Max Fish Targets Old Orchard Bar for LES Rebirth

The return of Max Fish to the Lower East Side seems a step closer to becoming a reality. Rumors were swirling earlier this month that Max Fish owner Ulli Rimkus had abandoned her plans to reopen in Williamsburg and was focused on finding a new home in the neighborhood that had been her home for two decades. Now comes word that Rimkus has inked a deal to take over the space on Orchard Street that was the home of Orchard Bar. There had been reports that the Orchard Bar owners were way behind in rent and that they were desperate to find a new operator to take over, and now there is an application filed with Community Board 3 for a new liquor license at the Orchard Bar address under the name "Ulli Bar Corp." Unless there are two Ullis looking to open bars in the district, it all adds up (with a realtor confirming the news to Bowery Boogie).

The real question is: Will the Community Board grant approval for Rimkus to reopen in a location that has long been a nuisance in the eyes and hearts of the local NIMBYs? Can they really come out against a bar that pre-dates almost everyone? The guess is yes.
· First Sign That Max Fish is Returning to the Lower East Side [EV Grieve]
· Max Fish Might Reopen in Gallery Bar Space on Orchard [BB]
· Max Fish Coverage [~ENY~]
[Photo: Bowery Boogie]