Hit Kingside for this toast.
Credit: Provided
Faster than you can say cronut, memories of heat waves and rooftop drinking will fade — and that’s when you’ll want to check out these new spots.
Opening soon
La Cenita
Tucked in the bi-level space formerly occupied by Abe & Arthur’s, La Cenita (little diner) opens this week from EMM Group (Catch, The General). The Mexican-inspired menu by chef Akhtar Nawab (formerly of La Esquina) includes lots of small and shared plates, plus lots of salsa, ceviche and taco options.
409 W. 14th St., 646-289-3930
American Cut
Chef Marc Forgione looks to redefine the American steakhouse in this new Tribeca spot he’s opening in partnership with LDV Hospitality later this month. Fans of the Iron Chef may be familiar with American Cut in Atlantic City (Revel) but he’ll likely tweak the menu for the NYC crowd. Opening late September.
363 Greenwich St., 212-226-4736
The Park 112
Up in Harlem, chef Kingsley John (formerly of Aquavit and Riingo) looks to serve eclectic global fare (with a upscale, comfort food slant) in this 2,000-square-foot space with a notable wine selection. The beverage program, lead by Adam Hess (Hotel Griffou, Spice Market), features one of the country’s only self-service Enomatic Elite 8 Dual temperature wine machines, allowing patrons to sample and explore different vintages on their own. Opening late September.
2080 Fredrick Douglass Blvd., www.thepark112.com
Kingside
From Chef Marc Murphy (Landmarc, Ditch Plains) and partner Scott Gerber (The Gerber Group) comes Kingside, set in the Viceroy New York. Look for Marc Murphy’s interpretation of New American cuisine, set in a casual, clubby ground floor hotel space in Midtown. Opening early October.
Viceroy New York, 120 W. 57th St., 212-707-8000
Writing Room
The latest incarnation of the legendary Elaine’s space on the UES pays homage to the institution that Elaine Kaufman brought to the neighborhood until its closing in 2011. The owners and chef come from nearby Parlor Steakhouse and Chef Lucas Billheimer looks to focus on regional American fare in an updated, modern space. Opening early November.
1703 Second Ave., no phone yet
Monarch
Set in a 4,500-square-foot 1930s warehouse space in West Chelsea, the multilevel restaurant from Metric Group will feature market American cuisine by chef Michael Citarella, a hefty wine list, and a cocktail program designed by Christian Sanders (Evelyn), along with a 10-person oyster bar. Opening mid-late October.
408 W. 15th St., 646-790-7070
Untitled (name TBD)
This fall, Chef Amanda Freitag (The Harrison) opens her first solo project in the space that once occupied Chelsea’s historic Empire Diner. “I feel a huge responsibility to New York City because this is more than a restaurant – it’s an iconic space,” Freitag says. With a modern update (designed by Groundswell of Talula’s Garden in Philadelphia), the space will feature 75 indoor seats and an additional 75 outdoor seats come spring. The diner will open for lunch and dinner, eventually rolling out breakfast service, and will ultimately be open 24 hours. Opening mid-late November.
210 10th Ave., no phone yet[embedgallery id=225794]
New bar openings
Clinton Hall
Not your typical FiDi beer bar, this brand-new beer garden boasts a menu filled with brats, fries and local and unpronounceable European drafts.
90 Washington St., 212-363-6000
Grace
More than just a posh pub with stellar cocktails — conceived by a talented crop of all-female industry veterans — the new Kips Bay public house also tells the story of Grace O’Malley, a 16th-century Irish pirate and chieftain.
365 Third Ave., 646-918-6553
Bar Below Rye
Fittingly named, the bar beneath Williamsburg’s Rye, has the same wood details as the restaurant space above, but this newly opened bar offers new cocktails and a menu of small plates and bar snacks, created by chef/owner Cal Elliott.
247 S. First St., Brooklyn, no phone yet
The Winslow
This newly opened East Village public house, heavy on the gin selection, with a British influence menu and Fuller’s on tap has all the makings of an ex-pat’s new favorite hideaway.
243 E. 14th St., 212-777-7717
Manhattan Cricket Club
Cocktails, cricket, and the occasional live jazz performance makes for a decidedly unique experience on the Upper West Side – perfect for date night. Opening this week.
226 W. 79th St. (above Burke & Wills)
Recently opened hot spots
These hot tables may be new to the neighborhood, but their space is filling up fast — not to mention gathering a fair share of buzz.
Domain
On the Upper West Side, two-time Michelin star chef Derrick Styczek offers his new take on modern American fare and is joined by his former Ouest collaborator, Richard Bill, who serves as general manager and wine director.
2869 Broadway, 212-678-8585
Picnic
Chef Nicholas Nostadt delivers the East Village his version of comfort food with a decidedly Midwest slant (think a Roquefort and bresaola cheese ball and Puppy Chow for dessert).
117 Second Ave., 212-777-3600
Charlie Bird
With old school hip-hop playing in the background, Chef Ryan Hardy serves up pasta (and more) with sommelier Robert Bohr in charge of wine, at this new Italian Soho hotspot.
5 King St., 212-235-7133
The Chester
From Paige Hospitality Group comes the newest spot in the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC (occupying the former Toy space), serving up American fare. The Chester, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner along with 24-hour room service.
Gansevoort Hotel, 18 9th Ave., 646-253-2284
Pagani
Set in the historic O. Pagani & Bros. music store on Bleecker Street, West Villagers are lining up for the Italian specialties, from various regions, made by Executive Chef Mark Barrett (a Babbo alum).
289 Bleecker St., 212-488-5800
Venturo Osteria & Wine Bar
Sunnyside recently welcomed this greenmarket-driven Italian spot from the folks behind Vesta Trattoria and Pachanga Patterson in Astoria. Look for upcoming community dinners, designed for small groups featuring sharable Italian dishes (like pork on pork porchetta).
44-07 Queens Blvd., 718-406-9363
Renovated & reopened
db bistro moderne
Designed by Jeffrey Beers International (the firm responsible for creating the original space in 2001), the newly opened midtown bistro boasts a new front bar and a menu update by Chef Jim Burke.
55 W. 44th St., 212- 391-2400
Joe & Misses Doe
JoeDoe gets a revamp: a new bar, new décor, and a new comfort-food heavy menu, with a new take on old favorites (French dip dumplings) and cocktails made for two. Now open.
45 E. First St., 212-780-0262
Water Club
Nearly a year after the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, the iconic romantic spot on the East River is reopening this month after a year of repairs and renovations.
East River (between 29th & 32nd streets), 212-683-3333
Max Brenner
The flagship dessert destination is undergoing a makeover. Chocolate lovers should look for new menu items, a more expansive retail location, and an overall aesthetic update.
841 Broadway, 646-467-8803
