For a while there I thought that the work had completely stopped at the soon-to-be Falafel Bar on Allen (see original story). The paper was in the windows, though it already looked like it had been up for years. To my surprise there were workers back at the site yesterday putting many of the final touches in the space. I guess there was a three-month delay partly caused by The City, but then again, what else is new.
The good news is that renovations are back underway for the 50-seat restaurant and Allentown is on its way to getting a healthy, vegetarian-friendly eatery. I spoke with owner Oded Rauvenpoor who had just gotten back from a food show in Chicago and he made it a point to tell me that for the first time there was a buzz about some of the great things taking place in Buffalo. That's good... if you paid attention to the YUM Channel recently, then you know that there was quite a discussion surrounding the top-five restaurant list. The Falafel bar had its fair share of votes (see post). This is a place that certainly helps to create a local buzz.
Expect a full smoothie and juice bar upon opening day. The Allen Street location will (get excited) be open late hours on Thurs, Fri, and Sat ('till 4am). For now there is window/bar seating, but no outdoor tables. A patio and beer/wine license will be part of Phase 2.
The Falafel Bar will soon be open at 69 Allen Street. 716-882-2680