Taqueria, Sports Bar Among New Washington Heights Restaurants

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A bar in what was once Vapor lounge on Broadway, a taqueria on Sherman Avenue and two other new restaurants got the OK from community board members this week.

Community Board 12 gave the thumbs up to all four liquor license applications for new restaurants that faced their full board meeting on Tuesday. All but one of the applications had gotten the approval of the board's Licensing Committee earlier that month.

Among the new eateries is a sports bar that promises to take over the corner spot once run as Vapor lounge, but without the former bar's violent reputation.

The new tavern will set up 25 tables and 10 bar stools at the 4160 Broadway space and serve a limited bar menu. It will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to a.m. with DJs, karaoke, and live acoustic jazz music, owners told the board.

Officers with the 33rd Precinct told board members they were concerned with another bar opening at the Vapor spot, which once had its liquor license taken away after a rash of violent incidents and multiple state violations and for serving to minors.

"The concern is that this location will become another Vapor Lounge since the sis a sports bar that by its nature will attract the same crowd Vapor did," officers said, according to the minutes.

But, the owners, who have run restaurants in the Bronx for 16 years, agreed to several conditions to prevent any problems, minutes show.

The restaurant removed its tinted windows, put up flood lighting outside and agreed to put up a "Good Neighbor" sign that will let the public know they can contact the manager with any problems. The owner also said they can revisit the restaurant's hours if necessary, minutes show.

Board members also gave the OK to a restaurant at 1261 Saint Nicholas Ave. — which will serve a full menu and feature DJs, karaoke and acoustic trio bands — and a new taqueria at 52A Sherman Ave. The taqueria will include 10 tables with 20 seats.

Finally, an application for a restaurant called Abisinias Cafe Lounge at 377-381 Audubon Ave. passed the full board even though the licensing committee recommended rejecting it because owners did not provide the proper paperwork.

That restaurant will include 17 tables, six bar stools and will include karaoke music, DJs, dancing and small duo jazz ensembles.

The final approval of the liquor licenses will be decided by the State Liquor Authority.