Fools Gold Bar Opens at 145 East Houston Tonight
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The last vestiges of the art-driven White Rabbit – mural-covered gate and maroon canopy – were removed last week in preparation for Fools Gold, a joint venture between folks from both Idle Hands and Queens’ Alewife. The new gastropub opens tonight at 145 East Houston, 6pm. It’s somewhat of a soft open since there is still some cosmetic work to be done. Even though the kegs are tapped and the stools in place, materials for the storefront are still “in the mail.” So you’ll have to live with the totally bombed out entryway for a little while longer (which graffiti purists most likely dig).
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It was a long haul to completion for Fools Gold, which kicked off construction last August with a companion crowdfunding push (via SmallKnot). The store itself has been under the knife ever since, and plagued with a number of setbacks toward the end thanks to “unreliable contractors.” They were set to open last week, but had to push it back.
Fools Gold carries thirty beers on tap, with the cheapest pint pegged at $8. Below is a sample of suds, and you can find the full lineup here.
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Part of its method of operation is lifting the gate at the ass-crack of dawn (i.e. 6am). Community Board 3 had attached stipulations that holds Fools Gold to its promise of operating a cafe here in the morning. The initial plan was to pair with Brooklyn Roasting Company and offer java and pastries until noon. We’ll see how long that lasts.
Longtime Lower East Side nightlifer Jimmy Chu had been at 145 East Houston for eighteen years before White Rabbit closed last summer. The space was first christened with his Den of Thieves and then its successor Idlewild.
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