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History of Tribeca Buildings
Anotheroom aims to open on Washington and Vestry
Anotheroom, your bartender’s favorite bar that was for 26 years on West Broadway just south of Tribeca Park until the building was sold, was approved by CB1’s Licensing Committee for a liquor license for the taxpayer at Washington and Vestry. The space is 1077 square feet with a maximum capacity of 70, but would have seven seats at the bar, 10 tables and a drink rail. (They ditched their plans for West Broadway and Thomas.)
(Charles Moffett moved his gallery that was in that space since 2018 to Broadway.)
Owner Craig Weiss asked for 3a on the weekends and 2a on the weekdays, but the committee was only willing to give him Sunday through Tuesday till 11; Wednesday and Thursday till midnight; Friday and Saturday to 1a. The committee said if he does outdoor anything, it can only go to 9p. He will close his windows and doors at 8p. He also said there’s an 80-percent chance that he will operate during the day as a cafe.
Generally they will open at 5p, and earlier on weekends.
The original location on West Broadway
Weiss said the bar will offer craft beers, good wines by the glass and cocktails — similar to its original location in the neighborhood, which opened in 1999. (Weiss also has had The Otheroom on Perry since 1997 and had The Room on Sullivan.) There will be no DJ, no live music, no kitchen (the offerings will be gourmet sandwiches, tinned fish, truffle chips, for example) and no buyouts.
But in an odd reversal of the 500-foot rule, neighbors argued that there should not be a bar in this location precisely because there are no other bars nearby.
One couple who lives across the street opposed it, saying it is a quiet residential area and they don’t want crowds of patrons gathering on the sidewalk late at night and are worried about the safety of their children on the street. Their daughter Greta, 11, wrote a letter to the committee saying she would be scared to cross the street when she comes home late at night because of “the drunk people.” She also said she will have a hard time falling asleep since her window faces the street.
“I moved to this area of Tribeca because it is literally pin-drop quiet,” said another neighbor. “This feels untenable for an area that has one art gallery and a very quiet hotel….This will become a destination. If it’s open till 1a, you are going out to get drunk.”
In the 26 years he was on West Broadway, Weiss said he has never had a 311 complaint.
“I was in the northern part of Tribeca when there was really nothing there,” Weiss said. A lot of the local service workers from places like One White Street and Au Cheval come by after hours. “I am not just trying to plug this, my success is built on the neighborhood. I have a ginormous community following [he came with 26 signatures in support] — it’s all about the community.”
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This business has been a cornerstone of Tribeca, and has never been a problem. They shouldn’t see their hours change because through no fault of their own, they lost their lease so the building could be demolished. As you note, it was very popular with other restaurant workers in the area, that was largely because they were open when those people got out of work. And to the neighbors complaining, they chose to live in an area zoned for warehouses and industrial business, they shouldn’t have any real say in a small bar opening there.
Agreed. I’m more concerned that 11 year old Greta is apparently crossing the street by herself at 11pm-1am when the drunks are out.
When I was a Tribeca teenager coming home late, my mom would always advise me to walk down the streets where there were restaurants/bars open: eyes on the street, Jane Jacobs style, is safer than an empty street!
Bravooooo 👏
Imagine being a transplant moving to New York City for the kind of lively energy that defines it, but expecting a quiet, suburban-style environment to raise kids. If what you really want is peace, then moving to a city like this probably isn’t the best fit, now is it? NYC has always been known for its chaos, culture, and nonstop activity that gives it life (be reminded that many used to be scared to even visit NYC due to this very reason). Putting too many restrictions on the very businesses and spaces that bring people together risks dulling that identity. That energy is what makes New York, New York, and it’s worth preserving rather than reshaping it to match a quieter, more suburban area for people that aren’t even from here. NYC has never been that, not known for that and shouldn’t become that.
Totally agree, those hours are ridiculous… it’s NYC, not suburban Iowa
Well said all of the above comments. Another Room is part of the community, a well loved low key bar, exactly what we want. I live on the same block as Bubbys and Walkers and just up from Puffys. My 5 year old and two year old know the staff and regular patrons well as well as our neighbors. They feel safer for having Jane Jacob’s “eyes in the street”, plus a real sense of what community means – sharing your neighborhood with others from all backgrounds. Shame on Tribecas trying to close all bars, restaurants and more down. On trying to prevent the city from being the city we love. When she grows up let’s hope there is still some of the community left for Greta to enjoy.
This is New York City.
I’m glad this got approved, but I’m so confused how CB1 operates. Does anyone remember the bar that tried to open on Laight in the space that is now Bel Ange? Laight Street is infinitely busier than Washington Street, yet CB1 declined the application and neighbors came out in droves to oppose the bar. What gives?
The committee members are aware that the New York State Liquor Authority, the SLA, will likely approve it. So their general strategy, they say often, is to negotiate with the owners and agree to stipulations, rather than disapprove it and have no influence. Also this space will require no kitchen and has no upstairs neighbors.
Why is 11 year old Greta worried about crossing the street late at night with drunk people? She shouldn’t be alone – and I also can’t imagine she’s immune to that in Manhattan. If this is the concern, the family may need to rethink things. This is the quietest spot and isn’t a typical rowdy bar. It’s a welcome addition to a wonderful spot that we lost.