Some interesting rumors have come up for the iconic Lenox Lounge on Lenox Avenue and 124th Street. The rent at the Art Deco lounge appears to have now increased to over $20,000 a month starting in February so new proprietors are being sought. Reports that Marcus Samuelsson is interested in the space have not been confirmed officially but the lounge would definitely fit in with the revival of Harlem historic spots that the celebrity chef is now known for. Read more in DNAinfo:
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Whatever happens, I sure hope that new proprietors preserve the nature of the place.
ReplyDeleteBut I have always wondered about the long-term prospects of this space. It is a great storefront, but this is just a 2-story (or maybe 3-story) building, as is the adjacent building. Other than the Lenox Lounge, that space seems underutilized. It is a prime location and I would expect that at some point economic trends will prevail, and the lot would be joined with the neighboring lot so a much larger building will be developed on this site.
This place could be awesome if somebody with the right vision got it - somebody who could keep the best of the old while reving it a bit. I'm thinking something exactly like Keith McNally did with Minetta Tavern in the West Village - kept the old pictures, the original bar, threw up some curtains and upgraded the food and parts of the decor. You could almost do the same thing here, with much cheaper rent ... question is what is the old owner selling the name/original artifacts (eg sign, decor, etc) for?
ReplyDeleteUpgraded food would help a lot.
ReplyDeleteHenry is right - upgraded food and friendlier service. Sorry the big rent increase is pushing them, but If you're old time and been going there for years and years the service rendered is obviously better. For new comers who have tried to enjoy it, including some at company happy hours with big crowds, have suffered from poor service and not very good food. It's so iconic and gorgeous - already awesome. I too hope everything original is kept intact and that they keep true to the music.
ReplyDeletei think an "open mic" component w/ a pianist--something we don't have in Harlem-- would be a nice addition.
ReplyDeleteThe "open mic" component with a pianist is already happening every Sunday evening at the Lenox Lounge, 7-11pm, as it has for some 10 years or longer. Go visit before it's gone...
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