Cooklyn opens at 659 Vanderbilt Ave, the old Forest Floor space

Many moons ago this was supposed to be a wine bar, but then it sold suits and after that it closed. I wonder what's next.

Calling The Dressler a "burger place" is like calling al di la a "sandwich place" because the same people own Lincoln Station.

The Dressler was a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant. It was owned by the same people who also own DuMont. The DuMont's burger has been so justifiably popular that they spun off a separate restaurant called DuMont Burger, which also serves as kick-ass mac and cheese.

For what it's worth, I think the Forest Floor space would be way too small for a Dressler part 2, if that's what they have in mind.

The Forest Floor was much bigger inside than it looked. It even had a little garden out back. I'd love a burger place - I think the owners of Stocked were telling me they had heard that the "Fish Fish Mo' Fish" space might become a burger joint.

Sounds like the street could use one - even though the Soda burger is pretty good and Plan B has that "inside-out" thing. Plan B just seems to have some sort of force-field that repels my appetite as I approach.

What happened to Fish Fish Mo Fish? I don't remember it ever opening, even though they got that fantastic sign.

That's too bad. I got take out a few times from Back 9 and it was pretty good. It's a shame they didn't have the cash to last at least a year, so they could've built some local following.

the issue with this stretch of Vanderbilt is that no full liquor licenses are available (most or all of the block, I think) due to the presence of the brotherhood Baptist church on the corner. beer & wine-yes; full liquor-no. SODA is grandfathered and R&D somehow got in under the wire. I understand that the inability to become a "sports bar" is one reason why there is no FFMF. I am not sure whether the landlords have priced this reality into their commercial lease demands, but if not you may see some empty storefronts while they figure it out the market.

also, the "blessed hands" hair salon (next to prospect heights realty) has moved. no idea what is going in there.

The amount of street traffic on Vanderbilt during prime evening hours is really something nowadays. I think a burger joint wouldn't need more than a beer & wine license to make it (take a cue from 67 burger). Local beer, local beer, local beef.

Also, it should be noted that the Vanderbilt actually has a fantastic burger AND it's (usually) on the happy-hour menu AND happy hour kicks in again at 11 PM on weeknights.

Enough with the burgers. I think we need a takeout/eat in salad place - like a Chop'd.

I'm still confused about why people hate Plan B so much. It's actually a nice place to grab a bite to eat and watch a game. Anytime I've been there, the patrons and staff have been perfectly civil.

Anyhow, I hope the wine bar eventually opens. I always welcome another place to unwind.

Amen, regarding Plan B.