Drexler’s Takes Over from Ella Lounge on Avenue A
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The former Ella Lounge on Avenue A is headlong into renovations to become a new drinking den. Despite the dangling neon still in place above the doorway, remodeling has been fierce since late May when build-out began.
The narrow bar at 9 Avenue A now belongs to Drexler’s. From what we understand, the 2,500 square-foot drinking den promises to be the much-sought-after “neighborhood place,” a canned line repeated ad-nauseum in this business. Truth be told, though, it’s another bi-level nightspot courtesy of the owners behind Boulton & Watt and the Blind Barber. Which makes sense given its rustic, upscale antique decor.
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Emporium Design is at the helm for design duties, the same firm that lent a hand to Gallery Bar, Ella Lounge, and Boulton & Watt. As it should, one of the principals – Robert Stansell – is a co-owner of all.
So it’s all in the family, so to speak.
Thus far, the establishment has yet to appear before Community Board 3 for proper approval. Not only that, the liquor license remains attributed to Darin Rubell, Jordan Novak, and Joshua Boyd, who collectively opened Ella in the fall of 2008 in what they called the “Lower East Village.” It closed back in January. (Rubell is also an owner of Boulton & Watt).
Confused yet?
Our repeated attempts for comment or confirmation went unheeded.
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