It’s the last week of August, but with a late Labor Day this year, the NYC summer vibes have stayed very much intact—even if it’s less than a month from ending. The city is still quiet and tables remain remarkably easy to come by. And, with all these new openings, now’s the time to try something new.
This week in bar and restaurant news, Ugly Baby is back! Plus, a sustainable Japanese pizzeria landed in Brooklyn, an American sandwich shop opened in the East Village, a horse-themed bar trotted into Red Hook, and more.
Pizza 4 P’s
Last month, Japanese pizzeria Pizza 4 P’s (pizza for peace) opened its first American outpost in Brooklyn. With other locations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and India, the pizzeria chain called this American opening “deeply meaningful” on Instagram.
The brand focuses on sustainability and makes nearly everything in-house using the best produce and dairy from local farms. On the menu you’ll find a lot of pizza, plus pasta and main dishes, along with a standout housemade burrata. Also check out the cocktail menu, try one of the restaurant’s branded beers (and others), along with desserts. Reservations are released one month in advance and Pizza 4 P’s is open Wednesday through Saturday. 38 Norman Ave., Greenpoint, pizza4ps.com
20 Blocks
Magically, the brand-new East Village sandwich shop 20 Blocks found a way to improve upon childhood classic sandwiches and do it well. The new shop just opened last week and already the locals are buzzing about the turkey sandwich, Turkey Town, made with fried green tomatoes. There’s also talk surrounding the Corn Star, a grilled cheese sandwich featuring charred sweet corn.
If there’s room, sit and eat your sandwich in the cute (and kid-friendly) shop, and better yet, grab one of the iced teas, which have different flavors daily. And, be sure to save room for dessert. 215 E. 4th St., East Village, asandwichshop.com
Evelyn Bar & Kitchen
This Wednesday, August 26, Evelyn Bar & Kitchen opens in Hanover Square down in the Financial District. It’s the first restaurant from longtime downtown hospitality veteran, Evelyn McConnell. After serving as the general manager of the popular FiDi Irish pub The Full Shilling for more than 25 years, McConnell went out on her own with this new neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar.
Inside, the space is designed for everything from lunch to happy hour to dinner. The modern New American menu has something for everyone, from burgers and sliders to local seafood. The cocktails give a nod to the neighborhood. For example, The Closing Bell, made with mezcal, watermelon, Ancho Reyes Verde, lemon, and basil. The cozy sage-green space can seat about 75 and is open from 11 a.m. until midnight every day. 11 Hanover Sq., Financial District, evelynbarandkitchen.com
Ugly Baby
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or out of town, Ugly Baby is reopening—finally and soon! This Thursday, August 27, the beloved Thai restaurant is making a comeback on Grand Avenue between Havemeyer Street and Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg. The new space (formerly home to Emmy Square Pizza) is about twice the size of the former Carroll Gardens spot, which opened in 2017 and stayed open until the end of 2024.
Expect a wider ranging menu at the new Ugly Baby along with a full bar and, because of so much anticipation, long lines. 364 Grand St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, uglybabynyc.com
Pony’s
A low-key themed bar in Red Hook? Say less. This past weekend, Pony’s, a self-described corner bar in Red Hook opened on the corner of Van Brunt and Van Dyke Streets in a former yoga studio space. Along with cocktails, Pony’s will also serve small shareable plates. The owners, Elana Shvalbe and Michael Furac, are also a couple, and the food menu is inspired by their shared Eastern European heritage. Look for The Russian Dinner Party: a single bite and a shot. 424 Van Brunt St., Red Hook, ponysnyc.com
