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Reopenings Update: Zabar’s Cafe, Pio Pio, Leopard at Artistes, Billy’s Bakery

September 1, 2020 | 3:03 PM
in FOOD, NEWS, OPEN/CLOSED
29

Restaurants continue to reopen in the neighborhood, bringing new life to some dormant blocks.

Zabar’s Cafe reopened a few days ago, for takeout only. The cafe is an Upper West Side classic with sandwiches and specialties next to the famous market. “It may seem like a small thing,” wrote tipster Dan. No, it’s a big thing!

Several readers have told us in recent days that Pio Pio, the Peruvian restaurant on 94th and Amsterdam, appears to be closed for good. But we got good news on Tuesday. “Management of Pio Pio told me they are remodeling (doesn’t look like much remodeling) and expect to have sidewalk dining within a week,” wrote tipster Twilla. We want to be first in line for their famous green sauce!

The Leopard at des Artistes at 1 West 67th Street reopened a couple of weeks ago for dinner, tipster Pamela tells us. “It will open at 5 every day but Monday, and 11:30-3 for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.”

Billy’s Bakery, 410 Columbus Avenue at 80th, reopened on Tuesday. “In the attached photo, Director Julie Dugas waits patiently for her second customer (I was the first!),” wrote tipster Howard.

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29 Comments
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Vincent
Vincent
3 years ago

I missed Pio Pio more than words can describe. I’m so happy to hear that they’re reopening!

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Maryjane
Maryjane
3 years ago
Reply to  Vincent

ewww…everytime I went by there (pre-pandemic),they always had a grade pending rating

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Vincent
Vincent
3 years ago
Reply to  Maryjane

No one asked you for your opinion Karen.

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Beth
Beth
3 years ago
Reply to  Vincent

I thought WSR was censoring comments using the misogynistic slur “Karen”.

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Sandra Handloser
Sandra Handloser
3 years ago
Reply to  Vincent

YES! And the best CEVICH MIXTO for miles!!

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Kristin Meister
Kristin Meister
3 years ago

I went to the Leopard for lunch on Friday at 1 PM this past week. Was delightful.

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Renee
Renee
3 years ago
Reply to  Kristin Meister

Except its in a residential street. You know, people live there!!!!!

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History Buff
History Buff
3 years ago
Reply to  Renee

Yes, people certainly did (and still do) “live there”, esp. above the restaurant in the landmarked “Hotel des Artistes”, a 1917 building whose residents included: Noel Coward, Isadora Duncan, John V. Lindsay, Alexander Woollcott, and Norman Rockwell.
It was called Hotel des artistes b/c it featured duplexes with 19-foot windows, excellent for ‘les artistes’.
Like so much of our beloved UWS, W.67th Street is chock full of history.

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nycityny
nycityny
3 years ago
Reply to  Renee

People live on the Avenues too. This is Manhattan – people live everywhere.

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Edith
Edith
3 years ago
Reply to  Renee

So?

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Reply
Leon
Leon
3 years ago

Great news – I miss Pio Pio and I am very happy they are coming back. Can’t wait for the Matador! Zabar’s Cafe is good news as well.

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AC
AC
3 years ago

Good to see and read some positive things going on in our UWS Community. It was getting sad and disappointing reading about empty lots and vacancies. Wishing these three businesses the best and will make a point of supporting them in the coming days.

Might take time, but we’ll get through this. 🙂

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Ellie
Ellie
3 years ago

I never knew that Pio Pio closed. Happy they’ve reopened!!

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RWC
RWC
3 years ago

I need to go back to Billy’s ASAP.
It’s very dangerously the most delicious cakes.
The best huge slices of frosted layer cake and cup of coffee!
They must be doing something right they had the sweetest nicest employees in that store.
I can easily be a much fatter regular customer!

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Happy mom...!
Happy mom...!
3 years ago
Reply to  RWC

Billy’s cakes/pies/cupcakes and cookies are so Awesome!!! And YES…So happy they’re back open.
My kids have missed them all summer.

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Wishy Washy Now On The Bill
Wishy Washy Now On The Bill
3 years ago

After nearly 6 months of being gone, I seriously thought Billy’s had given up on us. I used to go there every day before covid and was such a regular that, to be honest, it actually made me mad that they never closed their Chelsea location and refused to answer any questions on social from Upper West Siders asking when they would please come back.

I’d say at this point that they‘ve permanently lost my business to Levain (the only bakery that really stuck by our neighborhood the entire time) except I’ll probably be in there next week for a piece of that damn carrot cake.

I do wish they had at least let people know they were going to reopen. There’s been nothing on social and just this weekend the sign on their door was still the exact same one they’ve had up since March.

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Julie
Julie
3 years ago
Reply to  Wishy Washy Now On The Bill

I agree with Levain. Orwashers also never closed. They both have a special place in my heart.

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Wishy Washy Now on The Bill
Wishy Washy Now on The Bill
3 years ago
Reply to  Julie

Exactly. As much as I love Billy’s (and understanding they do sell different stuff), I have to admit, Levain earned my loyalty. They didn’t bail on the neighborhood when times got rough (don’t say Billy’s closed for safety — their Chelsea location was open every day and Chelsea had far more cases than we did!).

I was not a Levain customer before — thought they sold overpriced cookies to tourists — but this whole time they’ve sold bread with a smile and the next time I want something sweet, as much as I was a Billy’s regular before, I’m really going to think twice about choosing Levain’s cookies over Billy’s cupcakes. You remember the stores and the people who got you through hard times — and the ones who did not.

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AmeliaLeigh
AmeliaLeigh
3 years ago
Reply to  Wishy Washy Now on The Bill

I am a diehard Levain customer. But, Wow, can you be any less compassionate for Billys? You have no idea what a business goes through. Maybe they could only afford to keep one shop open until now. If you truly cared, youd be more concerned about the employees of a place you claim to have frequented. Your comments are just ridiculous if you ask me.

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Neighborhood watch team
Neighborhood watch team
3 years ago
Reply to  Wishy Washy Now On The Bill

Yes! Billy’s Bakery had a sign posted in their window for the past 10 days that they were opening today! And it was mentioned in the Westside rag about a week ago. For sure they’re one of the best and happy they’re right in our neighborhood, hop skip and a jump!

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Bob
Bob
3 years ago

Hey, now I can actually get into Zabars without dodging the big table in the middle! I understand why it’s there, but it’s always made the space feel cramped. Will be nice to have some time without it. (Looking on the bright side over here…)

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Andrew
Andrew
3 years ago
Reply to  Bob

And Zabar’s Cafe jacked up the prices on all items beyond the markups they already put into place last year.

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Fiorello
Fiorello
3 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Everything costs more, including labor, safety measures, having limited hours and fewer patrons. If you can afford it and want it, be grateful. Most people can’t.

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ericuws
ericuws
3 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

And by a lot. I used to get a chocolate crossaint and small coffee for $3.79. Now it is $6.00, although I am not sure they gave me and charged me for a small coffee that I ordered.. receipt said special blend. I realize that the new prices are more in line with other places, but still.

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Neighborhood watch team
Neighborhood watch team
3 years ago

Billy’s Bakery opened today it was so special to the neighborhood… What a welcome return to see BILLY’S and a brand new street for West 80 St. too-boot, things are looking up and getting back to the norm now!
Happy days are here again…

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Mario
Mario
3 years ago

I’ve been getting Pain d’Avignon delivered since they started delivering in the UWS! I found it on doughy.us

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rikitiki
rikitiki
3 years ago

What about Cafe 71? I’m honestly at a loss without their breakfast sandwiches and juices. I keep stopping by and am so disheartened by the empty shelves…

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Reply
The W. 80th St., Block Association
The W. 80th St., Block Association
3 years ago

Billy’s Bakery …WELCOME BACK!

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SHLOMO
SHLOMO
3 years ago

SAUL ZABARS IS A RICH MAN. LOX AND CAVIAR IS TO BLAME

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Reply

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