By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
INWOOD — Inwood residents looking to enjoy a pint of beer in a garden might soon get their fix.
It’s taken nearly one year to grow, but Ouva Wine Bar & Beer Garden at 4957 Broadway is getting ready to open in late March, according to restaurateur Gus Anton.
Since demolition began last year, many Inwood residents have been dreaming of their first sip.
"Is this #Inwood beer garden just wishful thinking or is it actually a plan?" tweeted Upper Manhattan resident Charley Ferrari. "This just made my LIFE!"
"A wine bar/beer garden/music venue opening next door to Garden Cafe? Yes, please. #inwood," wrote Twitter user Mercychoir.
In addition to a wide array of beer and wine on the menu, which has not yet been finalized, food offered are expected to range from small bites to fresh salads and hamburgers, Anton said.
"We wanted to bring something different to the neighborhood where people who live here could just relax, grab a bite and a drink," Anton said.
Although construction has not yet been completed, Anton said the seasonal wine and beer garden would include six rectangular tables in the backyard of the restaurant, which can accommodate up to 26 people at a time.
Ouvo's liquor license, first filed in March 2010 and extended in August 2010, is still pending with the State Liquor Authority.
Anton's family also owns two other popular Inwood eating establishments: Garden Café, two storefronts away from Ouvo at 4961 Broadway, and the Park View Diner at 219 Dyckman St.
Despite the excitement, not all residents are excited about the prospect of another restaurant with outdoor seating, fearing it will be loud and bothersome for neighbors.
Restaurateur Anton said he is well aware of noise concerns, but he said he does not feel his restaurant should be lumped in with other establishments that operate loud, club-like lounges.
He also said he is willing to continue working with the community to find the right blend of free, outdoor, live music for patrons and is in the process of installing a double-insulated canopy to insure noise is kept to a minimum.
"My family has been in business here since 1967 we’ve been serving the Inwood community," he said. "If anyone should be persecuted it shouldn’t be us."
