Nico's, a diner-lounge, opens in Washington Square West
Owner Tim Bonnie has changed very little in Jose Garces' former space at 707 Chestnut.
The restaurant space at 707 Chestnut St. that has been 707, Chifa, and Rosa Blanca in the recent past is seeing new life as Nico's, a diner-lounge open from morning till late night.
Veteran restaurateur Tim Bonnie – former owner of the late Johnny Mañana's East Falls – has assumed the remainder of Rosa Blanca's lease.
He's changed very little in Jose Garces' former space, keeping the aqua paint, round wire-enclosed ceiling fans, black-and-white tiles, curved counter, banquettes with their wooden shutters (adding jukeboxes), and the wrought-iron-framed booths in the back room.
Bonnie will use the small kitchen in the window for turn-out, as well as the huge kitchen in the back.
Nico's – named for his 20-year-old son – is very much a work in progress, as Bonnie explains.
In the early going, menu will be limited to breakfast sandwiches, omelets, French toast, pancakes, a roasted vegetable sandwich, a cheesesteak, and a burger.
Little by little, it will expand. Breakfast will run from 8 to 11 a.m. (and will be served all day), lunch will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and dinner will run till 2 a.m. closing.
Bar list – still on the way – will include 12 beers, wines with an emphasis on Californians, and $5 cocktails.