Taavo Somer to Open Bar-Boutique in the Former National on Rivington

Taavo Somer is looking to expand his Lower East Side holdings. The local mogul already has a hand in the popular Freemans, Peels, Freeman Sporting Club, and the hangout inside the future Jarmulowsky hotel at 54 Canal Street. And now, according to the SLA agenda for Community Board 3, his next endeavor with Kent Kilroe will sidle up right alongside Freeman’s Alley. Over at 8 Rivington Street.

Indeed, with The National barely out the proverbial door, Somer hopes to create a bar-boutique concept that seems rather similar to the nearby Dressing Room. The former casual cafe will split between threads upstairs with normal retail hours, and nighttime activities in the basement. For this, principals seek full on-premise privileges until 4am.

Application materials submitted ahead of the monthly meeting reveal that the tiny cellar space will house six tables with eighteen seats, a nine-foot-long bar, and a menu of small appetizers. The establishment is without identity for the interim.  And judging from prior license activity in these parts, we anticipate some backlash from neighbors on this one…