North End deli owner sees future on the Waterfront

The Boston Licensing Board tomorrow decides whether to let Famous Nick Varano open a bar on the South Boston waterfront.

Varano told the board today that his Cafe Di Marina at 1 Marine Park Dr. - next to the federal courthouse - would be "a very upscale bar and cafe" serving sandwiches and baked goods in addition to hard drinks to workers in the nascent waterfront area. Representatives from the mayor's office and city councilors Bill Linehan and Felix Arroyo supported the proposed bar, in part because nobody lives nearby.

Although Varona is seeking a license through 2 a.m., he said he likely wouldn't stay open that late, at least not at first. He assured the bar he will not try to turn the bar into a nightclub; he is not seeking a city entertainment license. He added that once he gets licensing-board approval, the new building where the bar would go could be ready in eight to twelve weeks.

In other waterfront bar news, the board is also considering a request to transform the Seaport Bar and Grille at 148 Northern Ave. into an Irish bar to be called The Whiskey Priest.