Remember the Baron? Or those fidgety late-night customers making frequent trips to the restroom? If you do, you know what we mean. (Wink, wink.) If not, well, never mind. The drug rumors were probably exaggerated.

But make no mistake: This place has roots. Back in the day, A-list sightings like Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro were as common as the white stretch limos lining the street in front of Marylou’s on Saturday nights. But the Village establishment closed and has been remodeled into the Calle Nueve (Spanish for “Ninth Street”).

Some of Marylou’s owners remain, but the carpets have been replaced with tile. Contemporary Mexican decor complements chef David Ruggerio’s menu, which includes appetizers like tomato soup and shrimp ceviche with roasted cactus and main dishes like chile-glazed ribs and chicken and chayote casserole.

For dessert, hit the bar for margaritas. Who knows what will be hanging out there. If the space remains true to lore, you might discover just what it was about Marylou’s.

Calle Nueve, 21 West Ninth Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (212-995-0600).