After a picture-perfect (and extremely rare) dry weekend, we’re back to a soggy NYC. But, have no fear, this crop of new bars and restaurants are putting the fun back into dining out.
From a budget friendly new East Village bar serving top-notch cocktails and bites to a Persian street food spot opening in Kips Bay to the expansion of two local favorites, Kati Roll Company and Kings Co Imperial, it’s a good week to be a hungry diner in the Big Apple.
Red Beard
Earlier this summer, the colorful Turkish cafe Red Beard opened its doors on First Avenue in a busy section of the East Village without a ton of Turkish restaurants, let alone bakeries. Serving Turkish-inspired artisan pastries and high-quality coffee, Red Beard is open daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Red Beard owner and namesake Cihan “Red Beard” Cakmak believes New Yorkers are deserving of Turkish baking and fortunately for us, the flaky borek, sesame-crusted simits, and sweet baklava donuts really deliver. Also look for a take on the classic pastrami and cheese sandwich, plus an avocado toast, Turkish breakfast, and of course, Red Beard’s Turkish coffee and Turkish tea (available on the weekends only). 194 1st Ave., East Village, redbeardbakerynyc.com
FKA: Formerly Known As
The first thing you’ll recognize about FKA, which opened in early July on Second Avenue, is the neon sign in the window spelling out Good Clean Filth, which is on tap daily, along with dollar oysters and drinks priced at a reasonable $15 each. Indeed, every cocktail, including a Grasshopper (the only cocktail limited to two per guest) feels like a good deal given that the same type of beverages top out at $25 in these parts.
With bottles of beers at $6 and wines around $13 a glass, FKA is a friendly new neighborhood bar with wallet-friendly price points to match. Aside from the drinks and raw bar offerings, there are other things to pick at, including Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs, Slutty Pimento Cheez, and “Lunchables,” a playful and elevated take on the childhood favorite with Mimolette, Comté, and Camembert cheeses, red plums, honey, and filone bread. For dessert lovers, there’s only one choice: the Bomb Pop. 221 2nd Ave., East Village, fkanyc.com
Kings Co Imperial
Beloved Brooklyn-born Chinese restaurant Kings Co Imperial opened a third NYC location this week, bringing market-driven cooking, craft cocktails, and a handmade dumpling program to Park Slope. Chefs and co-owners Tracy Jane Young and Josh Grinker, who have collaborated for over 30 years, helped establish Kings Co Imperial as a defining presence in New York’s dining scene.
“Opening in the heart of Park Slope feels incredibly meaningful to us,” said Grinker. “There’s an undeniable energy building around dining in the neighborhood right now.”
The family-style menu features longtime favorites like Pork Soup Dumplings, Sesame Shrimp Toast, Wonton Soup, and Many Mushroom Beijing Street Noodles, alongside new additions including gluten-free Beef Fan Fan Dumplings and Sichuan Crispy Duck (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
“Chinese food for us has always been about dishes that are both comforting and exciting, whether they’re served in a train car in central China, a fancy hotel in Beijing, or a noodle shop in Flushing,” Grinker said. “Kings Co was born in Brooklyn and opening in Park Slope gives us the chance to keep evolving while staying rooted in the kind of hospitality and neighborhood connection that’s always mattered to us.” 357 3rd St., Park Slope, Brooklyn kingscoimperial.com
Taftoon
Offering modern Persian street food, Taftoon is officially opening its doors this week in the Kip Bay section of the city, near Murray Hill and Nomad. Named for the traditional leavened flatbread from Iran, from the Persian root taftan, which means “to heat” or “to bake,” Taftoon is serving Persian street food “reimagined through a modern New York lens, filtered through a Tulum sunset.”
Menu items include the namesake taftoon served with a variety of condiments and paired with meat, chicken, and potatoes. Other signatures include Persian Macaroni and Taftoon Pizza (with beef franks and beef mortadella, peppers, mushrooms, and onions). The vibes at Taftoon are self-described as “energetic, high-tempo paired with the legendary, welcoming warmth of true Persian hospitality.” 388 3rd Ave., Kips Bay, Brooklyn, taftoonyc.com
Kati Roll Company
After over two decades in New York City and expanding to London and Dallas, The Kati Roll Company finally crossed the Hudson River to open its first New Jersey location in Jersey City this month. Now J.C. residents can try the Kolkata street food that made fans out of the Indian fast-casual concept. Using zero pre-packaged foods and under the guidance of executive chef/partner Anil Bathwal, the menu reflects a commitment to authentic flavors and quality ingredients.
“I started this because I missed the kati rolls I grew up eating in Kolkata, and I thought if I missed them this much, other people must too,” said founder Payal Saha. “New Jersey customers have been crossing the river to find us for years. It felt right to finally come to them.”
Signature menu items include the Achari Paneer Roll, made with Indian farmer’s cheese marinated in Achari pickling spices and the Unda Chicken Tikka Roll, layered with egg and yogurt-marinated chicken breast. Other longtime favorites include biryani rice bowls, house-made Alphonso mango lassis, and fresh spicy potato chips. 924 Bergen Ave., Jersey City, NJ, thekatirollcompany.com
