Rain or shine, anyone who’s hanging around New York City in the month of August should be able to grab a seat at a hot table while the city is blissfully empty. This week in openings, Bar Étienne announced an August preview on Bedford Street in the West Village (we’ll keep an eye on that space). In addition, there’s a new Mexican bakery in Koreatown, an oyster bar from the Cervo’s team in Brooklyn, and more.
Zig Zag Oyster Bar
In late July, the team behind Hart’s, Cervo’s, The Fly Eel Bar, and Minnow opened Zig Zag Oyster Bar at the intersection of Prospect and Crown Heights in Brooklyn. Already it’s the newest best date spot.
Currently open five nights a week, Tuesdays through Saturdays, Zig Zag plans to expand service as the weeks go on. Right now the restaurant makes the most of its indoor and outdoor seating (about 100 combined) in the former Bar Meridian space.
Expect elaborate seafood towers, lobster salad, peel-and-eat shrimp, plus cocktails, a well-rounded wine list, and two excellent desserts that are best paired together. 406 Prospect Pl., Crown Heights, Brooklyn, zigzagoyster.com
Keepers
From the team behind the popular cocktail lounge Dandelion comes Keepers, a new bar and pizza spot in the West Village that opened last week. Centered around a cocktail program created by Ricky Dolinsky (previously the beverage director for Danny Meyer’s The View), Keepers focuses on Negronis, classic tipples, and spritzes.
The drinks pair with a bar pie program curated in collaboration with Louis Tomczak (previously of Paulie Gee’s). In addition to the pies, look for Oven Charred Wings in a variety of flavors and for dessert, Cinnamon Streusel and Stewed Peaches sweet pies. Currently, Keepers is open Wednesday through Sunday for walk-ins only. 34 8th Ave., West Village, keepersnewyork.com
Sandwell
Healthyish sandwich shop Sandwell is opening a third location this Wednesday, August 5, on SoHo’s Prince Street. Known for using high-quality, fresh ingredients, and house-baked bread, Sandwell’s SoHo location allows for a wider downtown delivery range and the new 800-square foot, 12-seat shop joins Sandwell’s siblings on the Upper West Side and Gramercy.
While only open a few years, Sandwell has become a hit both uptown and down because the menu has something for everyone and each sandwich is made to order. Best sellers include the Turkey Meatball, the “Toasted Rivalry” Tuna Melt, Green Goddess Chicken Caesar, Spicy Eggplant Parm, and more. Founder Andy Gottlieb’s experience as a classically trained chef is apparent in each bite. Diners can also grab fresh salads, chips, housemade ginger lemonade, and cookies.
Don’t miss Sandwell’s daily “flip for 50” promotion (from 3 to 6 p.m.) where customers can flip a coin to get 50% off their entire order. 157 Prince St., SoHo, getsandwell.com
Elder
Expanding his footprint on Hudson Yards, chef Sujan Sarkar opens Elder on August 6, his take on the contemporary British-Indian chophouse located on the ground level of Henry Hall. The restaurant takes its name from the elderflower, a botanical found in both British and Indian culinary traditions.
While the chef has other ventures in the same building, which he spoke to us about a few months back, Elder’s menu centers on prime cuts, seafood, and peak-season produce, served with housemade chutneys, tandoor-roasted vegetables, and richly-flavored sauces. Look for Caviar & Crumpets with celeriac remoulade and creme fraiche, a vegetarian-friendly Beet Wellington with mushroom and goat cheese, the Berkshire Pork Rib Chop Vindaloo Masala, and Pathar Kebab Hanger Steak.
Don’t miss the desserts or the cocktails which pay homage to London, including a curated collection of exclusive gins. Located on the ground level of Henry Hall. 517 W. 38th St., Hudson Yards, restaurantelder.nyc
ROSSA Café
For a sweet taste of Mexico whilst in Koreatown, swing by Rossa Café. The space opened a few weeks ago, serving sweet treats, coffee, a tres leches latte, and light bites including conchas and churros.
Founded by Nicolas Salas, who spent 43 years owning and operating small businesses across Mexico, this is his first Stateside venture. Open all day, the cozy cafe serves savory options like quesadillas and the signature Cafe Pendejo, a spicy coffee inspired by Mexican truckers, is a must-try. 47 W. 30th St., Koreatown, no website
