5 Things to Know About North Central Addition St. Alban

With the buzz still going strong for Tim Mink and Brooks Reitz's first venture, Leon's Oyster Shop, many may have forgotten they have a second establishment in the works, St. Alban.

Construction is going strong, and the logo is complete, so it's only a matter of time before the crowds will have a new spot to fawn over. Reitz explained St. Alban to Eater, and from our conversation, here are the top five things potential patrons should know:

1. From the owner's descriptions, the new establishment sounds like a combination of a French countryside wine bar, comfortable coffee shop, hidden Basque tapas establishment, and New York's Buvette all rolled into one hip package. It will be a place folks will want to hang out at all day: cappuccinos at 8:00 a.m., sandwiches at noon, and a draft beer or wine at 9:00 p.m.

2. Reitz hasn't disclosed the name of the individual running the coffee program yet, but he's super excited. Let the speculation begin as to why he's so jazzed about his caffeine addition to the Charleston coffeehouse scene.

3. The food will rival anything else you can get past 10 p.m. on a weeknight. Upper King's dining options tend run thin near midnight, and St. Alban hopes to be there for later diners. Reitz plans to offer fancy cheeses plus accoutrements, potted meats, killer sandwiches, and Spanish staple canned seafood. That's right, conservas just aren't for the Europeans anymore. During the day, they will concentrate on coffee-friendly pastries and other lunchtime items.

4. Reitz says there will be no seats at the bar. You order from the bar, but then you move about and socialize of find a table to contemplate your beverage.

5. Don't worry, there will be other seating though. Think couples tables against a leather banquette, a large community table, and a quiet room in the back for meetings and work.

Co-owner Reitz hopes St. Alban will open before the holidays. Keep an eye on Eater for the latest updates.

[UPDATE: The menu is posted here.]

· All Leon's Oyster Shop Coverage [-ECHS-]
· St. Alban [Instagram]
· Buvette [Official]
· New East Village Restaurant Turns Canned Seafood Into Delicacy [NY1]