The Avenue that introduced Silver Palate cuisine to New Yorkers more than 30 years ago is experiencing another renaissance with a blend of unique shops and restaurants.
In particular, Columbus Avenue between West 67th and 82nd Streets has the distinction of being the newest locale for a host of international businesses following flagship debuts in SoHo, Rockefeller Center and other parts of the country.
Dutch-based organic home and cosmetic brand Rituals, already a SoHo staple and Barneys favorite, opened at 420 Columbus Avenue last year.
Fashion-forward IRO Paris, which also has a SoHo flagship, is opening its second U.S. store at 241 Columbus Avenue. World-acclaimed African-based cosmetics company Rain has debuted a second U.S. unit on Columbus Avenue at 294 (the first is in Rockefeller Center).
And arriving from Upper Manhattan, Columbia University neighborhood hub Book Culture opened its third store last November at 450 Columbus Avenue, and has become an instant hit on the Upper West Side, too.
“We’re seeing an influx of distinct and exciting shops on the Avenue, adding even more choices to an already great mix of retail,” said Barbara Adler, Executive Director of the BID.
“Columbus Avenue is clearly a go-to corridor for unusual stores and restaurants, but with the benefit of being super convenient.”
Several international brands have also chosen to make their New York debuts on Columbus Avenue, including Peruvian Connection, slated for 341 Columbus Avenue, and French mustard boutique Maille, which recently opened at 185 Columbus Avenue.
Several neighborhood favorites are relocating along the Columbus Avenue corridor, too, including Amber, an Asian-fusion restaurant relocating to 103 West 70th Street, and Saffron Indian Cuisine which will open at 320 Columbus Avenue, replacing Mughlai.
Birdbath Bakery opened its second bakery on the Avenue at 276 Columbus Avenue, and the third one on the Upper West Side. Joining the group is an already popular newcomer, Ella Kitchen & Bar at 249 Columbus Avenue.
“We’ve come full circle again with interesting and innovative additions,” added Adler. “There are even new fitness centers coming, including Pure Barre at 410 and a yet to be named center at 246 Columbus Avenue. ”
