We’re living in a post-playoff, post-Word Cup city right now and it’s different. Fortunately for revelers, there’s plenty of new bar and restaurant openings around town. Even with the end of watch parties, we’re still having a ball.
This week, look for a hot-and-sweet fried chicken spot in Brooklyn, a sizzling Argentinian tavern built around live fire in the West Village, a new location of Frenchette bakery, and more.
Badshah Social
Earlier this month, chef/owner Abishek Sharma (of Swagat and MadamJi) opened Badshah Social as a place to gather, share plates, enjoy inventive cocktails, and experience the stories and dishes inspired by India’s regional street food. Sharma recently traveled back through his homeland and wandered through Indian markets, collecting recipes and experiencing new techniques.
Through that experience, the chef crafted a menu built around an open kitchen and tandoor oven, with a bar area prime for people-watching and cocktail-sipping. Look for Paneer & Fig Tikki, Coconut Fried Chicken, Mangalorean Branzino, and Lamb Shank Nihar, along with playful Indian desserts and a full bar. 212 Flatbush Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, badshahny.com
Brew Bar at Electric Lemon in Equinox Hotel New York
For anyone looking for a rooftop coffee spot (as opposed to a bar or restaurant), check out Brew Bar atop the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards. Up on the 24th floor, perched on the hotel’s terrace with sweeping views, Brew Bar opened last week within the hotel restaurant Electric Lemon. Expect pour-overs from small lots like the Peru Punku, espresso from Afficionado Coffee Roasters, housemade syrups, A2 grass-fed milk and milk alternative options, and a lineup of superfood lattes (Equinox Matcha, Dirty Chai).
Best part, it’s open to the public—not just Equinox gym members and hotel guests— and given the very few options of grabbing a superfood latte or a pistachio-milk flat white with a sick view, it’ll likely be filled up all summer long. 33 Hudson Yards, 24th floor, Hudson Yards, equinox-hotels.com
Frenchette Bakery
The third location of popular boulangerie Frenchette Bakery opened last week on a busy little section of Nolita, on the corner of Mott and Broome Streets, steps away from Oriana and Thai Diner.
The sibling to the Tribeca location and museum cafe in the Whitney, this new location is much more visible, with executive pastry chef Michelle Palazzo overseeing the pastry program and Johann Cottier serving as head baker. Expect the signature sweet offerings such as twice-baked almond croissants, pistachio Paris-Brest, princess cake, and more. The new outpost will also offer savory bites, including sandwiches and salads. 370 Mott St., Nolita, frenchettebakery.com
Graciela
Last week, Argentinean tavern Graciela opened on a beautiful corner downtown, bringing South American flavors, live-fire cooking, and the spirit of a traditional bodegón (a neighborhood tavern and gathering place) to the West Village. At the center of Graciela is a custom-built Argentine parrilla and Spanish Josper oven that spans over 10 feet of cooking surface, among the largest in New York. Menu highlights include salumi, empanadas, seafood dishes, and many cuts and styles of meat served with chimichurri.
“We fell in love with the simplicity and generosity that define Argentine food culture,” said partner Alex Saper. “The common thread throughout Graciela is a commitment to thoughtful sourcing, from the farmers who grow our ingredients to the winemakers behind both historic estates and small-scale, low-intervention producers.”
Alex and Adam Saper join Pablo Rivero, an acclaimed Argentinian restaurateur, in running Graciela, Rivero’s first project outside of Argentina.
“Bringing Argentine hospitality to New York has long been a dream of mine, but I knew it would only happen with the right partners,” added Rivero. “Their experience and deep respect for what we’ve built in Argentina gave me the confidence that we could create something truly special together.” 81 Greenwich Ave., West Village, gracielanyc.com
Love & Honey Fried Chicken
Philadelphia’s beloved Love & Honey Fried Chicken is coming to Brooklyn, officially opening this Friday, July 23. Founded in 2017 by chefs Laura and Todd Lyons, Love & Honey quickly gained a devoted following, including fans like Questlove and praise for its brined, hand-dredged, buttermilk-fried chicken finished with honey.
Located just a block from Barclays Center, once it opens look for the signature OG Fried Chicken Sandwich, Nashville fried chicken, tenders, cornbread muffins, tater tots, and Banana Pudding (layered with Nilla wafers, banana slices and fresh whipped cream). 229 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, loveandhoneyfriedchicken.com
