Korean Eatery Closes After Fire Hits Historic Brooklyn Building

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — The modern Korean restaurant that’s become a neighborhood favorite was forced to close when a fire erupted in its historically landmarked building, owners announced.

White Tiger — the eclectic Korean eatery known for its kimchi bloody marys and canned Spam decor — shuttered its doors at 601 Vanderbilt Ave. after an electrical fire ravaged the restaurant’s building the day before New Year's Eve, owners wrote on their website.

“We're so sad to say that we've had to close temporarily," owners wrote. "Thankfully, no one was hurt but because of outstanding circumstances, the building had to be evacuated."

The restaurant owners were forced to turn off their power, gas, and water after a small fire broke out in the restaurant on Dec. 30, the White Tiger team explained.

About a month later, White Tiger took to Instagram to explain why those vital utilities had yet to be turned on: The restaurant sits on the border of the Prospect Heights Historic District at Vanderbilt and Dean Street.

“Because the building is landmarked, we have to jump through a lot of hoops” owners wrote. A sign on the front door further explained, "The paperwork is with the city and we are only waiting for approval from the Landmarks Commission and the Building Dept so we can start repairs!"

Instagrammers were quick to show their support.

“The tiger will be back!” wrote elainebethcohen.

Iam.kayiu added, “Good juju sent!”

Photo by Kathleen Culliton