Goodbye, August. September arrives this week and with Labor Day around the corner, now is the time (for those of us still in town) to grab a coveted table or seat at the bar. In a matter of days, a switch will turn on and fall vibes will fill the air.
But until then, it’s still summer and there’s plenty to savor in this empty city—including a slew of new bars and restaurants. This week, look for a pop-up at the Plaza, a burger spot in the East Village, a new French bar in the West Village, and more.
Cafe Lacoste at The Plaza, a Fairmont Hotel
In the spirit of the U.S. Open, running though mid-September in partnership with Lacoste, The Palm Court at the Plaza is offering tennis-inspired Afternoon Tea. Look for French-inspired sandwiches, pastries (including the iconic Le Crocodile dessert), and signature tea selections.
“New York is one of the world’s great tennis cities and an important stage in Lacoste’s story,” said Eric Vallat, chief executive officer of Lacoste, in a statement. “Returning to The Plaza allows us to celebrate that unique energy through an experience that brings together French elegance, hospitality and our sporting heritage in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.”
In addition, the Fifth Avenue entrance steps are wrapped in Lacoste green with a tournament-inspired installation in the hotel lobby, and in the historic Edwardian Room, a Lacoste retail pop-up. Afternoon tea is served daily and reservations are available on OpenTable through September 15. 768 Fifth Ave., Midtown, fairmont.com
Herbie’s Burgers
First Avenue in the East Village is having a moment and Herbie’s Burgers has joined the cluster of excellent and casual grab-and-go options. Herbie’s, a mini fast food chain that started up in Albany and expanded in the upstate region, has made its way downstate to Greenpoint and now the East Village.
It quietly opened last week and menu items include an array of burgers of all sizes and vegan options, plus shoe string fries, sodas (including Mexican coke), and milk shakes of all flavors. 109 1st Ave., East Village, herbiesburgers.com
Monkey Thief
Pan-Asian cocktail and food den Monkey Bar reopened in Hell’s Kitchen in mid-August after a 2024 closure (the result of a location-specific licensing matter). The reimagined concept on 9th Avenue now offers guests three distinct spaces. First, the Court, a gathering room inspired by Southeast Asian streets and courtyards. Then there’s the Train Car, a moodier transitional room with a nod to classic rail travel. Finally, the Den, an intimate room with its own dedicated menu.
Chris Li of 3.WRKS designed the space to feel like Southeast Asia filtered through the eyes of a New Yorker. Menu highlights include the Major Tom cocktail (gin, lemongrass, coconut, tomato, fish sauce) and Sichuan Peppercorn Fried Chicken with cucumber yogurt and chili crisp.
“The food menu reflects the same philosophy that’s always guided [us],” said Avi Singh, co-founder of Monkey Thief. “We’re inspired by the flavors, ingredients and dishes we’ve encountered throughout Asia, but we’re never interested in simply recreating them. Every dish is filtered through our own experiences and designed to be approachable, shareable and packed with flavor. We want guests to discover something new while still feeling completely comfortable ordering it.” 754 9th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen, monkeythiefbar.com
Kirbee’s
It’s been a great summer for barbecue lovers in the Big Apple. First we had Texas-Dominican barbecue from Bark’s pitmaster Ruben Santana, who opened in Bushwick this summer. Now New Yorkers will have a taste of Texas thanks to a pair of Lone Star pitmasters, Jonny White and Chuck Charnichart, who opened Kirbee’s this past weekend in Greenpoint.
Named after their pup, Kirbee’s offers daytime hours and limited service for now, with a full opening starting over Labor Day weekend. Look for smoked meats, brisket, charro beans, and the concept’s famous green spaghetti. 55 McGuinness Blvd. South, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, no website
Bar Etienne
Opening this Monday, August 31 in the former Bandits space in the West Village, Bar Etienne is a New York cocktail bar with a French kitchen from hospitality duo Michael Bray and Keith Larry. Larry’s ingredient-focused cocktail program centers on playful “crushers” with approachable flavors, alongside an Old World wine list to pair with a concise French- and European-informed food menu, which includes a French Onion grilled cheese sandwich.
There’s also a super inventive cocktail list (don’t miss the Martini Tomate topped with Parmesan) and patio seating. Save room: Bar Etienne’s desserts were created in partnership with the neighboring Claude Bakery, so expect an exclusive tarte tatin made just for the bar and Claude’s popular chocolate cake, which is typically only available at the bakery. 44 Bedford St., West Village, no website
