GREENWICH VILLAGE — The controversial replacement of 100-year-old Greenwich Village mainstay Caffe Dante has been well-received by locals, according to its owner.
Owner Linden Pride said neighbors have been streaming into the new venture, which he's calling Dante, since he opened on Thursday.
"It was amazing to see all the old locals come back into the space over the weekend and see their reaction," Pride said. "It's been really lovely."
Pride said some neighbors have come in every day, and even a couple times on Saturday and Sunday, for coffee and then back again for dinner.
One man came in Sunday evening and told Pride he'd been a Caffe Dante regular for 40 years, Pride said. Pride made him an espresso, which he drank at the bar before scrawling "best of luck" on a dollar bill and asking Pride to "stick it behind the register."
Pride said Dante will be open at 4 p.m. for drinks and 5 p.m. for dinner every night this week.
He'll start opening at 7 a.m. next week to serve coffee, pastries, breakfast and "a light lunch," he said.
Pride has on social media referred to the restaurant's opening as a "re-opening," featuring photos on Instagram of former Dante owner Mario Flotta, Sr., and claiming in the restaurant's tagline that it has been "proudly serving New Yorkers since 1915."
Some vestiges of the old business do remain, however, and not just the signage and (most of) the name. Two long-time employees — brothers named Ralphy and Louis — have returned to work for Pride, he said.
Ralphy worked at Caffe Dante for 27 years, Pride said. His brother, Louis, has another job at the moment but is "doing a little bit of part-time" work at Dante.
"He helps in the kitchen, works in the daytime," Pride explained.
Dante, 79-81 MacDougal St. 212-982-5752. Hours: Opens this week at 4 p.m. for drinks, 5 p.m. for dinner. Will open at 7 a.m. starting next week.
