Paulie's Cafe

- 1480 Mace Ave, Bronx, NY 10469

Introduction / Overview

When looking for a relaxed, casual spot in the Bronx for a midday bite or an evening meal, locals often seek out familiar neighborhood establishments. The restaurant located at 1480 Mace Ave has recently operated under the name Paulie's Cafe, though public records indicate the legal name for the business at this address is currently Red Bear Lounge Inc., operating as Red Bear Lounge. This establishment serves as a versatile neighborhood fixture, offering the community options for both Lunch and Dinner in a distinctly casual atmosphere.

While the business has seen various iterations over time, it maintains a core focus on providing a local gathering place. The establishment is particularly noted for its availability of Coffee, making it a suitable stop for a quick morning refreshment, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a casual setting to meet a friend. The venue aims to provide a welcoming space for the community, with a reported emphasis on friendly service. One reviewer enthusiastically recommends the coffee, noting it is "delicious and the owner/management are very friendly," and specifically praising the "iced Shaken Frappuccino" for being both great-tasting and affordable.

It is important for local New York users to note the current legal identity as Red Bear Lounge. Patrons should also be aware of a critical local concern raised in public reviews regarding adherence to NYC smoking laws. Several reviews mention unauthorized smoking on the premises, which is a violation of New York City health codes for coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. Potential customers who value a smoke-free environment are encouraged to be mindful of this when planning a visit, and to be prepared to report any infractions to the appropriate authorities, such as the NYC Health Department, as suggested by a local user, in an effort to encourage a "change for the better" for this neighborhood spot.

Location and Accessibility

Paulie's Cafe / Red Bear Lounge is situated at 1480 Mace Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, USA, placing it in a busy, easily reachable area of the Bronx. Accessibility is generally straightforward for New Yorkers utilizing public transportation and personal vehicles.

For riders of the MTA subway, the location is conveniently close to the Gun Hill Road station, serviced by the 5 train and 2 train lines, providing a direct link to other parts of the Bronx and Manhattan. This station is roughly a five-minute walk from the restaurant’s address. The Allerton Avenue station on the same subway lines is also nearby, approximately a 24-minute walk or a short bus ride.

The area is also well-served by MTA bus routes, with several lines passing near the Mace Avenue and Eastchester Road intersection. Key bus lines that connect the neighborhood include the BX12, BX25, BX26, BX31, and BXM10. The closest bus stop is Allerton Av/Fish Av, just a 4-minute walk away, which increases convenience for local residents.

For those driving to the location, the restaurant is situated in an area where parking is available, specifically through Paid street parking. As with many dense New York neighborhoods, visitors should anticipate having to allocate time for finding a spot and paying the applicable meter or zone fees.

Services Offered

As a local dining establishment, Paulie's Cafe / Red Bear Lounge provides a focused selection of services for the community:

• Onsite Dining: The establishment currently emphasizes Dine-in service for both lunch and dinner, offering a casual spot to sit down and enjoy a meal.
• Core Meal Service: Dining options are available for Lunch and Dinner, making it a key spot for those in the neighborhood looking for a midday or evening meal.
• Beverage Offerings: They feature Coffee as a primary offering, including specialty beverages like the iced Shaken Frappuccino, and is recognized for its great taste and affordability.
• Atmosphere: The vibe is described as distinctly Casual, providing a low-key and relaxed setting for patrons.
• Amenities: The location includes a Restroom for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

The key highlights of Paulie's Cafe / Red Bear Lounge center on its function as a valued local gathering place, despite its unique operational history:

• Dedicated Local Management: Reviews consistently point out the friendly owner/management, creating a personal and welcoming dynamic that is essential to neighborhood businesses.
• Affordable and Quality Coffee: The coffee offerings are singled out as being both delicious and affordable, providing a high-value option for a daily caffeine fix in the Bronx.
• A Neighborhood Cafe: The existence of the cafe fills a need in the local community, as one reviewer expressed, for a place to gather and enjoy a simple, sit-down dining experience—a necessary fixture in any New York neighborhood.
• Open to the Public: Despite a history that suggests prior use as a "social club," the venue now emphasizes its status as being open to the public, making its services available to all neighbors and visitors.
• Popular for Lunch: The restaurant is noted as being particularly Popular for Lunch, suggesting it is a reliable spot for a casual break during the workday or afternoon.

What is Worth Choosing

For New York residents in the Mace Avenue area of the Bronx, Paulie's Cafe, now known as Red Bear Lounge, is worth choosing primarily for its role as a consistent, casual, and affordable neighborhood eatery, with a clear specialty that stands out. The undeniable draw is the Coffee program. Enthusiastic customer testimony suggests that the coffee is "delicious," "tastes great," and is "affordable." The specific recommendation for the iced Shaken Frappuccino indicates a commitment to quality and contemporary cafe offerings that meet the high standards of NYC coffee aficionados, even in a casual environment. For the value-conscious local, finding great, affordable coffee is always a win, and this spot seems to deliver on that promise.

Beyond the coffee, choosing this location means supporting a local business that serves a real community need for a sit-down dining option. The availability of both Lunch and Dinner in a Casual setting provides flexibility for local residents who may be tired of chain restaurants or looking for a low-key place to unwind. While the detailed food menu of Paulie’s Cafe at this specific Bronx location is not publicly available, the general offerings for an American-style restaurant indicate a reliable menu of comfort food and simple fare to satisfy daily cravings.

It is crucial to re-emphasize the importance of the reported customer service experience. The owner/management are described as "very friendly," contributing to the overall sense of a welcoming, local spot. This personal touch and commitment to positive interaction are often what turn a simple restaurant into a cherished neighborhood staple in New York City. While navigating the venue's operational history and the reported issue of smoking may be necessary for some visitors, the positive feedback on the core product—great coffee and friendly service—make this establishment a noteworthy and viable option for casual local dining on Mace Avenue.

Contact Information

For further inquiries or to visit the restaurant, please use the following information. Note that the current operating name is Red Bear Lounge.

Address: 1480 Mace Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, USA

Phone: The phone number associated with the business entity (Red Bear Lounge Inc.) is (646) 495-0427.

Paulie's Cafe

1480 Mace Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, USA