Fall is on the horizon and that means newness in any urban destination. But although fall in New York City is a big deal there’s no way we can let the summer go without some new bars to ease our pain. Here are 5 of our favorites.
The Leroy House – West Village
The West Village has plenty of great spots especially in the vicinity of Hudson St. and Leroy so the appropriately titled Leroy House fits right in as the replacement for Harwood on Hudson. Now run by Kim Nguyen and her husband Bill Block, it’s a classic Greenwich Village haunt with a cozy interior (deep blues and cream, marble, brass, dark wood, French tiled floors, antique sconces and hand-painted wallpaper in a residential brownstone). Dinner entrees range from $18 to $41 and Happy Hour begins at 4:30 p.m. “We want our neighbors and all our guests to be able to come and enjoy The Leroy House whenever they please and not have to save up for the opportunity. We’re here for them.” says Kim.
Mister Paradise – Lower East Side
If you’re looking for a fun night on the town then you need to check out Mister Paradise.
This one’s from The Nomad’s Will Wyatt and although it only opened this past February, already it’s the new place to be. When you think of The Nomad, you automatically think super upscale and there are definitely some fancy elements here but mixed with a retro 50s vibe (the servers uniforms are straight out of Happy Days). This almost gives it a hip dive feel. You can order a craft cocktail like the Awfully Big Moustache (aged rum, Islay scotch, beet-root caramel, toasted sesame and lemon) but have a delicious burger on the side. And you’re going to want to check out The Red Room (different than the one in 50 Shades but still cool).
JJ’s Hideaway – Williamsburg
This bar just opened in August and is under the wing of Daniel Cipriani (Sea Wolf, Gemelli, The Ledge). If you’re seeking an official throwback experience this is it as it’s taking inspiration from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Of course, you’ll know you’re in Brooklyn as it has those classic eccentricities that you may question but ultimately accept as the new cool. At JJ’s Hideaway you don’t sit on bar stools, you sit on pews from a local church in between disco breaks.
“Williamsburg needed this bar,” said Cipriani. “I’ve been wanting to return to Williamsburg since closing Lodge last year and JJ’s Hideaway is what many of us had in the earlier days of New York City’s bar scene, long before bare industrial bulbs and reclaimed wood took over. It’s a home for late-nighters and service industry workers. But it’s incredible to offer everyone a place to call home and feel comfortable and accepted.” The food is simple but of good quality, an Italian Piadina on offer for example – a kind of wrap with Italian ingredients. And throw in frozen drinks, beer and shots specials and pint well drinks and cocktails and we’re down with it.
Nobody Told Me
If you want to hike up to the Upper West Side (maybe think about taking a tour of the Museum of Natural History beforehand and then continue all the way up to 107th street) then you should check out the new Nobody Told Me. Nick Pfannerstill and Alberto Miranda are behind this bar and with its proximity to Columbia University, yes, the crowd is on the young side but that also means the prices are college student friendly (all drinks are between $5 and $15.) That doesn’t mean the quality is suffering, however. Try a low ABV cocktail like the Reverse Adonis or the Dia de los Zombies, which is served in a skeleton-laden prayer candle (just in time for those pre-Halloween pics).
My Friend Duke – Kip’s Bay
Though this new bar is right in the heart of Midtown South Central, there is no bro vibe here. The crowd is still trying to figure out what it is but if you don’t want to be surrounded by 20-somethings watching sports then pop in here to this tranquil space. Grab a refreshing cocktail like the Mae West made with fresh pineapple, fresh lime and Green Chartreuse. Or take a flying leap and try the Famous Blue Raincoat with Bruto Americano and Dolin Blanc Vermouth. The great staff is also happy to create a one of a kind cocktail just for you.