Gin Mill to Open Inside former Cafe Charbon on Orchard?

Ever since its high-profile closure two months ago, the defeated Cafe Charbon has slowly withered into decrepitude.  Now that process is accelerating.  Serious renovations are presently underway inside the one-story cornershop.  Cosmetically speaking, the frontage is now missing some ornamentation.  Gone is the red Tabac sign, as is the road marker that once spelled Rue Du Commerce. Eventually, the entire premises will be transformed into a bro-heavy sports bar.

Last week we stopped by to survey the scene, and soak up what’s left of Cafe Charbon.  Workers on hand informed us that the fratty successor will not be ready until at least November or December.  When asked about bar identity, we were told it was still in the works.  Which is technically true.  Yet we are now hearing rumblings that 170 Orchard Street will boast the second iteration of Upper West Side haunt, Gin Mill.  This would make sense, as all of the construction permits filed with the DOB last month show the business as located at 442 Amsterdam Avenue.  That’s the exact address of the Gin Mill.

Here’s a quick tally of what people say about the Gin Mill on Yelp.

Taryn C:

It smells like a distillery in here, no doubt from the 22 year olds who a) are playing beer pong, b) fresh out of college or have one semester left or c) away from mommy and daddy’s grasp for a weekend.  Gun-to-back, I choose Jake’s over this place because of the staff.  This place I feel have bartenders with chips on their shoulders.  The staff is less annoying at Jake’s [Dilemma].  Seriously, if you are over 30, you are totally over Gin Mill.

Margaret T:

Gin Mill, I have a love/hate relationship with you.  On one hand, you can get dirt cheap beer (great for the grad school budget/sanity) while watching sports or playing beer pong.  On the other hand, this is where I saw a guy get socked in the mouth resulting in unconsciousness and a missing tooth.

Chris V:

If you’ve ever been to any of its brother bars (Off the Wagon, Down the Hatch, The Stumble Inn, etc) then you pretty much know what to expect from The Gin Mill — a trip back to your college days. Dozens of flat screens, good cheap draft beer by the pitcher and plenty of space to move around.  Flip cup and beer pong in the back behind a couple of rows of tables. Very straightforward.