East Village Cocktail Bar Adds Hidden Taqueria

Openings and closings

Cocktail bar The Garret in the East Village today adds a hidden street taco joint called Borrachito in the back of the bar at 206 Avenue A. The small space has just one 12-seat table and two seats at the counter with pork, steak, and fish tacos, as well as tortilla soup, street corn, and guacamole. Paletas, or popsicles, are for dessert. Meanwhile, matcha cafe MoMaCha opens tonight in The Hole art gallery at 312 Bowery. This will be the flagship location of MoMaCha, which has two other gallery-cafes planned in the city.

In closings, East Village Southern comfort food spot Double Wide has ended its seven-year tenure in the neighborhood, announcing the closure on Facebook. The space is being taken over by Cocktail Kingdom founder Greg Boehm, who is also a partner in Boilermaker and cocktail bar Mace. Also in the East Village, Benny’s Burritos & Empanadas is permanently closed according to its owner.

Waverly Inn has a new chef

Ryan Schmidtberger, formerly of BlackTail and Lure Fish Bar, is the new chef at Waverly Inn, bringing his background in seafood to the West Village restaurant, so expect whole fish, grilled octopus, and crudo specials to join the menu. Schmidtberger is the latest chef in a long history at the clubby, intimate, Graydon Carter-backed hotspot.

East Village cocktail bar launches bar takeover series to support the ACLU

During the month of April, Narcbar in The Standard East Village is hosting an industry night happy hour every Monday from 8 to 11 p.m. that will benefit the ACLU. Starting on April 2, every Monday for the month will feature guest bartenders from around town, including from Honey’s, Dirty Precious, Mood Ring, Jupiter Disco, and Doris.

Two new brunches in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s Oaxacan restaurant Claro will begin serving brunch this weekend, with dishes like chilaquiles and a shrimp tamale with egg and cocktails. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the full menu is below. Fort Greene Mediterranean restaurant Miss Ada also starts brunch this weekend, serving small plates, Yemeni pastries, sweets, egg dishes including shakshuka, and pitas.