Saying Goodbye To: SideWalk Cafe & Hells Angels Clubhouse

Today will be the SideWalk Cafe's last day after 33 years on Avenue A. For the last twenty-five of those years, SideWalk has been home to the annual Anti-folk Festival, which will have its last performance at the venue tonight as well as the final open mic night (one of the longest running open-mics in the city). For many, the SideWalk Cafe was the home of the anti-folk scene, providing a stage for the burgeoning careers of many, including Jeffrey Lewis, the Moldy Peaches, Beck, Regina Spektor, and more. While ownership of SideWalk changed hands last year, it was unclear what would be come of it until recently. For those who want a last taste, there are performances going on all day starting at 3pm, with closing ceremonies around midnight.

Yesterday, LES residents learned that the "safest block in NY" will have to relinquish that title, as the Hells Angels prepare to sell their clubhouse at 77 E. 3rd Street. Holding court on this block for 50 years, the Hells Angels faced off numbers of attempts by the state and federal governments to remove them in the 80's and 90's. Gone are the days of fighting cops on the street, in recent years the Hells Angels have been involved in disputes with their neighbors, tourists, and the city, as well as internal strife over the ownership of the building (reportedly purchased by the "The Church of Angels" non-profit group for $1900 in the late 70's). Nobody has been able to reach any HA members for comment, with EV Grieve reporting that Ron Kuby (notable defense attorney and legal support for the Hells Angels in the past) was unaware of any sale. Technically, the building itself has not officially sold, only the form preceding the sale has been filed, we will have to wait to find out when it closes or what will happen to the clubhouse.

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A Hidden Lower East Side

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