Update on Toby’s Public House at 86 Kenmare

From the outside, the restaurant looks fairly complete. Neons have been bolted to the brick exterior of 86 Kenmare Street since the end of summer, and the marquee boasts new-but-weathered looking namesake lettering. However, the behind-the-scenes picture (i.e. licensing status) at the long-delayed downtown outpost of Brooklyn-based Toby’s Public House is anything but.

Now it appears Toby’s is starting to compromise a bit on the booze license front. Up until the November Community Board 2 meeting, management was several times stubborn in seeking a full on-premise license, irking the nearby NIMBY population. Indeed, at that meeting 22 local signatures were gathered, establishing a solid front against ownership. The application was denied.

By December, the team downgraded efforts by applying for wine and beer, but withdrew from the agenda at the last minute. The game continues at tonight’s CB2 licensing meeting where Toby’s will again try for same.  Either way, we are told by those involved that the establishment should open sometime in February.