“The Lead Belly” Bringing Oysters and Cocktails to 14 Orchard

It’s been five months since Sweet Paradise shuffled off this mortal coil, and new ownership has officially taken control. The changeover is complete. As of August 8, team Fat Radish is now on the liquor license across the street at 14B Orchard. Given name, according to the State Liquor Authority database, is “The Lead Belly.” Like the blues singer, only not so much.

Despite prior Fort Knox-ian efforts to the contrary, the concept seems to be a well-known secret around these parts. Several sources reveal that the new joint will be an oyster bar with cocktail component. And while the build-out has been a covert constant for the last couple months, construction efforts really started gaining steam last week. Awning and its security gate system were removed from the facade, door propped open for passerby photo ops.

With Lead Belly, Orchard Street is certainly joining this recent seafood trend across the Lower East Side. Seems everywhere we look these days, another friggin’ oyster/clam bar is starting shop. This Lead Belly should debut sometime in the early fall.