Secrets of Union Square Peepers Revealed

There was a rumor that leading restauranteur Danny Meyer wanted to run the new restaurant to be established in the Union Square Park pavilion. Not true, says Meyer, but he will be taking over the cursed Wakiya space in the Gramercy Park Hotel and establishing an Italian restaurant there.

Closed at the corner of 13th and 6th. Probably because for take out, the food was too pricey. Wonder what will fill that cursed space next.

Imagine a 538-foot tall condo at 5 West 13th St., and imagine it holding just 36 units (three units less than our co-op). Well, it’s very likely to happen.

It looks like shuttered Indian restaurant Babu Ji may be rising from its wage theft lawsuit ashes into the old All’onda space at 22 East 13th Street. A neighbor happened upon the space at an opportune moment, when a garbage bag hanging over a brand-new sign at the address fell down, revealing the words “Babu Ji” for all to see. It’s an unexpected changeover for the space — up until very recently, Red Farm restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld was planning to take the space for a new restaurant called The Mess. The restaurant with chef Zod Arifai was completely built out and had even hired staff and hosted friends and family in February when all work came to a halt in March. Schoenfeld previously told Eater the hold-up was initially a result of issues with the Community Board, who recommended a denial of the space’s liquor license. Schoenfeld did not immediately respond to inquiries, and Babu Ji owners Jennifer and Jessi Singh declined to comment.

Yet another single-dish restaurant opened its doors over the weekend: The Nugget Spot. Besides the expected chicken nuggets, this fast-casual joint also offers pork, fish, cauliflower, and mozzarella nuggets. There are also four different breading options, which range from coconut to Cheeze-it, and a long list of dipping sauces to go with. There are also a few sides, and the restaurant does serve beer, but only Budweiser at this point. Status: Certified Open. 230 E 14th St., 646-422-7426.

This hand-drawn map from 1926 identifies our building as a 5 and 10-cent store, which, of course, as Woolworths, it was, all the way until 2003.