In 1980 a non-illuminated sign reading “Tomasello’s” was removed from the place and replaced with new, non-illuminated letters 9″ high reading, “Nicky’s.” In 1976 Frank and Amando Gregorio (or Gregario, records differ) sold the place to Frank A. In 1971 the existing board and batten siding was installed on the first floor, and aluminum siding on the remainder of the building. A canopy on the building dates to June 1954, and follows the aesthetic of the interior, which is notable for its quality, at least until you visit the bathroom, which apparently escaped the 1950’s work. The tavern has a cut-out corner entrance, and a bright red door with little 1950’s windows, surrounded by glass block. There was some work done in the building in the early 1950’s, and this is where we imagine the current interior originates, although no permit for the work can be found. In 1943 Frank Gregorio underpinned part of the building with 8″ concrete walls, and changed the stairway to the second floor. There were lots of “soft-drink” parlors operating during Prohibition that were actually serving the harder stuff.Īt any rate, the Gregorio family held on to the place through many years and iterations. as a “tavern.”Īccording to the permit, the former occupancy of the building was “tavern.” But we knew that all along. The city said, “fine,” provided he provide a “proper grease trap for restaurant sink, also properly connect laundry tub to house drain,” and also vent the pipe “that is now wasting on the basement floor, and which is contrary to the plumbing code.” That seemed to be an awful lot of work for such a tiny place, so in September 1934, Alexander Gregorio took out a more honest permit with the Bureau of Building and Elevator Inspection, asking to occupy the first floor of 1800 N. In February, 1933, Joseph Cassario, the owner of the place, which had been operating as a “Soft Drink Parlor,” according to city records, decided to open a restaurant here instead.
![time warp bar time warp bar](https://arthousehotelliverpool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/rocky2-e1495187901995-799x533.jpg)
This 1890 corner tavern has long operated on the Lower East Side, perhaps going back 125 years.