Progress Report: Mi Casa Es Su Casa at 140 Orchard

Upper Orchard Street is swiftly transforming into a nightlife disaster, thanks in part to a plethora of incoming (nay, stalled) hotels and the advent of more liquor licenses (next up, Hair of the Dog). Let’s focus on the retail footprint of 140 Orchard Street, half of which became the corner-hogging Corner Grocers. The other half, as we first reported back in March, will soon become Mi Casa Es Su Casa.

In the interim period, contractors have been busy with build-out activities behind that drab plywood shed. And it’s now starting to take shape. New facade, new light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, and new bar in the works. The proverbial flag was planted a couple days ago with a chained storefront sign.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa appeared before Community Board 3 in March, and sought wine and beer privileges. They got it. The three-store space will reportedly hold roughly thirty-two patrons, serve Latin cuisine, and offer acoustic performances (Fridays and Saturdays only). Its hours of operation will be 11:00 am-10:00 pm Sunday through Wednesday and 11:00 am-1:00 am Thursday through Saturday. Further details of the operation, such as menu and launch date, are scant at best. Meanwhile, their license is still pending with the SLA.