Meimei's, a Chinese-influenced French bistro, is lining up to take over 143 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, stepping into the space last occupied by Gugu Room. Community-board filings sketch out a compact, ingredient-forward menu that leans on French technique while pulling in Chinese flavors, with early dishes like sunflower mousse with blueberry jam, mussel escabeche with Shaoxing-style foie gras, and panna cotta. The proposal outlines a 38-seat dining room and an eight-seat bar, along with a request for a full on-premises liquor license. An opening date has not yet been set.
According to What Now New York, a document submitted to Manhattan Community Board 3 lays out both the planned menu and the seating chart for the room. The outlet notes that Meimei's is slated to replace the current tenant at the address and highlights the menu items listed in the filing.
The address, 143 Orchard Street, has most recently been home to Gugu Room, a Filipino-Japanese izakaya that drew attention for small plates and cocktails, according to The Infatuation. As the neighborhood keeps collecting chef-driven spots, Meimei's would add yet another compact dining option to the already busy corridor.
Menu, seats and the liquor ask
Community-board materials filed with the board list specific dishes alongside the 38-seat plan and eight-seat bar, and they confirm that the applicant is seeking a full liquor license for on-premises spirits and cocktails. What Now New York reports that when contacted, the owners did not yet have a firm opening date to share.
How the approval process works
Manhattan Community Board 3 handles 30-day notices and questionnaires for local liquor-license applications, and its online archive shows the board regularly reviews proposals across the Lower East Side. For projects like Meimei's, the State Liquor Authority questionnaire and any recommended stipulations are first discussed at CB3's SLA & DCA committee before the State Liquor Authority considers final approval, per Manhattan Community Board 3's filing archive.
No firm opening timeline is listed in the application. Hoodline will update this story when the owners share more details or file final approvals.
