It seems that every time East Village and Lower East Siders cheer the exit of one frat bar (Superdive, Blue Seats), another is waiting in the wings (Doghouse, Hurricane Billy's). A tipster tells us the cycle is about to continue, as a Murray Hill veteran looks to snap up the shuttered Allen & Delancey. Says our source:

"I hear that Matt Shandell is trying to open up a high end sports bar aka a frat house at the 115 Allen Street space (formerly Allen & Delancey). Matt Shandell owner of Proof, The Ainsworth, and The Hill - he knows Murray Hill, but doesn't know the Lower East Side at all. With Blue Seats going out of business recently, why would this work?"

Excellent question. And it gets worse:

"I also hear he is going to apply for a 4am liq. license, and really turn the place into a night club, and LES frat house. I personally live in the LES and do not want to see a frat house type bar in the Lower East Side."

Allen & Delancey was a pretty reserved spot, so it's tough to imagine Community Board 3 welcoming this proposal with open arms. Then again, recent head-scratching approvals and denials mean anything is possible. Anyone care to bet how long it takes for a Joshua Tree outpost to land below Houston Street?