Updates: 3Fish Coffee, 288 Lark Street

3Fish Coffee and Downtube

Quick updates on a couple of Lark Street-area storefronts...

3Fish Coffee
The new cafe next to the Downtube on Madison Ave across from Washington Park -- 3Fish Coffee -- has its grand opening this Friday-Sunday. It's run by Emma Fullem, daughter of the owners of the landmark bike shop, and the family was prompted to open the cafe by the fire that significantly damaged the building two years ago. The weekend will be a "grand (re)opening" for both businesses.

There's a pop-up art show with music Friday evening, and yoga, coffee, and bike activities on Saturday and Sunday.

288 Lark Street

286-288 Lark Street storefronts 2017-March
That's 286 Lark Street on the left and 288 Lark Street on the right.

The proposed renovation of 288 Lark Street was approved for a tavern variance by the Albany Board of Zoning Appeals this week, allowing operation until 2 am. The owners of Mercato's and Extra Napkin in Delmar -- brothers Ali and Ayhan Celik -- are planning to open a wine and craft beer bar on the first level called 288 Lark Wine & Tap. It would also serve light fare such as sandwiches, soups, and salads.

288 Lark Street tavern interior plan 2017-March
A proposed interior plan for the tavern from the project's BZA app. (Click the image for a larger version.)

The Celiks plan to use the second floor for either commercial space or an apartment, and the third floor as an apartment. The building formerly housed DeJohn's. It's been vacant for a few years.

Bill Allen, who's serving as a consultant on the project, said the Celiks are working to schedule a closing on the property and sort through the historic tax credit possibilities. He said they'd like to be open at 288 Lark sometime this summer.

The Celiks also have plans to open an Italian restaurant next door at 286 Lark on both floors there. That plan surfaced during the recent introduction of the final draft of Rezone Albany -- the city cited it as an example of how the new rules would make such redevelopment easier. And Allen said they'll be looking to move ahead on that after Rezone is adopted.

Comments

Any news on what's going on at Tillerman @ Jefferson and Dove? The only work that appears to have been done in the last five years is the placement of some Frank Commisso Jr. signs in the windows.

Sounds and looks good - would have prefer a transplant NYC Naruto Ramen place, but hey can't win every time ;)

On a side note, the pedestrians cross walk at Madison, Henry Johnson, and Willet Street is beyond dangerous for walkers. With the further development of Lark, I'd love to see this get addressed. I feel like I am narrowly avoiding death every time I cross.

3 Fish is a refreshing addition to the neighborhood and the Down Tube looks stunning since the renovations from the fire.
Coffee and treats are delicious.

@c j-
"The only work that appears to have been done in the last five years is the placement of some Frank Commisso Jr. signs in the windows."
Not true. About four years ago, a Sheehan For Mayor banner was hung up. Apparently, they just need to keep trying out new Mayors before the place can open.

I second E's comment - the intersection at Willett / Madison / the Park is horrible for pedestrians, as is the Lark / Madison / Delaware one.

With the first intersection, I believe the Madison road diet may bring improvements once phase two is completed. A main intersection leading from one of Albany's busiest pedestrian neighborhoods to Albany's biggest park doesn't even have a pedestrian crossing signal... it's ridiculous.

The second intersection is more about light timing. It takes about five minutes to cross from one side of Madison/Lark to the diagonally facing side of Madison/Lark. Which means everyone just crosses into oncoming traffic.

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine