Cafe Mogador Owners to Open New East Village Bar

The family behind the East Village institution Cafe Mogador is expanding its St. Mark's Place footprint with a new bar named Matbucha. The new venture will be located just down the street from the iconic Moroccan restaurant, at 126 St. Mark's Place, in the space formerly occupied by East Village Social. The name itself, "Matbucha," refers to a classic Moroccan cooked tomato and roasted bell pepper salad, hinting at the small plates menu that will accompany the drinks. This new establishment is designed to be a symbiotic partner to the perennially busy Cafe Mogador, offering a comfortable and convivial spot for patrons to enjoy a drink and a small bite while waiting for a table. The project is being spearheaded by the second generation of the family, Danny Orlin and his cousin Jacob Ahiyon, who have taken over operations of the 43-year-old restaurant. This marks a new chapter for the family, which has been a neighborhood fixture since founder Rivka Orlin opened the original location in 1983. The concept is intentionally bar-forward, with a focus on "fun drinks and small plates" in an intimate, soulful setting, rather than a full-scale restaurant experience. The menu will have a Moroccan and Mediterranean influence, serving as a complement to Mogador's offerings. The official liquor license application was filed under the name "Matbucha LLC," though the trade name was initially listed as "to be determined." The space at 126 St. Mark's Place has been vacant since East Village Social closed in late 2021. The new owners appreciate the building's "rustic bones," which include a hardwood floor, brick walls, and a tin ceiling. They plan to fill the bar with thrifted, second-hand treasures to create a lived-in, welcoming, and homey atmosphere, much like the original cafe. Cafe Mogador has been a culinary anchor on St. Mark's Place for over four decades, known for its long lines, especially for its popular brunch service. The idea for a nearby bar has been percolating for several years as a way to enhance the guest experience for the beloved restaurant. While a firm opening date has not been set, the owners are targeting a launch approximately eight months from late February 2026.