One of the Lower East Side’s most popular bar and exhibition space is currently planning a grand revival in a much larger space.
Beverly’s was a hybrid service venue and renowned nonprofit arts organization founded in Chinatown in 2012. As an artist-run bar and exhibition space, Beverly’s was established to serve artists in the local community and provide them with a platform while connecting locals to exciting new art exhibits. Beverly’s ran for nearly 10 years at 21 Essex Street, but was sadly forced to close down when the pandemic began ravaging New York. Out of an abundance of caution, the team made the difficult decision to not renew the lease at the end of 2020 when restrictions began easing up, and their heartbroken community had been left in the dark, wondering what would be next for Beverly’s.
In the interim, the team at Beverly’s had been hosting an alternative exhibition space at 5 Eldridge Street, where they held regular contemporary art exhibitions and events, as well as a bi-weekly food distribution service in partnership with The Black Painters Academy. All the while though, the team never stopped dreaming about relaunching a bar of their own, and now the time has finally come where they are ready to make that a reality.
Beverly’s has just announced that they will be moving into a brand new space at 297 Grand Street, between Eldridge and Allen Street. The space was formerly home to a retail store and health spa, and soon the Beverly’s team will be bringing the space back to life with art and community. Occupying the main floor of the building, the new Beverly’s space is expected to be able to seat about 42 guests inside at one time, while preserving plenty of space for art exhibitions. Their space at Eldridge Street will now become their workshop, art studio, and storage space.
The reopening of Beverly’s is welcome news to the community, who relied on the space for networking events and connection. Once their new liquor license has been acquired, the team intends to rehire their old staff and create even more jobs, endeavoring to support local artists in their creative development. Once open, guests will be able to enjoy mixed drinks, boozy kombucha, and plenty of beers on tap. They will also offer custom cocktails like The Grimace with mezcal, ginger soda, lime, and creme de cassis; and the tea-quilla with black-tea infused tequila, seltzer, and simple syrup with a salt rim.
According to their website, Beverly’s hopes to have their new space operational by Summer 2023. While you wait for the new space to launch, you can check out their ongoing exhibitions on Eldridge Street, and you can follow Beverly’s on Instagram for regular updates as the team continues to develop the new space.
