By Scott Etkin
The highly anticipated Charles Pan-Fried Chicken opened on February 7 on 72nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. There was a “good flow of customers” on day one and on day two business was so good that they “sold out and had to close early,” said Nate, who works there. Currently there’s no online delivery available, though they are hoping to start this via GrubHub next week, Nate said. (You can view the menu and order from the existing location in Harlem.) There’s no seating indoors, but Nate mentioned that they are applying for a permit for outdoor seating this summer. (Thanks to Thomas for the tip.)
Eight Ladles, “NYC’s first soup and cracker bar,” has opened inside of Thyme & Tonic restaurant on Columbus between 82nd and 83rd Streets. The bar is “more of a to-go” option, said Diana, who minds the counter. It offers eight varieties of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free soups – including Matzah Ball, Butternut Squash and Apple, and Jambalaya – as well as artisanal crackers. Everything is kosher and made in-house. The new brand is under the same ownership as Thyme & Tonic, which also runs the Mediterranean restaurant Arba and bakery Modern Bread & Bagel next door. Delivery is available on Seamless. (Thanks to Lisa for the tip.)
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, temporarily closed for renovation on Broadway between 105th and 106th Streets, is “getting closer” to reopening. In a note posted to the storefront on February 1, the club wrote that it is “optimistic Smoke will be welcoming you to hear great music in the next couple of months.” The work is to expand the club, an UWS institution since 1999, by “incorporating the two vacant storefronts to the south into a new space where our historic bar will now be located.”
The Starbucks on the corner of 81st and Broadway closed on February 4 for a nine-month renovation. “They have been having lots of problems with the air conditioning and plumbing leaks,” writes tipster Brent, who spoke with a barista there. The entire staff is transferring to re-open the Starbucks between 81st and 82nd Street on Columbus, which has been closed for repairs and remodeling. This location is slated to re-open on February 11. (Thanks also to Lisa for the tip.)
Hudson River Picture Framing, the custom framing shop on 86th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus, has closed. Established in 1985, the store was founded by Alan Dworkowitz, an artist with a BFA from Yale University. (Thanks to Judith for the tip.)
Soha Gourmet Marketplace, a 24-hour convenience and grocery store, has opened on the corner of 96th and West End Avenue, replacing West End Taqueria. It also serves salads, sandwiches and juices, with delivery available from Seamless. (Thanks to Jeffery and Matthew for the tip.)
A Presentation Gallery for condos in the 41-story Claremont Hall is coming to the corner of Broadway and 109th Street. Claremont Hall, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, in collaboration with the Union Theological Seminary, is located across the street from Riverside Church. It will contain 165 condos as well as classrooms, academic offices and faculty-designated apartments for the 180-year-old Seminary.
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When I saw Smoke was on this list, I was terrified it would be closing.
THRILLED about the renovation and yes, will be back there when it reopens. It’s a neighborhood (and city) gem.
Me too! A most wonderful venue to hear seriously fabulous jazz! Thank goodness they’re opening again!!! Yeah!
Could not agree more. Now please bring back Manny’s Car Wash on the Upper East Side and Lennox Lounge up in Harlem!
Oh wow!! Manny’s Car Wash. That brings back some memories.
Also, reminds me of when I used to go to Tramps down in Chelsea and Wetlands all the way downtown. Also, anyone remember The Ritz? Saw lots of legends there back in the day.:)
Yes to all of this, and also Roseland!
How am I supposed to go 9 months without that Starbucks?! Time to move lol
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken – I was one of the lucky customers who got in on the second day. Easily the best fried chicken I’ve ever had, including the most flavorful chicken that I’ve had in years. Very busy, tight crowded line, festive and friendly ambiance on the line and from all the staff. Charles himself was in the kitchen.
The framing store has been there for as long as I remember. Jeez. I am guessing it is a COVID related closing?
And am very very excited about a bodega returning to 96th. And 24 hours! Yay!
Does anyone know if the previous staff from the Starbucks Columbus & 82nd location will also return to the Columbus location this month?
Since the Columbus 81-82 location closed, I’ve tried other Starbucks locations but they’re not the same.
The whole crew made that Starbucks a happy place and seemed genuinely glad to work there. They displayed a welcoming attitude and professionalism made customers feel appreciated.
I’m hoping that some/all of this previous Columbus branch will return but it’s such a small store that I can’t help but think that there may not be room for the old Broadway and Columbus crews at that location.
Does anyone have any news about the opening date for the deli in the old Pier 72 spot, on the corner of 72nd and WEA?
The long-closed Empire Szechuan at 98th and Broadway has a sign saying a Shun Lee is opening there.
Re Claremont Hall: it’s too big.
Made my husband go get some so we could try it today. What convinced him to wait on the line was that the person in front of him was back for the 2nd day in a row to get fried chicken!!! He waited about 30 minutes but he was there early.
The Fried Chicken is so moist and tasty!!! YUMMY!!!! I would go back for more!!! Family Meal is a great deal — 10 pieces of Fried Chicken and 3 sides.
The Hudson River Picture Frame shop has closed but Alan is still doing custom picture framing privately. Call 212-873-2098 for an appointment.
I got Charles Fried Chicken again tonight for the 2nd time this week. Was in line for 50 minutes but it was worth it. Chicken is Incredible! But the sides are to die for. The candied yams are out of this world and tonight tried their homemade potato salad which was the best I ever had.
I miss spring natural