Polanco Social is now sharing space with a kosher takeout and delivery restaurant. Photo by Lisa Kava

By Lisa Kava and Julia Ornedo

Good Bird Organic Chicken, a kosher takeout-chicken restaurant, opened on August 19th, operating out of Polanco Social, 474 Columbus Avenue (at West 83rd Street). It is run by the owners of Polanco Social and Modern Bread and Bagel. It serves organic antibiotic-free chicken focusing on chicken fingers, crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken wraps, chicken salads, and fries. The menu is gluten free and avoids seed oils. Good Bird is open for takeout and delivery only, from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Fridays. It is closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays. Orders are in partnership with Grub Hub or customers can order from a kiosk inside the restaurant. “We are working on expanding the menu to include roasted chicken dinners,” co-owner Josh Borenstein told West Side Rag in a phone interview. He also said he plans to extend the hours in the future. (Thanks to Laura for the tip.)

A pediatric eye-care practice has opened on West End Avenue. Photo by Julia Ornedo

Wink Pediatric Eye Care, an optometry practice for kids, opened on August 24th at 424 West End Avenue (at West 81st Street). It was founded by Dr. Stephanie Aguilar, a graduate of the Inter American University College of Optometry, who subsequently pursued a pediatric optometry residency at The State University of New York. The practice offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, one-on-one vision therapy, and urgent care. The practice also prescribes and fills prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. “We are an independent, locally owned practice dedicated to providing high-quality, kid-centric pediatric eye care in a welcoming environment,” Aguilar wrote to West Side Rag in an email. “My mission is to help children see better so they can thrive, while giving parents peace of mind regarding their child’s vision and eye care.”  Metropolitan Reproductive Medicine, a fertility clinic, was previously in the space. (Thanks to Jill for the tip.)

A martial arts school is now open on West 81st Street and Broadway. Photo courtesy of Manhattan Karate NYC

Manhattan Karate NYC, a martial arts school, opened on September 1st at 251 West 81st Street (at Broadway). It was co-founded by Sensei Nerik, who has over 20 years of experience, and sports specialist Vladyslav Burdeinyi, who has spent years traveling to local, national, and international tournaments to train athletes. The school teaches both traditional and sports karate to students of all ages, from 3 year olds to teens and adults. It offers both classes and private lessons. “We believe karate is about much more than competition,” a spokesperson wrote to West Side Rag via social media. “It builds confidence, discipline, friendships and character.” Manhattan Karate is open Mondays through Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon.  Harmony by Karate, which moved to West 85th Street in April 2025, was previously in the space.

A nail salon will move into the space formerly occupied by The Pet Market on Columbus Avenue. Photo by Julia Ornedo

Spa Boutique, a nail salon, is opening in late fall at 667 Columbus Avenue (at West 92nd Street). The space was leased to the nail spa in August, according to Traded: New York. Spa Boutique has an existing salon just a block away at 692 Columbus Avenue (between West 93rd and West 94th streets). That location will remain open, a representative from the salon told West Side Rag on a phone call; the new salon will be a second location, she said. The space was previously occupied by The Pet Market, which closed in July.

ICYMI:

Aperture, a non- profit photography organization, opened on September 18th at 380 Columbus Avenue (between West 78th and West 79th streets). Read West Side Rag’s coverage of this news here. 

Sweetgreen, the salad and bowl chain, at 311 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 75th Street), has permanently closed. The closure comes three weeks after it was shut down temporarily by the Department of Health for violations including cockroaches. Read West Side Rag’s coverage of this news here.

The Openings & Closings column wouldn’t be possible without our many tipsters: thank you! Anyone can send tips about openings and closings in the neighborhood to info@westsiderag.com.

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