Here’s a quick update to my earlier post some months back on the new businesses in the upper Hawthorne neighborhood (where I live). Tanker, the long-awaited bar at Hawthorne & 49th, was open for business last night. It’s the new project of Philip Ragaway (of Bar of the Gods, Shanghai Tunnel, and Tiny’s Coffee) and Tim Smale (of Belmont Computers and Red Square Cafe). I did not have a chance to stop in, but the wrapping paper is finally off the windows and the booze is flowing. I’ll try to check it out this weekend. Here’s what Ragaway told us about the place:

The goal is a classier level of upper hawthorne. but not over the top… compare to your favorite pair of jeans… not too stiff and not falling apart. The goal is more of an mature atmosphere with specialty products and a fine detail for quality. The main lead on this project is Tim Smale the original creator Belmont computers and Red Square cafe. Both places have great integrity and unique style to them.

A good way to envision this space is a smaller yet charming place somewhat like Sapphire Hotel but the masculine version with bit of a sports edge, unlike your typical sports bar. We will host a handful of softball teams, bicycle events, and play as much more of an asset to the neighborhood and community.

In other upper Hawthorne news, a new sandwich shop has opened in the vacant storefront next to Exiled Records. Sharing the same shopping center as the Hawthorne Liquor Store (on Hawthorne between 46th and 47th), it was a sleepy convenience store for a while. When that shut down a couple years ago, Exiled Records took over half the space. The other half has been unoccupied for a long time, so I was surprised to walk by and notice it’s open for business. East Side Deli looks to be a simple sandwich shop where you create your own sandwich from their list of ingredients. They also have soups, and a walk-up takeout window on the Hawthorne side of the building. I’ll have an opportunity to grab lunch there this weekend and give a report next week.