SOHO — The owner of the East Houston Street dive bar Botanica has had his eye on opening a small plates restaurant in the upstairs space that was home to the brunch spot Nolita House, but his plan was shot down Tuesday by the neighborhood's community board.
Mark Connell told Community Board 2's State Liquor Authority committee that he wanted to open an "upscale restaurant" with local and organic menu items on the second floor of 47 E. Houston St., between Mott and Mulberry streets.
"I'm looking to do something totally different from Botanica — something more cocktail- and wine-driven," he said.
Small plates at the as-of-yet unnamed spot would cost approximately $8 to $15 each, Connell said. Like Nolita House, which closed in May after eight years in business, the replacement restaurant would likely serve brunch.
But the board recommended that the state deny Connell's application for a liquor license, citing concerns about noise.
Connell did not immediately respond to an inquiry about how he will proceed.
The liquor license application will be given a final CB2 advisory vote at the full board meeting Thursday, July 19 at 6 p.m. at Grace Church School, located at 86 Fourth Ave.
