As summer begins to wane, The Drop is moving closer to adding an outdoor patio space. Proprietor Eddie Crane was in early Monday morning, tearing down the east wall in the bar room -- exposing the red brick in preparation for the double doors that he envisions leading outside.
Crane still needs to get approval from the Codes Division of the City Planning Office -- the parking lot where the patio would be located and the restaurant are actually in two differently zoned areas. He also needs a sign-off for an opening within five feet of the property line.
"Some people have trepidation, in terms of dealing with the city. But they've been great," says Crane.
The raised patio, expected to seat between 25 and 30 people, would be in the parking lot shared with the Berbiglia Wine & Spirits. Crane envisions a green screen on the south side in an attempt to provide some more atmosphere. He's also hoping it might help bring back some of his regulars.
"When we first opened the restaurant and bar, you could actually see the smoke waft out of the door. Now, people have their cigarettes in one hand, but they're missing the drink in the other," says Crane.
To that end, he's been updating his customers on Facebook and Twitter, posting photos and construction notes.
While seeking approval from his landlord, Crane also renegotiated his
lease, meaning The Drop will remain in Martini Corner until at least
2011. He's optimistic about having the patio space in place well before
then.
"I'd like to get going as soon as possible. The best case is two weeks, but we may be looking at next spring," he says.
In the interim, he's busy working on an experimental new cocktail for an upcoming party: the bacon martini.
[Photos courtesy of Eddie Crane]
