Café Marlene, shortly after opening in 2010
April 28, 2015 By Michael Florio
Café Marlene, a Sunnyside/Woodside wine bar that opened in 2010, is for sale.
The establishment, best known for its crepes and artistic events, offers its patrons a cozy upstairs space as well as access to a large downstairs area.
The owners, Kandi and Ana Kitich, rebranded the 41-11 49th Street establishment last year and renamed it Marlene Tavern and Wine Bar. They have been offering Slovenian cuisine since.
Last week, they posted a for-sale ad on Craigslist that read:
“We are selling small winebar/cafe in a very fast growing Sunnyside known to be one of the most attractive neighborhoods in NYC. The price is very attractive, long lease is possible….” (click for ad)
The establishment was named after Marlene Dietrich, an internationally acclaimed actress in the 1930s known best for her exotic looks and glamor.
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9 Comments
Let’s get an awesome really nice spot for GOOD coffee and a place to relax in there! who’s with me?
I am with you, my brother! Who else is with us?
After wonderful tony the waiter left it was no longer fun . I’m sad cause he was fun?
Tony works at the local seafood restaurant. Murphy’s? I can never remember the name of it.
From what I was told, he was forced to leave Marlene’s because the owners did not want a gay person working there. That’s awful, if true.
I was so happy to have another neighborhood cafe when this place opened, and the crepes were delicious, but it was not terribly welcoming. You couldn’t even find out what these “events” were on their website; were they designed just for friends? I would have loved to know, since Sunnyside does not have a lot going for it in the way of nightlife!
As I understand it, they only used the downstairs for these semi-private events, and the upstairs was so small it was rather awkward. I am sorry they didn’t succeed, since I love places like this in general, but hopefully whoever takes over the space will make it more open to all.
For me cafes are a big part of what makes a neighborhood cool, hope they keep em coming. Hipsters like myself need damn good food.
Is there something other than “Mexican” I can call you?
This was cute place until owners ruined it
Been in there ..if you dare to go to the basement …better bring a fire extinguisher….