Guess Whats Coming To Nostrand? Chika Mexicana

Yes, I heard the same thing about Mexican food opened by lawyer partners. One of the original partners for Breukelen Coffee was a lawyer, so I'm hoping for the best!

I was bummed to find out that a wine store is not possible here. Apparently it would be impossible to get a wine or liquor store approved on most of Nostrand in this area without buying out one of the existing liquor stores. I guess we are stuck with bullet proof windows, high prices, and limited/poor selection (IMO) of liquor and wine for some time to come. ](*,)

Vaportrail-

I would not bet on that. I suspect that Nostrand will soon get a botique wine store, just like Vanderbilt, then Washington, then Franklin did.

Why would we not be able to get a nice wine/liquor store? Zoning issues or something? Just curious.

I believe Vaportrail is referencing a mindset believed to be held by some long term members of Community Board 8. They have reportedly asserted that liquor stores bring crime, whereas bars and restaurants that close before 2 AM bring prosperity.

As a result, they have reportedly stated that they will not support new applications for liquor stores. Wine stores and liquor stores are licensed in the same manner, leading Vaportrail to believe he will have to endure the present quality and prices until said board members retire.

Vaportrail, is that an accurate paraphrase of your view?

Note: Whynot_31 has heard the above view expressed, but does not believe it is widely held. Whynot_31 believes that in the near future, an aspiring small wine store owner will find a way to open on Nostrand.

Don't forget there is Breukelen Cellars on the other end of Nostrand, past the A/C train. Might be out of the way if you are located closer to Eastern Parkway but it's a really great store, and affordable, and free of bullet proof glass.

As for the quality of the liquor stores, while I find them to be aesthetically unpleasing, the family that runs several of them is very nice. I've gone in several times looking for wines they did not carry and they offered to order them for me.

I've met the owner of the store on Nostrand and St. Johns who is the uncle of the proprietor of the store on Nostrand and President. Perhaps if you talked to them you could get more of what you like? They tend to stock what sells, so they are receptive to hearing from customers.

It would not surprise me if the existing stores take their bulletproof glass down, and stock higher quality booze.

Those that do so may be able to attract a more profitable, less belligerent clientele. They also may be able to close earlier each day.

That's not it whynot. I've been told by the owners of several local establishments who looked into opening wine stores on Nostrand that the SLA will not grant wholesale liquor licenses to this location because of the existance of current licenses. Both people I'm referring to hired lawyers to investigate and said the same thing. They said the only way for this to happen would be to buy out an existing license.

Homeowner, I like a wine store to surprise me with their expertise, educate me with tastings and make suggestions when I'm feeling indecisive. The guy on St John's & Lincoln is not capable of either. He has never shown any interest in stocking liquors that I have asked for. Also, I don't like squinting through dirty plexiglass to select anything, especially something that will be going into my body.

Ah, the "liquor store density issue". That explanation also makes sense.

So, if we are going to get any new liquor stores to the strip, do you think some group will take on a long established liquor store for not adapting to the new preferences?

It would be a Crown Heights version of this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/nyregion/in-reborn-harlem-liquor-store-draws-complaints.html?scp=5&sq=Joseph+Berger+and+Harlem&st=nyt

People are particular about their wine and liquor.

The word is .... a mexican place owned by a lawyer named alex. Thats all the details rights now folks. no more questions. Obviously not a chain.

@tsarina can you get us an update? Are you and Skippy seeing construction?

I've heard the owners have had some ventilation system issues. Here is the solution. (Hopefully this photo posts)

I recently noticed that a big vent duct has been installed on the front of the store front.

Just walked by and noticed the sign was being put up.

PS - hello everyone! I recently moved around the corner from here last Fall and have been lurking the forum since.

http://m.yellowbook.com/profile/chika-mexicana_1874418112.html

Welcome jfinks and Chika Mexicana!

http://m.yellowbook.com/profile/chika-mexicana_1874418112.html

The awning is up!!!
"I can't wait until it opens! I hope they have 70 cent taco tuesdays!!" - My husband LOL

I am a co-owner of Chika, we hope to open soon, most of the hurdles are over, we still need to pass a couple inspections, but I think this will be soon done.
We plan on having some seats inside, it is not a very big place, so there will be some bar seating and maybe a table.
Here is the floor plan

Welcome Romario77!

I can see little bins for the black beans, chicken, pico, and green sauce!

We'll have all that.

By the way, I live just one block away, we bought a house last year and coming from Astoria missed some of the takeouts there, so decided not to wait and open our own.

Welcome Chika Mexicana! cant wait to order some Tacos and Quesadillas!

Looking good, can't wait to see the menu! Any hints on dishes that will be on it?

Mostly tacos of different variety and some other things.

The menu will be short, we'll concentrate on making everything tasty.

Romario77, how's the construction going?

Any sort of estimate on when you are planning to finish and open by?

Will there be delivery?  Please tell me tacos al pastor will be available - along with good pico and authentic guacamole :-) 

I looked through a crack in the door today and saw that the walls were painted, and lots of large kitchen appliances were inside but still wrapped in plastic.

Maybe open by the end of the month? Guess we will see....

There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in the area. Chavella's, Citrico, Muertos, Gueros, Maya...this place better bring its A game.

I am so excited to have a great Mexican place down the street from my shop! Tacos are one of my favorite things ever!

It is now June, so he wasn't able to pull off "by the end of the month", but I remain optimistic that he can open before the new burrito place coming to Franklin and Lincoln.

http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/38571/796-franklin-near-ep-the-former-location-of-jamrock-kitchen#Item_15

I don't think the two places will directly compete with each other, I am just interested in seeing which I prefer.    

I will do it under the guise of research for Brooklynian readers.

I remain optimistic that he can open before the new burrito place coming to Franklin and Lincoln.

It opens this Saturday, so he better hurry if he wants that to happen.

Any sense of a timeline?