By Scott Etkin and Lisa Kava
Amsterdam Hardware Depot, a family-owned business, is opening at 924 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 105th and 106th streets). The shop will carry hardware and housewares, including brands such as Pyrex and OXO. They will also sharpen knives and make key copies. “We’re going to do the basic hardware, electrical, plumbing, and tools,” said Carlos, who will be the store’s manager, on a call with the Rag. “It’s for the supers and for the average [person]. You and me that want to walk by and say, ‘Oh, I need a picture hook.’”
The opening is expected to take place in two or three weeks. Carlos, who will run the business with his cousin and brother-in-law, said he has about 15 years’ experience working in hardware stores. They chose the Upper West Side for their first venture because of fondness for and familiarity with the neighborhood. “I love the Upper West Side,” he said. “I love the vibe. I love the kind of people.” The space used to be Deli & Grill, a convenience store. (Thanks to Erik for the tip.)
The Tang, a traditional Chinese restaurant at 920 Amsterdam Avenue (at the northwest corner of West 105th Street), has been temporarily closed for renovations for the past two weeks, Gaven Chen, a managing partner of the restaurant, told West Side Rag. They plan to reopen by Thursday, August 14th.
The renovation included a “kitchen revolution” where industrial-grade wok stations, steamers, and fryers were installed, and a dedicated dessert prep space was added. Infrastructure was also upgraded to support expanded vegetarian and vegan options, and the bar counter was significantly extended, Chen said. All tables were replaced with custom expandable tables, and soundproof glass was installed between the kitchen and the main dining area. “The design remains true to our ethos: modern, luminous, and minimalist with subtle Chinese architectural accents,” Chen said.
The Tang serves a variety of dim sum, dumplings, and noodle dishes. “Our signature chicken noodle soup is slow simmered for 12 hours and made with seven different kinds of Chinese herbs,” Chen said. The restaurant originally opened in 2019. (Thanks to Andrea for the tip.)
Claire’s, a jewelry and accessories store at 2267 Broadway (between West 81st and 82nd streets), is closing, though no final day has been set. The business, which was founded in 1974 and has more than 2,000 stores around the world under the Claire’s and Icing brand names, began voluntary bankruptcy proceedings this month. “Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders,” CEO Chris Cramer said in an announcement. The company had previously filed for bankruptcy in 2018. There are steep discounts going on now at the UWS location, which is one of four locations in Manhattan. (Thanks to Hyman and J for the tips.)
Zurutto, a Japanese restaurant at 142 West 72nd Street (between Amsterdam and Columbus avenues) has closed but is expected to reopen at a new location. ”We plan to relocate nearby soon, so please stay tuned for updates,” Zurutto posted in a sign on the storefront. The restaurant was opened in 2016 by the same ownership as Tenzan, a nearby sushi restaurant. “Thank you for your support over the years,” Zurutto wrote. “We are deeply grateful for all the memories and your loyalty.” Zurutto’s menu specialized in ramen and gyoza, a type of Japanese dumpling. The UWS restaurant could not be reached by the Rag. A worker at Zurutto’s East Side location (on 2nd Ave. between East 52nd and 53rd streets) said that it remains open.
The Openings & Closings column wouldn’t be possible without our many tipsters: thank you! Anyone can send tips about openings and closings in the neighborhood to info@westsiderag.com.
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Always happy to see a new hardware and housewares store, even though this one is a bit far north for me. This is the kind of retail and service shop that helps define a neighborhood as a place where people actually live and care for their homes; a sign of stability. Best of luck to Carlos and his family in their new location. (P.S. Brickman’s is just fine but I still miss Aquarius.)
A bit too far north for me as well. I remember the hardware store on Amsterdam around 67th, which even expanded many years ago. Then, Lowe’s opened on Broadway, which forced the Amsterdam Avenue store to close. Not too long after, Lowe’s closed, depriving the Lincoln Square neighborhood of a hardware option.
Gartner’s Hardware has always been on 72nd…not that far away. : )
Exactly!
But do they sharpen knives?
Yes, we will sharpen knives.
We look forward to sharpening yours.
I feel exactly the same. I am unlikely to ever set foot in this store yet I’m thrilled that a new hardware store is opening.
I miss Aquarius, too. And I also don’t want this store to compete with that great little hardware store up near Columbia. That said, I miss Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Lowe’s. Gracious Home, a little, too. Oh well. I guess: “Welcome” is in order!
Oh, no! Please, please stay in the neighborhood. I can’t get through the winter without several visits for your tatan ramen with extra spicy oil and black garlic. I’m just devastated to read this. Nothing anywhere near as good this old lady can walk to.
Wow! That really must be some hardware store!
So excited for a new hardware store in the neighborhood. They should try to open before all the Columbia students arrive.
While I haven’t been to Claire’s in years, I did get my ears pierced there as a teen. Where can you go to get them pierced now?
I’ve heard good things about Rowan, on the UES. Piercing is supposed to be done by nurses and you get a preview of the placement. (But haven’t had a personal experience with them.)
Most jewelry stores offer ear piercing services. : )
Wishing Amsterdam Hardware Depot much success! There’s a lot to be said for a neighborhood hardware store.
Glad to see that The Tang isn’t closing. It’s a really lovely place for excellent food. The bar staff is very welcoming, if you just want to have a drink and a quick bite, or if you are dining solo. (I do hope they are replacing the backless dining chairs, though!)
I was so relieved to see that too!!
Their century eggs are a miracle of umamispicy
Would love it if Zurutto would come down to Lincoln Square!! I still greatly miss Sushi Au Go Go which was on Broadway … those were the days!
Zurutto is excellent, I go there all seasons. I hope they open very nearby.
And on Broadway between 72 and 96…….nothing