Kung Fu Tea Opens on 5th Ave

Kung Fu Tea [8625 5th Ave] soft opened earlier (12/19), right before Christmas  (they're between 86th and 87th St), next to Blimpie's.  They took us by surprise by opening in record fashion, after having mentioned it less than two weeks earlier.

Planet Wings on 5th Ave Shutters

Planet Wings [8612 5th Ave] next to Pizza Wagon closed a little over a year in business. It didn't seem like long ago that we first broke the news of their opening back in August (last year). Although we'd like to think that fried chicken resonates well with just about anyone, they likely didn't get a chance to hit their mark.

Auntie Anne's on 86th St Shutters

Auntie Anne's Pretzels [416 86th St] shut their doors for the last time to shoppers earlier in December after nearly two years in that space.

Fried Ice Yogurt Opens on 3rd Ave

Fried Ice Yogurt [9104 3rd Ave] opened over the weekend, replacing beleaguered Sweetie Frozen Yogurt, adding a new choice in frozen desserts to be had along 3rd Ave.

Nile Boutique Opens on 3rd Ave

 

(Updated 5:16pm)
Nile Boutique [8806 3rd Ave] opened over this weekend, after having moved from their previous store in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst (2044 86th St) to their new digs along 3rd Ave.

Sprint Coming to 86th St

(Updated 1/20/16 10:05am)
Sprint [442 86th St.], the national wireless carrier is occupying the store it previously occupied (for six months) last year as a temporary store straight through the holidays after Spirit of Halloween vacated in the previous Sept/Oct.

Cocoa Grinder Opens on 3rd Ave

Cocoa Grinder [8511 3rd Ave], the coffee purveyor we mentioned earlier, is expanding to 3rd Ave, between 86/87th St, from their original location at 8521 4th Ave, opens tomorrow (Sat, Dec 19).

Kung Fu Tea is Coming to 5th Ave

Kung Fu Tea Storefront (on Ave U., courtesy of Sheepshead Bites)

Kung-Fu Tea [8625 5th Ave] is headed to the 87th St. block of the 86th St corridor, right next to Blimpie.  Although a tenant for this space had been expected for some time, it was only a matter of time a chain-based bubble tea shop opened somewhere along this stretch.

Feature: Darn Donuts

Darn Donuts [8723 4th Ave] brought us in to sit down with the owner, Daniel, to talk about the long awaited opening we mentioned earlier last month (November).

New Cocoa Grinder Location Opening Soon on 3rd Ave

Coffee Grinder [8511 3rd Ave], the coffee/juice bar is expanding to 3rd Ave from their 4th Ave/86th Street counter.  Having scouted out a great location, they got to work and now with the scaffolding and boarding down and out of the way, they are set to open in mid-late December.

Darn Donuts Opens on 4th Ave

Darn Donuts [8723 4th Ave] opened earlier yesterday to catch the late morning stragglers.  It's been some time since we last mentioned them but they are finally open.  The bright, fluorescent green storefront and the fresh scent of donuts and coffee lured curious shoppers all day out of their daily routines.  Hours are still fluctuating but regular store hours will be along the lines of Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 8a-7:30p. Their website is in the works but you can find them on Facebook.

Feature: Pig Guy NYC

Pig Guy NYC [8413 3rd Ave] has been open for some time since we last reported about their grand opening. We return to see how things have shaped up and explore some of their new offerings that will not only shape the NYC BBQ scene, but further meet the needs of what residents are looking for.

Fontana Sushi on 3rd Ave Closes

Fontana Sushi [9608 3rd Ave], a fixture of Bay Ridge of nearly two decades closed within this last week. It's been around since long before the Met Fresh Supermarket became it's neighbor in 2013, and survived through at least one ownership change (that we know of).  We last spotted it being gutted out for renovation earlier on Monday. They were best known primarily for their All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE)-style sushi buffet option, over their a la carte menu, similar to the ones that have been cropping along the outskirts of Bay Ridge/Borough Park of recent years.

That now leaves the southern portion of Bay Ridge covered by one less choice for sushi in the hands of Suki Sushi, Fushimi, and Shobu Sushi.

Your Baker on 86th Is Closing

"Your Baker" [518 86th St], the bakery (a Bay Ridge institution) that just about every living generation has ever known locally, is closing shop at the end of this month, with the Saraniero's moving onward with their retirement plans.  Many know Your Baker to be housed in the building with it's own name inscribed into the facade.

Darn Donuts Set to Open on 4th Ave

Darn Donuts [8723 4th Ave] are coming!  That's a promise they've kept when we first noticed their signage going up.  The opening date is finally drawing nearer. We can almost smell the donuts and coffee from here. Can you?

CHEERS NY Oct 3-4 2015

Ridgeites rejoice! With Oktoberfest upon us, The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is bringing  CHEERS NY, the first-of-its-kind craft beverage festival and trade show to nearby Industry City on October 2nd to 4th, 2015. Sample tastings from New York State beer, wine, spirits, and cider producers, eat your way through the Brooklyn Eats™ marketplace, and enjoy drinks at the outdoor beer hall (weather permitting).  Grab your friends and come enjoy all that New York State has to offer!

5th Ave Hair Studio Celebration of Fashion and Beauty

5th Ave Hair Studio [9013 5th Ave] and Oribe Hair Care (Facebook) are throwing a soirée tomorrow, and you're invited.  It's an event to earmark their one year anniversary on 5th Ave & 90th St that we wrote about and it's sure to be something you won't want to miss.  Please call ahead or email to RSVP. 718-439-4909 or 5thavehairstudio@gmail.com - Press release as follows...

Dari Mediterranean Restaurant Out, The Pearl Room Coming In

Dari Mediterranean Restaurant [8518 3rd Ave] shuttered just before Summer Stroll 2015 on 3rd Ave kicked off for this season.

NYC Craft Coffee Festival

We know you've been complaining about the selection of coffee in the neighborhood.  We've heard it time and time again.  Studies show, New Yorkers are nuts about cold-brew. Well, if you love coffee, then this is for you. The NYC Craft Coffee Festival is just on the horizon, taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2015 in Brooklyn (Williamsburg).

With 101 Restaurant Out Renovation Brings Positano In

Positano [10018 4th Ave], an upcoming trendy Italian restaurant will open at 4th Ave & 101st St and basically be within an earshot of the Verrazano Bridge with the requisite al fresco dining and views that come with it.

Pinot's Palette Set to Open on 13th Ave

Pinot's Palette [7518 13th Ave] comes to Dyker Heights. The national Texas-based paint and sip franchise known for combining art with wine and their catchphrase "Paint. Drink. Have Fun." is opening its doors tonight in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first class kicks off this Saturday evening on their calendar.

Gulf Coast Opening on 3rd Ave

Gulf Coast [310 Bay Ridge Ave] will assume most of the space of the renovated of Circles Café.  Fans of Circles can rest easy knowing that the menu will live on as a take-out counter on the Bay Ridge Ave entrance.

General Vape Opens on 5th Ave

General Vape [8314 5th Ave], an electronic cigarette or e-cig shop opened their doors nearly a week earlier along 5th Ave. (the original date was set for August 1st)

Pig Island 2015

(Updated Sept. 8 2015 1:05pm)
Pork fanatics from across New York will converge upon the Sixth Annual Pig Island soon.  Be sure to get your tickets early to save! Join us Saturday, September 12th at Erie Basin Park in Red Hook (across from IKEA), along the Red Hook waterfront to enjoy an all-day outdoor Brooklyn pork fest!  It'll be a tasting event for the masses with the likes of pitmasters from the across the NYC region, as mentioned below... 

Bullshots, Olla Wine Bar goes dark, along with others

Bullshots [8121 5th Ave] may have poured its last shot. Beleaguered bar/pub of the better part of the last decade went dark last week. The casual watering hole that featured $3-4 pints & mixed drinks along with karaoke is no more.

Mi-Tea Coming to 3rd Ave

Mi-Tea [7104 3rd Ave] appears to be a tea shop under renovation along Third Ave. If true, this will be the first Asian tea shop in Bay Ridge to feature what we believe will be milk tea with bubbles, or more colloquially known as bubble tea.

HôM Moving Along 3rd Ave

HôM [8810 3rd Ave], the store/restaurant best known for their unique brunch specials like 'green eggs and ham' and unusual-yet-cute retail storefront isn't going very far. They're moving one store over to 8810 (next door to Bench) from 8806 3rd Ave. No announcement or clarifications have been made beyond a sign posted on their previously closed restaurant over the past week.  Inquiries made to the owner, Salvatore Forte and the restaurant has, as of yet, gone unanswered.

Shangri-la Opens on 3rd Ave

Shangri-La [7400 3rd Ave], vegetarian restaurant open Sunday, July 26th after having shown renovation progress earlier in June. It replaces the relocated Carvel which stood at the corner for years. The menu is, for the most part, Asian with a complement of soups, salad, appetizers, entrees, noodles dishes.  They offer lunch specials and free delivery. We can definitively say now that there's at least one true vegetarian option for diners of Bay Ridge. Bravo. Currently, they're listed on Yelp.

Pier 69 Brooklyn Opens on Bay Ridge Ave

Pier 69 Brooklyn [10 Bay Ridge Ave] opened earlier this month, on July 4th, amid second stage renovation, providing residents and visitors of Am-Vet Pier 69, a perfect stopping point for coffee and sandwiches.

Pig Guy NYC Opens on 3rd Ave

 

PIG GUY NYC [8413 3rd Ave] is finally opening this week (Confirmed for Thursday 11am) according to ownership and their latest announcement on Facebook/Twitter. It's been a long time coming since we last wrote about it back in April.  Here's what you need to know:

Apple Bank opens on 86th St

Happy Monday!  Apple Bank for Savings [426 86th St], as anticipated and talked about (via Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn Daily, Bay Ridge Journal) opens today to residents and shoppers of 86th St BID.

Don Mario Opens on 3rd Ave

Don Mario Rotisserie Chicken [7215-A 3rd Ave] opened earlier last month (5/29) on Restaurant Row, dishing out Latin (we believe, Peruvian) food for the masses. They took over the former location of Las Margaritas restaurant, which moved to expand directly across the street. We can count on one hand, the number of rotisserie chicken establishments here, and so this is a welcome addition to Bay Ridge.

The waft of roasted chicken grilling on the racks is alluring to say the least. You can find them on Facebook, for now.  Drop in and let us know what you think!

Tajadas Opens on Bay Ridge Ave

Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant [241 Bay Ridge Ave], which is a sister restaurant to the Woodhaven outpost with the same name serving similar Colombian fare opened along Bay Ridge Ave directly across from Key Food in the past few weeks, replacing Arepas y Crepes which didn't see much traction in the few months that it was open.  Breakfast and lunch are expected along with a complement of typical baked goods often found in panaderías.

Shangri-La Progress

Shangri-La [7400 3rd Ave], the upcoming vegetarian restaurant As mentioned in an earlier post is set to open fairly soon, replacing the recently relocated Carvel which stood at the corner for a number of years.  The awning and signage just went up and the interior is getting overhauled now.

Caffe Bene Opens on 5th Ave

Happy Monday! Caffé Bene [8614 5th Ave] opened over the weekend to the delight of 86th St shoppers. As was reported by us on their progress, and our first detailed article, the renovations took no more than a couple month. True to their design language, they've adopted the look and feel of the other locations within the rapidly expanding chain. Coffee just became that much more accessible, but with a calmer environment. It calls to attention the fact that there are no less than 3 coffee options at every single 86th St BID intersection, presently.

Dirty Boots Farm CSA Arrives

Dirty Boots Farm CSA (Community- Supported Agriculture) kicked off their inaugural (first) season June 14th-Nov 22nd with a drop-off location near 70th St and Shore Rd on Sundays.

Located on 5.3 acres of the famous Black Dirt of Orange County, NY, Dirty Boots Farm is owned and operated by a pair of Brooklyn ex-pats who are excited to bring their produce bounty back home. Check out their website for more information about CSA’s, their farming practices, pricing and info on how to join.

Bay Ridge Ave Sees More Mixed Use Development

Construction [268 Bay Ridge Ave] is under way on this 26.5k ft² three-story mixed-use building mentioned in NY YIMBY last year. All told, 10k ft² is allotted for parking (below grade), 3.6k ft² toward community facilities, and 10.5k ft² toward residential, with 2.3k toward commercial/retail. If you recall, New Hope Fellowship once occupied this lot, which remained undeveloped under them. It's slated for completion in Summer 2016.

Bai'Dar Cafe Coming to 3rd Ave

Bar'Dar Cafe [6810 3rd Ave] is set to open in a space previously occupied by a doctor's office. We presume this will be a Lebanese restaurant. Howevr, no further details are available at this time.

La Bella Opens on 3rd Ave

La Bella [8821 3rd Ave] a women's boutique fashion store opened earlier in June. Previously this storefront was occupied a nail salon and later, Tropepe's restaurant consulting office.

Apple Bank For Savings Coming to 86th St

Apple Bank For Savings [471 86th St] will occupy later this year, the former Amalgamated Bank which shuttered earlier in the Spring.

Amalgamated Bank shuttered Spring'15 following their Dec announcement

Following a consolidation strategy to "refocus on its core constituents" the Bay Ridge branch was among one of six they chose to close. Perhaps in a telling sign, it is an indication that the once high density of union members that once existed in the neighborhood has dwindled to the point of being unsustainable.

El Salamlek Coming to 3rd Ave With Middle Eastern Fine Dining

El Salamlek [7406 3rd Ave] in what may perhaps be one of the longer renovations we've seen this year is still under wraps but has planned to open later this year.  They'll be providing Middle Eastern fare along with a cocktail and hookah lounge and all the creature comforts that's to be expected.  We'll have more on that as the date nears.

If you recall, King Falafel which once occupied the footprint of both storefronts downsized into what is now 7404, leaving 7406 open for rental. For now El Salamlek is on Facebook and has their own website.

El Salamlek is restaurant of Middle Eastern cuisine with a cocktail and hookah lounge: dining, catering, private events, delivery. - See more at: http://www.routeandgo.net/place/2944312/united-states/el-salamlek#sthash.2jMpNg78.dpuf

El Salamlek is restaurant of Middle Eastern cuisine with a cocktail and hookah lounge: dining, catering, private events, delivery. - See more at: http://www.routeandgo.net/place/2944312/united-states/el-salamlek#sthash.2jMpNg78.dpuf

El Salamlek is restaurant of Middle Eastern cuisine with a cocktail and hookah lounge: dining, catering, private events, delivery. - See more at: http://www.routeandgo.net/place/2944312/united-states/el-salamlek#sthash.2jMpNg78.dpuf

Those "Darn Donuts" Are Coming to 4th Ave!

Darn Donuts [8723 4th Ave] is sure to bring that much more excitement to the 86th St BID & 4th Ave corridor.  (It's actually closer to 88th St)  Work is already under way to bring more doughnut goodness to Bay Ridge. The signage just went up today as we noticed no signs present over the last couple of days.

Gourmet Fit Opens on 3rd Ave

Gourmet Fit Kitchen [6819 3rd Ave] which we wrote about earlier this month, opened their doors to lunch-goers today after some paperwork-related delays.

Health-conscious and tasty are often two words that are fairly hard to come by.  Gourmet Fit, (pardon the pun) fits that bill well by going organic, and all-natural, a healthy combination few restaurants can claim, even in Manhattan. We'll have some more details to share with you later this week. For now, you have the option of dining in, taking out, and/or delivery.

FedEx Office Coming to 86th St

FexEx Office [526 86th St, Corner of Gelston] will be slated to open Q3 in the storefront once occupied by chain retailer Motherhood Maternity (shuttered in late 2013). FedEx Office, once known as Kinko's is a chain of stores that operates in the printshop/full-service copying services market.

Feature: Honeybee Pâtisserie, French Pastry Shop Opens in Bensonhurst

While we don't often cover happenings outside of Bay Ridge, we do want to bring attention to some remarkable things happening throughout Southern Brooklyn.  North Brooklyn gets all the culinary attention, let's face it, and while there are great restaurants to be found throughout communities like Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, and Bensonhurst, it takes mass media forever to catch on.

Caffé Bene Progress

Work continues on Caffe Bene's new Bay Ridge outpost [8614 5th Ave] as reported last week. Plywood has been taken down to expose floor to ceiling glass windows/doors and wood, consistent with their overarching theme. A sharp contrast to the coca-cola red from Entertainment Exchange but a welcome one. What isn't clear yet is when they plan on installing their new awning and/or wood themed signage.

Town Hall on Substance Abuse Issues

As reported by Bay Ridge Journal, an important town hall around substance abuse is scheduled for later today (5/14) 7-10pm at Our Lady of Angels Church on 7320 4th Ave.  It will be headlined by none other than Senator Marty Golden and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz. Guest speakers also include Donna dePola, director of the Resource Counseling Center [408 77th St].