Monday, December 19th, 2011

Based on the number of people coming to MyUpperWest from keyword searches for “Jacob’s Pickles,” there’s been a ton of interest in this place (first mentioned all the way back in March when it was referred to as “Snack Bar”).

It appears as though it’s now finally open.

MUW reader Aviva sent word (and the photo above) that Jacob’s had a soft-opening over the weekend and officially opened for business today. Reader M.P. was also told the restaurant would be opening its doors today. The restaurant is located at 509 Amsterdam, between 84th & 85th (right next door to the recently opened Slightly Oliver that replaced Bar Luna).

Posted previous coverage of Jacob’s here, here, here, and here. In fact, apparently I’ve done so much coverage that if you Google “Jacob’s Pickles” the first three search results will take you to MyUpperWest.com (at least for now).

I’m in the process of getting some more information and hope to have full-details tomorrow night. In the interim, there’s one review up on Yelp from someone who claims to have attended the soft-opening this weekend. Here’s a snippet:

“What an amazing find.  We’ve been on the UWS for a couple years now – and this kind of place simply does not exist up here.  Feels like East Village or Brooklyn with the funky vibe, cool menu, great drink list.”

The other big opening news of the day is that the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at 532 Amsterdam (corner of 86th) finally opened its doors. Reader Mariann posted on the MUW Facebook page that “it was slammed at 9:30 this morning.”

Based on the amount of chatter I saw on Twitter today about this, people are very excited.

Also posted earlier today that the Syms & Filene’s basement liquidation sale appears to have entered its final 10 days. If you were holding out until the last-minute, now’s the time to go.

Finally, in closing news… the Gourmet Garage at 2567 Braodway (between 96th & 97th) is shutting down later this month after 15 years in the neighborhood (thanks to MUW readers Kathy, Andrew, Todd, Jim, Michael, & Chessa — that’s Jim’s photo below).

UPDATE 12/22: All remaining inventory at Gourmet Garage is now 50% off

UPDATE 12/23: Apparently the shelves are just about empty now

I traded e-mails with Andy of Gourmet Garage earlier today and he had this to report:

We are closing at the end of this month, not sure of the exact day yet. The reason is that our 15 year lease expires on Dec. 31st of this year. We tried to make a deal with our ll’rd who has been very good and reasonable over the years, but the rent they will be asking will be almost double our current rent. They are splitting the site into multiple units, and I believe they already have them rented although I do not know to whom. Please let you readers know we have had a wonderful run at this location, and appreciated their patronage through the years. Most of our employees will be staying on at our other stores. We are on the look out for a new site in the neighborhood.

No details at the moment on what other spaces in the neighborhood they’re considering.

If Gourmet Garage’s landlord hadn’t unofficially booted them, they would certainly have faced some competition from the soon-to-open Westside Market one block north at 2589 Broadway. Too bad — that competition could have been a boon to shoppers in the neighborhood.

It will be interesting to see what tenants move into the old GG space — will pass along word when I hear something.

Filed under: Bars, Food & Drink, Going Out, Manhattan, New York City, News, NYC, Openings/Closings, Restaurants, Shopping, Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog, Upper West Side Deals, UWS 7 Comments »
Tags: 2567 Broadway, 509 Amsterdam, 532 Amsterdam, CB & TL, CBTL, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Gourmet Garage, Jacob's Pickles, New York City, NYC, Upper West Side, UWS