Radiant Cafe seeks beer and wine license amid local support in Greenwich Village

The Manhattan Community Board 2 SLA Committee convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, prominently featuring an application for a new beer and wine license for the Radiant Cafe, located at 172 Waverly Place. The cafe, which has been operational for just over a year, is described as a beloved local establishment by its owner, Stefan Tomic, who attended the meeting with his wife.

Donald Bernstein, representing the applicants, highlighted the cafe's community support, noting that they received approximately 20 letters and emails from local residents, with 8 out of 10 tenants in the building expressing their backing. The cafe operates in a compact space of 435 square feet with 18 seats, and its proposed hours are 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 11 PM on weekends, indicating it is not intended as a late-night venue.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding outdoor seating, which had been removed following a lack of proper permits. Bernstein assured the committee that no outdoor seating would be reinstated without appropriate approvals. The cafe will not feature televisions, only background music, and there are no plans for operable windows aside from the entry door.

The committee inquired about the cafe's menu, which is described as light and not representative of a full restaurant. Bernstein mentioned that pricing for menu items is still being finalized, with examples provided for potential dishes.

The West Village Block Association, while present, indicated they would not support the application, citing concerns that would be addressed in their remarks. The committee members engaged in discussions about the cafe's operations, including the potential for private events, with Tomic suggesting a limit of two private parties per month.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the cafe's integration into the community and the need for compliance with local regulations. Further discussions and decisions regarding the application are anticipated in future meetings.