286-Grand-Avenue-0609.jpgEver since the building at the corner of Grand Avenue and Clifton Place changed hands more than four years ago and the bodega was pushed out, there’s been great speculation about what sort of tenant would eventually show up in the storefront; the sense of mystery was enhanced by the large graphic portraits in the windows. Among the possibilities we’ve heard tossed around over the years have been a brick oven pizza place, a tea shop and a bookstore. Unfortunately there’s no way to properly vent a stove in the space, so that eliminates most food-related pursuits. Clinton Hill Blog adds the latest, and perhaps the last, chapter to the saga: While on a jog this week she popped her head in and asked the electricians what the space would be and they told her a coffee shop. Seems a little odd given that Choice is just down the block but we shall see. According to another source, the space is supposed to be ready by the end of the month.


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. I think that if it was a coffee shop where one could sit and lounge and actually had decent coffee (as opposed to Choice) it would work. I love Choice as a lunch spot but I don’t really think of it as a cafe in the classic sense since the coffee is so bad. Outpost has the best coffee in the neighborhood but I bet this location could support another good coffee spot.

  2. I think that if it was a coffee shop where one could sit and lounge and actually had decent coffee (as opposed to Choice) it would work. I love Choice as a lunch spot but I don’t really think of it as a cafe in the classic sense since the coffee is so bad. Outpost has the best coffee in the neighborhood but I bet this location could support another good coffee spot.

  3. If anything this area NEEDS a coffee shop. The Coffee at choice is so bad I actually go to the deli across the street and save my money. Intelligentsia (overrated) or not it’s undrinkable. But seeing as you and Terri are obviously business partners to some degree, I suppose you need to question the logic of it’s opening.

  4. I dunno: if you’ve ever gone to Choice in search of a cup of coffee or a place to sit and drink it, you know that they only turned over a rock to reveal a writhing mass of squirming market. There’s a line out the door most of the time.

    Methinks the block could support a second, more leisurely cafe without much trouble.

  5. Hey Brownstoner here’s a idea– Why don’t you “take a walk” around your neighborhood and find a story to write about instead of re-hashing old shit from another blog!

    There is a house for sale right across the street from yours! Can you call the Agent/Broker and give us the 411 or maybe it’s doesn’t fit in with your agenda (Price Comps).

    The What

    Someday this war is gonna end…