We saw the news on Brookynian last night before we saw the that the Tea Lounge on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope is closing. It is reportedly being killed by a massive rent increase. Says on commenter on Brooklynian:

It makes me sad. I heard (from one of the people who work there) that apparently the landlord wants a restaurant to open there (or she wants to open it, not sure) so she raised the rent beyond what they can afford. I know Tea Lounge falls into the category of “Places We Love to Hate” here on the board, but it makes me angry that yet another long(ish) time place is being closed out by rising rents. I also really like their chai and it is so convenient for me. Not to mention that between that and Red Hot not being there, it pretty much kills that corner.

During the winter, Red Hot, the Chinese restaurant across the street closed.

We’re sure there will be more nabe reaction on this major Seventh Avenue story, but here’s an early one:

I am sorry, but to me, the closure of the 7th Ave Tea Lounge is the death of Park Slope I loved. While I was living there, it was really the streets I was in love with – not the stores or the restaurants, but the strips of concrete that I found really welcoming, and I always felt so home when that strip of concrete led to Tea Lounge some late nights. I feel like I moved out at the right time though, Park Slope is really starting to lose its charm.

The Tea Lounge on Union Street and its cousin on Court Street in Cobble Hill will continue. More to come.