TongKatsu is Kaput After Less than 2 Years
Pencil in another restaurant failure at 137 Rivington Street.
TongKatsu, the fast-casual Japanese spot, recently went out of business. The first sign of trouble was a post to Instagram two months ago, in which Chef-owner Ben “Seraph” Tong announced that the one-and-half-year-old establishment would be “closed for awhile” but hoped to be “up and running in a few weeks.”
No such luck. Crickets ever since. And listings via Google and Yelp confirm the shutter.
The sub-level space at 137 Rivington is a revolving door of has-beens. In fact, four different businesses passed through in the last nine years. This was where chef-celebrity Eddie Huang got his start in 2010 with the first iteration of Baohaus.
Recent Stories
‘Bowery Showroom’ is Gen Z Retail
Looks like a new concept store is setting up shop on the Lower East Side. Bowery Showroom, a New York-based designer vintage and lifestyle brand, is opening its first retail location this weekend. Not on the Bowery; in fact a few blocks off at 57 Stanton Street. What we gather from the PR babble is […]
Elected Officials Ignore Mom’s Plea to Stop the City from Destroying East River Park [OP-ED]
The following editorial was written by Kirsten Theodos, an East Village resident. There is a crisis right now in New York City. The limited green space we have is under attack, and even a global climate crisis and pandemic won’t stop the City from destroying it. I live near East River Park, the only meaningful green […]
Adam Schlesinger Virtual Tribute is in the Works
A virtual tribute to keep the late Adam Schlesinger’s memory shining on is in the works. The Fountains of Wayne co-founder and bassist passed away one year ago due to Covid complications. “This is a proper musical send-off for my soul brother with a bunch of talented and groovy guests that would make Adam wince,” […]
Tre on Ludlow Street Returns Next Month with New Chef
The following guest post was written by Bowery Boogie reader Colton Moore. Tre, the locals Italian restaurant on Ludlow Street, is set to reopen on Saturday, May 1. It’s the first time back open since the pandemic-related sidelining in December. Returning diners will be surprised (and treated) to a new menu; rather than offering full […]
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Returns from COVID-19 Sidelines
All the world’s a stage… To honor what would be the Bard’s 457th birthday, the ever-so-popular Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back for a two night affair. Being the first performance from the troupe since the pandemic sidelined it in 2020, the event promises evenings filled with scenes, songs, sonnets, and soliloquies from the […]
