A Bespoke tip came in and revealed that a liquor license has been requested for the shop space at 239 Lenox Avenue. We walked by the brownstone corner at West 122nd Street with the distinct gated patio already built in for outdoor seating and noticed the public hearing papers posted on the windows for Boulevard Bistro (click on lower photo to enlarge). Lower Lenox has a handful of nice boutique businesses but the multitude of brownstone shops have been underutilized. This area is within the Mount Morris Park Historic District and is actually more picturesque than the section above 125th Street but not too many better businesses have taken advantage of this fact.
I welcome any addition to Lower Lenox, and the name makes me optimistic that the owners have the right vision for the area ("Boulevard Bistro" feels to me like an inviting neighborhood spot and not too aspirational). I agree with Ulysses' assessment this area is more picturesque than upper Lenox. Unfortunately, I think there is a perception that there isn't enough foot traffic in Mt. Morris for retail to thrive. But people said that about all of Harlem five years ago, so I reject that premise. Restaurants like Auberge Laurent (if we can even call it such a "restaurant") just didn't have the formula right. Settepani does a decent brunch but a mediocre dinner (and is usually more crowded at brunch). Il Cafe Latte is always packed. Get it right and folks will come!
ReplyDeleteCovo is in an alleyway away from most foot traffic and it has been successful since its opening years ago. Although foot traffic is important, word of mouth and providing great service will always assure success.
ReplyDeleteGG, Agreed, with the right formula of value and decor, Boulevard Bistro will do very well. This corner with its gated patio has so much charm it reminds me of Greenwich Villages Waverley Inn. This is good news for lower Lenox.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the is making this into a Bistro. It used to be a hostel for French Canadian (which the owner is) and European tourists.
ReplyDeleteLower Lenox has really got to step it up.. It was the first to start gentrification but FDB took off faster due to the amount of housing projects on Lenox between 112th and 115th which have created a dead zone.(see the ultra luxury building on 110th and Lenox which has Duncan Donuts and Subway as it's tenants). Let's hope that more viable businesses can open up and thrive between 116th and 125th!
ReplyDeleteI think the reason the lower Mount Morris Park area is under utilized is because its nearly impossible to get a full liquor license with all the large churches in the area.
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