjacent tables with seating for 45 and a cozy back dining room with space for an additional 65 guests.” Here’s a copy of the menu.
Something called NY Brat Factory is opening on the corner of 106th street and Amsterdam Avenue. One of our cheeky correspondents said he thought it was for out-of-control children. But we suspect it will serve German sausages. There’s not much info online right now. It was previously a dollar store a Chinese restaurant called Empire Corner. Thanks to Kathryn, Daren and others for the tip.
A new wine shop called Cork & Vine has opened at 204 West 79th street replacing another wine store there. “The old owner (Eddie) was a sweet guy, but his store was always somewhat disorganized and his selection limited,” Bill tells us. “The new owners have set the shop up beautifully, organizing the bottles by country and type. I only had a chance for a quick look-around, but I noticed many of the labels I normally buy at prices similar to (or perhaps cheaper) than Beacon Wines on Broadway.”
Beer Shop, serving craft beer to stay or to go, is getting closer to opening on Amsterdam between 80th and 81st. Thanks to Holly for the photo.
A new workout spot called SLT is set to open at 580 Columbus Avenue (88th street) on January 8. The press release proudly proclaims it’s a cult workout that is affectionately known as “pilates on crack,” and uses apparatuses called “megaformers.” Sounds a little terrifying, but apparently Sofia Vergara has worked out at one of their locations, so I’m sold.
Alan tells us that the restaurant being opened next to Mermaid Inn on Amsterdam between 87th and 88th street will be called Sirenetta. “The Mermaid Inn team is gearing up to launch Sirenetta, in the old Mermaid space next door to the new Mermaid on Amsterdam and 88th. We hear Sirenetta will serve Neapolitan style brick oven pizzas, as well as pastas and salads.” La Sirenetta means The Little Mermaid.
The Brat Factory replaces a Chinese takeout restaurant not a dollar store.
Amity hall at 982 Amsterdam opens today as well. It as fully staffed last night but they said today was the grand opening
I looked at the menu for Crave Fishbar and it looks interesting BUT the prices seem on the very high side for Amsterdam Ave.
Given that a caviar bar is opening a few doors down from crave, I think we are headed for a very different looking Amsterdam ave.
What business owner thinks a Brat Store on the UWS is a good idea.. Give this place less then 1 year.
Why do Kosher and Chinese restaurants always choose names that a slightly off putting and use strangely connected words ” Coffee Berry ” or ” New King World “. Food for thought!
Coffee berries are a thing. They are one name for the fruit that grows on coffee trees whence come the coffee beans (seeds) we then roast, grind, and use to brew.
Some people even eat the berries: https://www.konared.com/the-hawaiian-coffeeberry/
I suspect the name space for trademark-able coffee-related names for coffee joints is getting a wee bit crowded . . . .
Eh, there’s already a meatball place…
Sausage and Brats seem to be the “in” cuisine. There is a beer/brat-oriented place that opened around the corner on 106th and Broadway (West End Hall), and one a few blocks north on Broadway by Columbia. They seems to be doing well, so I think this place will succeed assuming the price point is decent.
very excited for SLT to open on the UWS!
Having spent time in Wisconsin, I can report that “brat” does not rhyme with the word for an unruly child. It’s more like “brot.”
Crave has another location in Midtown east. We dine there frequently. Best seafood in the city. I’m so excited that one is opening in the uws!
Love to see all the great spots opening up in our neighborhood. As a frequent diner of Crave’s midtown location, I promise it’s worth a shot!
On another note, do they have an opening date for Sirenetta yet? They’ve already painted the exterior and construction has been underway for a couple of weeks now.
Aren’t all of the above new small businesses? and some even replacing the evil chains..
I guess the claims of only Duane Reade and Banks is greatly exaggerated by the kvetching class.
I walked by Ocean Grill on Columbus, a sign on the window says they are closing after 18 years. It also mentions a pending lawsuit against the building. Sad to see them go.
Yeah, we got the story on it here: https://www.westsiderag.com/2015/12/21/ocean-grill-closes-suddenly-after-18-years-brings-suit-against-landlord
WSR
On the opening front: Does Broadway and La Salle count for this website to be mentioned? (Sometimes Morningside Heights locations get mentioned.) The Island Burger at this location finally looks like it opened today after sitting completed since August. At least the lights were on and people were inside the restaurant late this evening when walking by at 11pm. (They have another more UWS location on Amsterdam and 80th – their website still doesn’t list this new location.)
Yes, I can confirm Island Burger is now open. Apparently they were supposed to open in September and because of a landlord violation the gas was turned off by Con Ed. It took a long time to get it back on. One of the partners is also a partner in Flat Top and Jin Ramen. We ate there, the food was good.
Coffee Berry opened right next to a bakery/cafe – Georgia & Aliou’s Tiny Treats.
Always seems strange when a new store or restaurant situates very close to something that is very similar….
IMO great chocolate cake among other things at Georgia & Aliou’s.
I believe NY Brat Factory is what other nyers call the UWS.