Counter NYC reaches compromise with Soho Alliance on late‑night reservations; committee hears neighborhood concerns

Counter Restaurant NYC (341 West Broadway) presented a chef‑driven, reservation‑only concept seeking late last‑reservation times to accommodate lengthy tasting/dinner experiences. Counsel said the team worked with the Soho Alliance and negotiated a compromise schedule: last reservation 11:30 p.m., closing midnight Sunday–Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday–Saturday, with no walk‑ins accepted after the last reservation (SEG 3524–3598, SEG 3790–3811).

Owners said the restaurant will seat no more than 45 people, offer background music only and be reservation‑based to avoid late-night walk‑in crowds. Committee members noted neighborhood sensitivity to late hours in parts of SoHo but accepted the compromise reached with the Soho Alliance; Dr. Smith and others asked for clear enforcement and the restriction that the last reservation must be adhered to (committee conversation and stipulation language: SEG 3568–3611, SEG 3802–3812).

Outcome: At the hearing the operators committed to the specified reservation policy, closing times and a no‑walk‑ins-after‑11:30 stipulation. The committee discussed the proposal favorably but also recorded concerns about cumulative late‑night activity in the broader area. No final roll call vote was recorded in the transcript portion provided.

Ending: The committee will include the agreed stipulations — last reservation at 11:30 p.m., reservation‑only policy and specified closing hours — as conditions in its recommendation packet for SLA review if the applicants provide final operational details and any required supporting paperwork.