Tavern on Jane, Clinton Craft House Get CB3 Green Light

The SLA subcommittee of Community Board 3 met yesterday evening to discuss this month’s applicants. With only a few items on the agenda, it clocked in as one of the shortest meetings in recent years.

Tavern on Jane, 349 East 13th Street

Probably the biggest news of the night was that Tavern on Jane principal Michael Stewart scored approval to install an East Side version of same on 13th Street. His proposal is to transform the Redhead – which closed shop last month after a successful 10-year run – into a 53-seat restaurant with the same look and feel as the Tavern.

There was no negativity for this applicant. (Not counting the revelation that Stewart allegedly promised drinks to supporters who wrote letters of recommendation to CB3.) In fact, it was a rare sight to see so many longtimers in attendance to support Stewart’s endeavor. They all mentioned how he cultivated an “asset” to the West Village that draws a multigenerational crowd with little deleterious effects on the neighborhood. The proposal easily carried the committee, albeit with truncated hours (i.e. no 4am closing).

Bowery Craft House, 293 East Houston Street

Beware. The Bowery Craft House, assuming control of Ariel’s Latin Bistro, has all the makings of bait-and-switch. Untested operators, full liquor license, menu of “Contemporary American” food, late closing time, four televisions, etc. One of its principals, Patrick Lane, is the general manager of Murray Hill beer garden Tuttles (but that wasn’t disclosed on the initial application). His partner, Michael Hrdlovic, works in the family catering business in Jersey City.

The major sticking point in this sale of assets, aside from four televisions, was the 3am ask for all nights. There was also some heated opposition from Katja owner Andrew Chase, who opined that the menu was far larger than the space could handle, insinuating that a devolution to something else would be inevitable.

Ultimately, the motion carried with 2am weekday closing, and 3am on weekends.

Mazaar Lounge, 137 Essex Street

Mazaar Lounge was a last-minute scratch yesterday afternoon for its controversial liquor license renewal. Predictable. Eleventh-hour withdrawals are oftentimes a tactic employed to wear down opposition. CB3 Showed its lack of teeth. Could’ve forced the hand of a bad actor. Instead, the hearing is delayed until next month for further consideration.