Metropolitan Gets Tacombi Tacos, But No Pod Sidewalk Cafe: CB

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — Metropolitan Avenue will likely be getting its own Tacombi taco spot despite the ire of neighbors who say the area is already overwhelmed with restaurant-hungry tourists.

The Community Board 1 voted Tuesday to approve a liquor license for the mini-chain's new outpost at 242 Metropolitan Avenue, set to open in an empty garage space. The 20-10 yes vote came after several neighbors told board members they didn't want the new Tacombi to add to an already-oversaturated street.

"There are 20 liquor licenses within 500 feet (of 242 Metropolitan Avenue)," one neighbor said, adding that there are several other taco spots in the area. "We’re overrun with tourists at this particular vulnerable spot, enough is enough."

Similar arguments were made by neighbors opposing a new sidewalk cafe proposed just down the street at the Pod Hotel. One neighbor said the number of seats where you can get an alcoholic drink has increased 20-fold in the last four years on the four blocks surrounding the Pod Hotel, which also houses beer garden-esque Clinton Hall bar and eatery.

Board members nixed the proposed 20-table outdoor addition to the hotel.

Neighbors against the taco spot also brought up possible ventilation or noise issues that the new restaurant and bar could bring.

But Thomas Burrows, chair of the board's State Liquor Authority review subcommittee, said the liquor license application includes stipulations for when the restaurant needs to close its doors and windows. The building has three cinderblock walls and a garage-style door, he said.

The ventilation issues need to be taken up with the Department of Health or Department of Buildings, not the State Liquor Authority, he added.

The Williamsburg Tacombi outpost will be the chain's sixth location in the city, including four in Manhattan and another in Fort Greene. The Mexican eatery began by selling its signature tacos out of a converted VW bus in Yucatan, according to the company website.

"Tacombi has locations all over the place, they could probably go to SLA and get their application approved anyway," Burrows said.

The SLA will have the final say on the sidewalk cafe and the liquor license.

Photos from GoogleMaps.