Between the self-playing piano, over stuffed chairs and wooden furnishings,Black Cat Café is where nostalgia goes for its midday naps. The art on the walls and the people sipping coffee underneath it are all steeped in dim amber lighting.
This speakeasy-style coffeehouse, reopens under new ownership at 172 Rivington St. this Friday.
Pe'er Klein and his wife, Nao Carmel-Klein, decided to purchase the café after the prior owner opted to retire. After looking at several places, he knew this would be the place.
"He just called me and said, 'I am not changing anything," says Noa Carmel-Klein.
"He just called me and said, 'I am not changing anything," says Noa Carmel-Klein.
Both of whom came to New York City to pursue careers in the performance arts two years ago. They hope to turn the location into a haven for upcoming artists to display their talents - in photography, painting, singing, or music.
They couple added tables to make room for their new organic menu. The shop offers loose leaf tea by the pot,or simply by the cup. Carmel-Klein boasts of the new homemade desserts - chocolate Guinness cake, gluten-free maple cake, as well as a local favorite, the apple surprise.
With the recent approval of the community board, Black Cat Café will be serving beer and wine by summer. Carmel-Klein hopes to extend the hours until 2 a.m. to suit the neighborhood's late night crowd once the license arrives.
In accordance with the speakeasy theme, jazz will be flowing out a few steps below the city street. She coyly describes the enthusiasm of the community board. "They liked the idea of live music, but we can not promote it." Since the shop is located in a residential area, they are not allowed to advertise the location as a music venue.
As for the grand reopening, there may be flappers and hushed debauchery present Friday night.
For those who want to make it until morning, they will be offering
free refills of their house blend for one night only!
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