CARROLL GARDENS — Smith Street's evolving bar and restaurant scene has made it one of the most popular spots to kick back and relax in the borough.
The street has lost a few neighborhood favorites, like Coco Roco, Ceol and The Grocery but many vacant spots are being replaced by new eateries, including Clover Club's new cocktail spot Leyenda.
DNAinfo New York has rounded up some notable changes to the dining scene along the street this year:
► Leyenda
The new pan-Latin cocktail bar from the owners of Clover Club opened May 21 at 221 Smith St. after DNAinfo first reported its plans in February. Like Clover Club, the venue has a solid drinks menu thanks to noted cocktail experts Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix. Dining options include tacos, pupusas and Peruvian ceviche.
► Cubana Cafe
Cubana Cafe is returning to business in the next few of weeks after a months-long renovation has kept the restaurant boarded up.
► Ravioli Wine Bar
The first Ravioli Wine Bar will open this summer at 277 Smith St., according to its website. The eatery will take over the former location of Savoia, an Italian restaurant that went through a number of changes, including downsizing, before finally closing for good, Pardon Me For Asking reported at the time.
► The Grocery
The Grocery, the acclaimed farm-to-table eatery at 288 Smith St., will cease to exist as a full restaurant on June 27, owners told The New York Times on Monday. The space will instead be used to host special dinners, private parties and possibly weekend pancake breakfasts, the newspaper reported.
► Gastropub at Ceol
Smith Street's shuttered Irish pub Ceol will be taken over by the team behind the Bell House and Union Hall. The owners hope to bring "designer sandwiches" to the new venue, owners told DNAinfo in April when their application for a full liquor license was approved.
► Painting with a Twist
The neighborhood's new paint-and-sip studio at 228 Smith St. should hopefully open in the next six weeks after delays pushed its planned spring debut, co-owner Suzette Riley told DNAinfo New York Tuesday. Riley and her sister Felicia, who are opening the 1,500 square-foot studio, described the franchise as "the new dinner and movie" back in January.
► Mad Dog & Beans Cantina
After announcing its opening back in 2013, the Mexican chain eatery shuttered recently and its sign has been removed from the storefront. The space at 276 Smith St. remains vacant.
► Mia's Bakery
A new coffee and pastry shop that's slated for the former Coco Roco space was still undergoing renovations as of Monday. Co-owner Paris Asprou told DNAinfo in March that they hope to have a coffee bar, wireless Internet access, desserts and treats. Asprou did not immediately respond to request for comment on the bakery's opening date.
