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Calle Ocho Restaurant Bows to Matt Dillon's Demands

Actor Matt Dillon joined other Upper West Siders in opposition to a new outpost of restaurant Calle Ocho.
Actor Matt Dillon joined other Upper West Siders in opposition to a new outpost of restaurant Calle Ocho.
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Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

UPPER WEST SIDE — He might have played an outsider in movies, but he's got insider clout on the Upper West Side.

After film star Matt Dillon joined other Upper West Siders to complain that a new outpost of restaurant Calle Ocho might spoil the neighborhood's peace and quiet, the eatery agreed to keep the noise down.

Community Board 7 backed Calle Ocho's liquor license application Tuesday night after the Latin-themed restaurant promised to minimize noise and post signs asking customers to keep it down on their way out the door.

Among other conditions, Calle Ocho promised not to play amplified music outside and to assign an employee to "ensure smooth flow of traffic and quiet on the sidewalk."

Calle Ocho — which New York magazine lauded for its "infectious high spirits" and tasty lobster ceviche — had to apply for the new liquor license because it's moving from 446 Columbus Ave. to 45 W. 81st Street, where it will be inside the Excelsior Hotel.

Calle Ocho moved out of 446 Columbus Ave. and will relocate less than two blocks away, at West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue.
Calle Ocho moved out of 446 Columbus Ave. and will relocate less than two blocks away, at West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue.
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DNAinfo/Leslie Albrecht

Dillon and other locals warned Community Board 7 in May that they feared Calle Ocho would disrupt the neighborhood. Dillon said he had "no problem" with the restaurant, but worried about its "night club vibe."

"It's not a restaurant that serves the neighborhood. It's a bar scene," Dillon said.

In response to the concerns raised by Dillon and other neighbors, Community Board 7 chairman Mel Wymore brokered a deal between residents and the eatery.

Dillon didn't attend Tuesday's Community Board 7 meeting, and couldn't be reached for comment.

Calle Ocho owner Jeff Kadish said he was pleased with the compromise.

"We have great neighbors and we're looking forward to having success at the new location," Kadish said. "The place is going to look great, and our neighbors will be happy with us."