By Lisa Kava and Julia Ornedo
Brasserie Boulud, a modern French brasserie by Chef Daniel Boulud, is opening on September 17th at 1900 Broadway (at West 64th Street). The space was formerly the home to three Boulud-backed eating establishments: Boulud Sud, Bar Boulud, and Epicerie Boulud. All three closed in July 2025, and it was announced that the chef was planning a future opening of a new venture which would combine the three spaces into one. That venture has been in the works for the past year as the space has been under construction. “After two decades of success on the Upper West Side with his three restaurants across from Lincoln Center … Daniel Boulud has decided to boldly combine the spaces into one spectacular dining destination—Brasserie Boulud,” a spokesperson wrote to West Side Rag in an email on September 3rd. The new space, which is designed by architect David Rockwell’s Rockwell Group, is over 10,000 square feet and spans two floors. “It will feature a light and airy main dining room with an impressively large central bar, but also an intimate speakeasy and elegant private dining rooms,” the spokesperson wrote. Brasserie Boulud will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering morning coffee and croissants for both eat-in and take-out. There will also be pre- and post-theater express menus. “The menus will reflect Boulud’s signature seasonal French cuisine … with a bend towards casual everyday dining and a light twist on bistro favorites,” the spokesperson wrote.
Szechuan Gourmet, a Chinese restaurant, has signage up at 239 West 105th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam avenues). Another Chinese restaurant called Szechuan Garden, which was previously in the space, closed in March 2025 after 14 years. A website for Szechuan Gourmet says it specializes in “traditional Szechuan cuisine, bringing the bold spices, rich aromas, and distinctive flavors of Chinese culinary tradition to every dish.” The menu will feature classic Szechuan dishes and regional specialties such as mapo tofu, spicy dry pot and hand-pulled noodles. ( Thanks to Lesley for the tip.)
Wednesday Health, a physician-led primary care health and longevity practice, is opening in October at 265 Central Park West, Suite 1D (between West 86th and West 87th streets). The membership-based clinic will offer 24/7 access to a primary care physician who will provide coordinated care with specialists. “The clinic will offer patients a proactive, rather than a reactive approach to their health,” Chief Strategy Officer Camille Medrano told the West Side Rag in a phone interview. “The practice will be grounded in real, clinical judgment rather than current trends such as the use of peptides or GLP-1s,” Medrano added. The concierge clinic’s medical director, Dr. Ronni Levy, is a longtime Upper West Side resident who decided to open a hyperlocal health concierge to promote a holistic approach to health care. “He feels really passionate about the Upper West Side and wants to give back to the community that he’s been a part of for so long,” Medrano said.
Gracie’s Laundry, a coin-operated laundromat offering dry cleaning services, at 410 West 110th Street (at Columbus Avenue), closed on August 10th. The phone number is disconnected and it is listed as permanently closed on Google. (Thanks to Matilda for the tip.)
Purple Waves, a cafe, market, and wine bar, at 285 West 110th Street (at Central Park North), is closing on Wednesday September 9th. In a letter posted on social media, owner Sharon Avon Reuveni wrote “A huge thank you to all the amazing climate/ sustainability organizations and businesses that supported our mission. I.m grateful that this experience helped me to get to know so many local businesses doing amazing things.” She wrote about the challenges of running a food business in NYC saying “It’s been a rollercoaster. I’m humbled by this industry and truly admire all the tireless small restaurant and cafe businesses that are surviving and thriving in today’s crazy environment.” Purple Waves had temporarily closed in August 2025 to renovate and expand its market section. (Thanks to Scott for the tip.)
ICYMI:
Velvet Cowboy, a Wild-West themed bar, has signage up at 509 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 84th and West 85th streets), and plans to open in October. The bar will be at the former home of Jacob’s Pickles and under the same ownership. Read WSR’s coverage of this news here.
Jake’s Dilemma, the longtime popular Upper West Side bar at 420 Amsterdam Avenue, will close on October 18, 2026, after 32 years of business. Read WSR’s coverage of this news here.
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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Related question to Boulud – Cafe Fiorello, The Smith sidewalk seating.
Wondering why the sidewalk seating extends so far into the sidewalk (and close to bus stop) – but does not use the wide space closer to the buildings (where there are few pedestrians)?
Interesting question, but it might have to do with fire laws and egress for the high rises above the establishments. I have live across the way (for 40 years) and although I miss The Saloon, have wondered the same, but that is my guess, especially since restaurants, because of the cooking, are prone to fire. That said, I love all three places, and I’m thrilled about Boulud, and despite the expense, cannot help but enjoy all three establishments and adore the outdoor dining.
I could see the need for access around the entrances to the buildings, but otherwise it seems strange that rather than moving the seating closer to the building – let’s say two feet towards the building which would still leave pedestrian space – the restaurants take up so much of the sidewalk?
Sometimes very little room waiting for the bus.
Oh I miss The Saloon so much, too!!!
That’s a good question. Don’t think 311 would be much help with this. Maybe contract Gail Brewer’s office?
Hope Brasserie Boulud still has coq au vin on the menu, and that it’s still good. I was a once-a-weeker at Bar Boulud for the coq au vin. It was the best in the neighborhood. Better than La Sirene’s, superior to Amelie’s and two entire letter grades above Cafe du Soleil’s.
I loved the trout!!
I loved both
Never had a bad meal there Sam, fish, fowl or foie gras.
The closing of Purple Waves, a nearly zero waste cafe and meeting space is a loss to the neighborhood. Owner Sharon made a valiant attempt to maintain sustainability principles. She served delicious locally sourced food, required customers to use a reusable cup for takeout coffee and tried creative strategies to make a go of it. Thank you Sharon for building community and raising awareness of how individual actions can make a difference for the environment. You will be missed.
this place was bizarre; I’m surprised lasted as long as it did. too bad, because that corner could use something good right there.
Are you Sharon?
Imagine requiring a reusable cup for coffee. That’s why businesses have to be about making money first not building sustainable communities or whatever
That’s a great mindset. I wish more businesses did the same!
The only problem is you either have to always carry a reusable cup with you or it you leave the house knowing you will get coffee. I am guessing if someone just stopped by for a cup of coffee, she sold reusable cups then.
Never a fan of Jake’s. No loss IMHO.
Aperture is finally opening September 18:
https://aperture.org/editorial/aperture-welcomes-the-public-to-its-new-home-this-september/
Very exciting!👏