They say all good things must come to an end, and in this particular case the old adage rings especially true. Five years after its landmark debut, Uptown gem and local favorite Apt.78 is approaching its denouement.
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“There is pretty much nothing else I can possibly accomplish at Apt.78 that can make me happy at this point,” writes owner and Washington Heights native Jose Morales. “I have honestly fulfilled that already.”
Apt.78 – akin to your pana’s living room – served as a judgement-free zone, cultural oasis and turn-up district, where the walls got to witness sangria-induced twerk-offs and honeydip exchanges. Not to mention, la sala was a source of reclamation for this VIBE writer, who upon homecoming witnessed the jarring displacement of family friends, childhood shops and restaurants, and other local gems (read: gentrification).
“Once the passion is gone it’s time 2 move on & that’s what I’m doing,” Jose adds in his Instagram post. “I never been so clear headed in my life or as happy.The enjoyment of mastering the present moment has allowed me 2 make the right decision for the future.”
Loyal fans across New York City caught wind and were instantly met with bittersweet memories of their time spent at the now-legendary lounge…
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