2 UWS Bars Close Down, But Not Because Of Coronavirus: Report

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN — Two luxury cocktail bars have closed on the Upper West Side, but not because of the coronavirus, Eater reports.

The Aviary and the Office, both of which are found in the Mandarin Oriental hotel at Columbus Circle, will not reopen after the pandemic given that they were already scheduled to shut down on April 15.

Nick Kokanas, co-founder of the restaurant group behind the bars Alinea, told Eater that the decision to close the restaurants was made before the pandemic, which forced all restaurants and bars to close to dine-in customers in March.

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The entire Mandarin Oriental hotel has been closed since March 26 and is expected to reopen on June 1, according to Eater.

The hotel has already removed The Aviary and the Official from their list of food and beverages. Kokonas said that new businesses will be added to the hotel "in due course."

Both The Aviary and the Office were known for their often over-the-top luxury cocktails and were Chicago-based Alinea's only presence in New York City.

The cocktail bars, though their closure was not due to the coronavirus, are among several New York City restaurants and bars that will to reopen when the pandemic ends.

Just this week, Washington Heights staple Coogan's announced that it would not be reopening after the pandemic.

On the Upper West Side, popular Chinese restaurant The Cottage may have permanently closed, based on a tip sent to I Love The Upper West Side blog. Patch has not been able to reach The Cottage or the eatery's landlord to confirm the tip, which said the eatery closed because the landlord did not renew their lease.

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