Ross Tavern, a corner bar-restaurant concept, is on the drawing board for a former deli at 1665 Madison Ave in East Harlem, with plans for about 40 seats, a total capacity of 74 and hours that stretch all the way to 4 a.m. Food service is slated to stop at 11 p.m., and there is still no announced opening date.
According to What Now New York, the Manhattan Community Board 11 permit filing seeks a full liquor license and spells out seating for 40 guests with a maximum capacity of 74. The applicants propose serving food until 11 p.m. while keeping the doors open until 4 a.m. The filing lays out a contemporary American bar-snack menu featuring truffled rosemary popcorn and buffalo cauliflower bites, along with wings, salads, soups and a smash burger, plus separate prices for customers paying with cash or card. What Now New York reports it has reached out to the operators for comment and notes that no opening date has been announced.
Licensing Process And Late-Night Rules
Manhattan Community Board 11 requires on-premise liquor applicants to file at least 30 days in advance, then reviews each submission for method of operation, hours and capacity before issuing a recommendation to the State Liquor Authority. Per Manhattan Community Board 11, that review can include stipulations that applicants must accept if they want a thumbs-up. The New York State Liquor Authority allows on-premise alcohol service until 4 a.m., and it is ultimately the agency that will grant or deny Ross Tavern’s license.
Site Background
Property records show 1665 Madison Ave is a one-story retail building in East Harlem that sold in late 2022, signaling relatively recent investment at the corner. According to PropertyShark, the building includes commercial units and has a modest permit history. What Now New York describes the space as a former deli, and the Ross Tavern concept would convert the storefront into a late-night neighborhood tavern if it clears the approval process.
What This Could Mean For East Harlem
If approved, Ross Tavern would bring a new late-night drinking and dining option to a stretch of Madison Avenue still rooted in small businesses. Community Board reviews often result in written stipulations around hours, crowd control and sound, which applicants typically agree to before a license request moves on to the State Liquor Authority. Neighbors with questions about the application can reach out to CB11's Licenses & Permits committee for meeting dates and details on how to submit public comment.
