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Openings and Closings: Shun Lee, Calle Ocho, Playa Bowls, Popz Toys, Duane Reade

January 18, 2022 | 5:21 PM - Updated on December 13, 2022 | 9:12 AM
in COLUMNS, FOOD, OPEN/CLOSED
34
Shun Lee. Photograph by Robert A.

By Scott Etkin

Shun Lee, the upscale Chinese restaurant, is opening a new location on the corner of 98th Street and Broadway. [We are awaiting a manager’s return call as to the exact date.] Shun Lee has two other Manhattan locations: Midtown East (Shun Lee Palace), which opened in 1971, and the Upper West Side (Shun Lee West and Shun Lee Café), which opened 10 years later. The “bow-tied and vested wait staff, glowing dragons, and elaborately folded napkins” speak to another era, before many Americans knew much about regional Chinese cuisine, writes New York Magazine. “Even in the early ’80s, [owner and executive chef Michael] Tong was channeling the ancient flavors of Yangzhou, Sichuan, and Shanghai.” Shun Lee fills the vacancy left by another Chinese restaurant, Hunan Balcony. (Thanks to Robert A. and Naomi for the tips.)

Calle Ocho, which has served Cuban/Pan Latino cuisine for more than two decades, is closing on January 23 due to challenges caused by the pandemic. Calle Ocho is working to keep its long-time staff employed at other restaurants and will continue to offer many of its dishes at its sister establishment, Bodega 88, on 88th Street and Columbus. “Please accept our sincere thanks and gratitude for your support throughout the years. We hope your memories of your time spent at Calle Ocho will bring a smile to your face in the most unexpected times,” Calle Ocho wrote in a message to its guests. “If you can, we’d love you to join us for our final Restaurant Week menu.” (Thanks to Mike and Sue for the tip.)

Playa Bowls. Photograph by Kevin A..

Playa Bowls – a chain selling açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls, smoothies, and juices – is coming to 84th Street and Broadway. (We are awaiting exact date.) Founded in New Jersey in 2014, Playa has expanded to more than 120 locations. Sustainability is at the forefront of the brand: Each store uses LED lighting and ECO bowls, spoons, lids and straws. It replaces the Origins cosmetics shop. (Thanks to Kevin and Robin for the tip.)

Popz Toys on Broadway between 97th and 98th is ending its stint as a pop-up shop. There is a sale ongoing until Popz closes its doors at the end of January. As the WSR previously reported, Popz opened this past October with plans to stay through the holiday season. On a phone call, we gathered that Popz might return in the future as a seasonal business. (Thanks to Robert for the tip.)

Duane Reade, 106th and Broadway. Photograph by Naomi L.

The Duane Reade at the corner of 106th Street and Broadway is closing on February 16. The pharmacy at the store is closed but prescription records are available at all Walgreens and Duane Reade locations. (Thanks to Robert and Naomi for the tip.)

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34 Comments
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charles
charles
1 year ago

I remember as a child, decades ago, that this was a branch of Chase bank. I opened my first bank account at this branch.

It was a long time ago.

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nycissues.org
nycissues.org
1 year ago
Reply to  charles

In the 1960’s it was a Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust. Taken over by Chemical Bank which eventually merged with Chase Bank.

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Alan
Alan
1 year ago
Reply to  nycissues.org

Many years ago when the Duane Reade was a Many Hanny it came to light that the bank had been paying the electric bill for the restaurant next door (I think it was a coffee shop) for many decades. Caused quite a brouhaha.

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LL
LL
1 year ago

What is Playa Bowls replacing?

And wow, ANOTHER Duane Reade closing? I have to say though, that Duane Read was kind of musky.

The Capital One Bank.and 87th street has closed, I dont know for how long. But the one o 94th closed awhile ago. So are there any Capital One banks left on the UWS? And all these big retail spaces. What will come of them?

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Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago
Reply to  LL

There is a Capital One Bank at 72nd and Broadway. I didn’t realize the one at 87th and Broadway closed. I liked that branch.

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Luther Cavendish
Luther Cavendish
1 year ago
Reply to  Elizabeth

73 & Amsterdam, CapOne is located, now with at least one homeless person with much junk camped out in front of it. The 70s on the upper west side is like homeless city now. And now there is a new tall apartment building nearby with apts selling for like around $20 million or more. How are they selling?

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LL
LL
1 year ago
Reply to  Elizabeth

Yeah, there is a sign in front of the bank on 87th street stating it has permanently closed

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ben
ben
1 year ago

While I’m exited for Shun Lee’s opening around 100s street, Im honesty not sure how far $23 Mapo Tofu will get them around here. The competition is fierce in the area and there already exist several really authentic and less expensive Chinese spots in a 5-10 block radius. We’ll see.

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stu
stu
1 year ago
Reply to  ben

Right? You would have through they would have done their research. It will die is slow death as have its predecessors.

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Mark Moore
Mark Moore
1 year ago
Reply to  ben

Atlas Kitchen is actually less expensive. I still miss Yu Kitchen.

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ben
ben
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark Moore

Exactly! Atlas kitchen is fantastic.

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Mark D Friedman
Mark D Friedman
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark Moore

I think both of those were overpriced. Yu never had a letter grade in their window. No grade no me.

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Glen
Glen
1 year ago

Playa Bowls is taking the space that Origins had; it has stood vacant for several years. Does anyone have any word on the old Victoria’s Secret space on 85th/Broadway? There seems to be work going on but it’s not clear if the LL is bringing it back to “white box” condition or if something new is coming in.

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Mark G
Mark G
1 year ago

Sad to hear about Calle Ocho. Having lived in Latin America for several years it was among the most authentic – despite the pan-Latin menu. Truth is though, that it’s been drifting down in quality since the move uptown. Last visit a few months ago was very disappointing. I’m sure COVID accelerated things but it was just a matter of time.

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CYB
CYB
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark G

I agree about the diminished quality once it moved.

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robert
robert
1 year ago

A look at their website doesn’t bode well for them staying open long,
unless they lower the prices on the UWS. They are really high….Steamed- Chicken for $25.00 an order People want a place to eat with their friends and family not another expensive, small portions restaurant. I will try them when they open, hope they well have good fare at lower prices, after 16-hour tour working in my ER I would really look forward to knowing that there was a reasonably priced, quick, with good food option in the neighborhood late at night, when I get home each day.

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Huh
Huh
1 year ago
Reply to  robert

Most of their chicken entrees are $25. What’s the average price of a chicken entree at an Italian or other European style restaurant in the neighborhood?
I find it odd and a little distressing that the expectation for Asian restaurants especially Chinese ones is to turn out cheap food while neighborhood places charge $20 and up for brunch eggs simple pasta or burgers
I like a cheap quick meal too, sometimes. But if I want a finer dining experience why can’t it be Chinese or Indian ?

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stu
stu
1 year ago
Reply to  Huh

Because there are many authentic Chinese spot above 96th street with much lower prices!

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ben
ben
1 year ago
Reply to  Huh

Fine(r) dining in Chinese is fine. But I expect restaurants to price their dishes in accordance with the taste and execution. And imo Shun Lee’s food just isn’t worth that price. But if their sub-par level of execution is in line with you expectation of $25 Chinese food then more power to you.

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Huh
Huh
1 year ago
Reply to  ben

I’m not vouching for Shun Lee specifically. I’ve never been there.
But comments about $23 Mapo Tofu” or “$25 steamed chicken” seem to imply those dishes shouldn’t be $23 no matter how well executed.
Someone commented that they want “reasonably priced, quick, with good food option” .
Great. We all want that . But that also implies that Chinese food must be all those things if they want a place in our neighborhood.
Hey, I don’t pay $25 for pasta carbonara that I can make better at home, but who here would balk at that price and say the restaurant serving it is out of place here?

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West 90th Street Jeff
West 90th Street Jeff
1 year ago

And the Chase bank that was located on the North side of 86th Street just a bit east of Columbus Avenue has moved to the old Capital 1 location just across the street. One downside is that clients meeting with bank officials are now in full view of the Columbus Avenue windows, whereas in the former location, those meetings were conducted in the privacy of interior offices.

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Christine E
Christine E
1 year ago
Reply to  West 90th Street Jeff

The new Chase Bank space at 86th and Columbus is a former TD Bank.

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Carmella Ombrello
Carmella Ombrello
1 year ago
Reply to  Christine E

The new Chase Bank was also formerly a Gap. And when I moved to the neighborhood a hundred years ago it was a huge but dark and funky chain drugstore. A Rexall, perhaps? With a fish store in the space now occupied by a kiddy dance school.

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Suzie
Suzie
1 year ago

I am surprised that any Duane Reade survives, if they all have the problem with shoplifting that the one at 89th and Columbus has. It’s absolutely blatant, and the staff is in no position to do anything about it. Maybe Y’all at West Sid Rag could do an investigation about what the police can do, if anything. It’s a major problem, and probably it’s not just at D.R…

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B.B.
B.B.
1 year ago
Reply to  Suzie

It’s the 1970’s all over again…

LE do make shoplifting arrests but people aren’t processed through system. Instead are given desk appearance tickets. They are back out on the streets before NYPD officers finish writing up paperwork. More often than not they head right back to same DR, Rite Aid, CVS, etc.. and steal all over again.

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robert
robert
1 year ago
Reply to  Suzie

Thats because of de balz, the NYS no bail laws and our new DA that has publicly said he will not prosecute low-level crimes like this
He is the only DA doing this, shoplift in the other 4 bro and you will be arrested

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J Rivkin
J Rivkin
1 year ago

Any word on what will happen to the Face Values and Beyond space at 90th and Broadway?

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Reply
Mich
Mich
1 year ago
Reply to  J Rivkin

Everything is 20-40% off. They are definitely going to close by the end of the month/ early February.

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MiMi Mayers
MiMi Mayers
1 year ago

LOVE You Calle Ocho, had my 60th Birthday party with you in the Excelsior Hotel on 79th Street. Since then NOT due to Covid So many of my family members have passed and those Friends and Family who were at Your FABULOUS Restaurant CONSTANTLY ask about your Establishment! The pictures are there and SO MANY irreplaceable BEAUTIFUL memories exist because YOUR HOSPITALITY, GRACIOUS SERVICE and Over the top Cuisine spoke for itself! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! May GOD Remain with each and EVERY One of you and your Families in Protection and Divine BLESSINGS ALWAYS!!!

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Luisa
Luisa
1 year ago
Reply to  MiMi Mayers

Oh how I agree. I went to both locations multiple times, and I loved all of my experiences there. The new location in particular transported me far beyond the confines of a pandemic Manhattan. In the absence of travel, I was so grateful for where Calle Ocho took its patrons. We celebrated my husband’s doctorate there this past May, and for Christmas I had framed the photo of us with our young children seated in the wondrous back patio. It breaks my heart that they will be closing, but I will remember them fondly. Terrific food and cocktails that I wasn’t seeing anywhere else near us, and warm, friendly, knowledgeable staff. God bless them all, and thanks for the memories.

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Trish
Trish
1 year ago
Reply to  MiMi Mayers

Yes it was truly special. You said it perfectly. So grateful for the Calle ocho experience at the excelsior location!!!

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AZ
AZ
1 year ago

I personally feel like a piece or part of my family died everythime a location. Bussines is closed… and we cannot do anythimg about it…. so sad
Wishing them a lovely farewell… may God shower them with many blessings, health peace, love and better opportunities.

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Miss M.
Miss M.
1 year ago

I will really miss this Duane Reade!

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Bo Williams
Bo Williams
1 year ago

I remember how difficult it was just to get brunch reservations at Calle Ocho. I am truly saddened by the loss, and will forever cherish the memories.😢

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