A Quiet Few Applies for Liquor License

The East Boston resident planning to open a small bar at the former East Boston Kitchen (EBK) on Sumner street applied for his liquor license with the Boston Licensing Board last week.

Josh Weinstein, who received Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) support in February to open A Quiet Few at 331 Sumner St., applied for an all alcohol license.

According to Weinstein’s filing he has, “Applied for a Common Victualler seven day all alcohol license to be exercised at (331 Sumner St.)”

The filing states that the bar will be approximately 1,360 sq. ft. on the first floor, with one main dining room and bar area with a kitchen and storage in rear of premises.

Weinstein’s original proposal was turned down 14-9 by the JPNA in November with members expressing concerns over the proposed closing hours of 1 a.m. most nights.

Weinstein came back before the community group and rolled back his proposed hours from 1 a.m. to 12 midnight. Sunday through Wednesday and 1 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday. That plan received support from JPNA by a vote of 27-9.

Weinstein has maintained that A Quiet Few would not be a rowdy place like the bars that were in and around Jeffries Point decades ago.

With 15 years of experience in the bar and restaurant business Weinstein has said he knows who to serve and who not to serve.

“I don’t want people in my establishment getting rowdy and causing trouble,” he said. “I will consider this my second home and I will treat it like my home and I will tell you I would not invite rowdy drunk people into my home.”

Weinstein’s purchase of the former EBK building is contingent upon him gaining a full liquor license from the city. Weinstein is hoping to get one of the new neighborhood restricted licenses to be able to open up shop.

Weinstein moved to Eastie recently with his wife, and lives on Eagle Hill. He said he was looking for the right place and opportunity to bring his neighborhood pub concept to fruition and found the EBK space available.

On food, Weinstein said his proposed opening would be 11 a.m., and the food would be comfort food and pub fare like sandwiches, burgers, wings, and appetizers for lunch and dinner. A late night bar menu of grilled cheese sandwiches would be offered after 10 p.m.  If the bar and restaurant is successful, Weinstein said he would consider opening earlier for breakfast to capture the morning commuters heading past his establishment on their way to the MBTA.

The inside would consist of the dining room seating area, a bar and kitchen with a capacity of about 40 people.

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