Imperial Tavern Replaces Paladar at 161 Ludlow
The decade-plus reign of Paladar at 161 Ludlow Street has concluded. Gone is the red, lower-case signage above the entrance; gone also is that funky color scheme established last spring. The former Latin American eatery is currently amidst a re-branding to a new identity called Imperial Tavern. While the FUN neon still hangs from the flagpole, the facade has been coated in a dull gray with the updated name stenciled on the awning.
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These developments pretty much happened overnight. So soon, in fact, that the voice message on their answering machine still identifies itself as Paladar. As do the menus currently taped to the windows.
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[May 2010]
Food Network star Aaron Sanchez sold his stake in the business last May, which resulted in a more circus-type color scheme. The new owners brought a like-minded flare from their Superdive operation up on Avenue A, including said FUN neon. But it seems that, much like the infamous ‘Dive, Paladar is also finito.
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Yesterday afternoon, a sole ladder jockey was working inside. Meanwhile, crates of old vinyl are scattered near the doorway.
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