A long-troubled East Village corner is getting an artsy reset. A new wine-and-art bar called Art Laboratory is in the works for 40 Avenue B, with plans for authentic Georgian small plates, curated cheeses and a global lineup of wine, beer, cider and spirits. Owners are pitching a gallery-style interior with artistic décor and occasional low-key DJ sets – a calmer, culture-forward vibe than some of the space’s past incarnations.
What the filings show
According to What Now New York, the project is filed under the name Wine Art Laboratory, with 40 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009 listed as the planned address. The permit application describes a menu built around authentic Georgian dishes such as adjarian khachapuri, plus small plates and curated cheese selections, all tied to a full-service beverage program. For context, Wikipedia notes that khachapuri is Georgia’s signature cheese-filled bread, and the Adjarian version is served as a boat-shaped pie with cheese and a runny egg.
Artist behind the look
The opening is linked to Georgian-born visual artist Giorgi Togonidze. His New York-based artist profiles highlight a practice centered on textured reliefs and immersive installation work that could translate directly into the venue’s décor. As detailed in his portfolio on AANYAA, Togonidze works with carved surfaces and metallic patinas and has produced design work for commercial interiors and gallery settings. Bank Art Gallery also lists him among its exhibiting artists, underscoring his recent activity in the New York area.
A long-rotating storefront
The space at 40 Avenue B has seen a steady churn of tenants, along with a fair amount of neighborhood scrutiny. Local coverage from EV Grieve notes that Dora's Restaurant closed following license disputes and complaints, a history that helps explain why the new team is leaning into "art lab" language and lower-volume programming. If Art Laboratory sticks to the gallery-and-wine formula, it could land more softly with nearby residents who have pushed back on louder nightlife uses at the address.
What to watch
There is no public opening date on the books yet, and What Now New York reports that it has reached out to the team for additional details. For now, the key milestones to watch are finalized permits, a liquor-license application and any community-board stipulations that could shape operating hours and programming.
