EMM Group Adds Neon Signage for The General and Finale at 199 Bowery

Open just shy of two months at 199 Bowery, EMM Group’s Lower Eastpacking triple-threat is now a bit more visible. Its block-long facade was barely ready upon launch, with wires protruding and ghetto signage in the windows. But that’s been remedied. Last Friday, new neon marquees were introduced for both the General and Pascha joint-venture Finale, the latter of which boasts a big-bulb, theater-style housing. The “A” in Finale didn’t last the weekend, though.

Described by Thrillist as a “three-sectioned, red-and-gold, graffiti-laden temple on the Bowery,” the General features a “modern Asian” menu by Top Chef winner Hung Huynh. With the added exterior flair and requisite pay-to-play press, it’s now more officially serving. What populace, we know not. Bitter still is the aftertaste of this club-complex on the Bowery mid-section, where many building residents and neighbors feel hoodwinked by the third liquor license added here.

Just wait til warm weather when the eighty-foot-long garage door facade opens up to the elements as “canopy” for sidewalk dining. Right next to the Andrews Hotel…and the M103 bus stop…and constant traffic, both foot and vehicular. Enjoy that meal with a healthy glass of fumes from that eighteen-wheel oil tanker.