Latest & Greatest
We round up the hottest new bar and restaurant openings in downtown NYC.
Keeping up with the ever-changing world of new bars and restaurants in downtown Manhattan can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle—exciting, but sometimes dangerously exhausting. Every time you turn around, a new hotspot suddenly becomes the place to be. But fear not—we’ve done the legwork for you. From a swanky, velvet-lined cocktail den in the East Village, dreamt up by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann—and famously visited by Madonna during its opening week—to an affordable, high-quality omakase restaurant in the Lower East Side, here are the hottest new openings you need to check out in downtown NYC.
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Monsieur is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the drinks. This makes sense, considering it’s owned by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, known for his love of grand visuals and lavish details. Described by Luhrmann as a “medieval punk lair,” the bar is outfitted with velvet seating, brass fixtures, dramatic lighting, and custom murals that create a full sensory experience in addition to sophisticated cocktails. Located in the East Village, Monsieur has taken over the former Boiler Room, a beloved gay dive bar that served the neighborhood for over 30 years (but don’t worry, it has moved just a few blocks away on 2nd Avenue). In its first week, Monsieur generated significant buzz—Madonna herself visited, posting an Instagram carousel with Luhrmann, Akeem Morris, Jeremy O. Harris, and others. In her caption, she wrote, “When you’re feeling down, go to Monsieur.” And when the Queen of Pop speaks, you listen. See you there.
86 East 4th Street
Thank the foodie gods: Ha’s Đặc Biệt, the beloved Vietnamese pop-up, has officially found a permanent home on Broome Street. The spot is serving up bold, inventive dishes that change regularly, with past standouts like sweet and sour clams, snails with tamarind butter, and curried lobster with sweetbread vol au vent—all perfectly paired with natural wines. Though the space is tiny, the flavors are anything but—packing a punch with every bite. The intimate setting is moodily lit by paper lamps and candles, adding to the restaurant’s cozy, inviting vibe. Whether you’ve been following their pop-up journey or are just discovering them, Ha’s is now a must-visit destination for anyone craving unique flavors and fantastic wine in an unpretentious atmosphere.
297 Broome St
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This exciting new restaurant in the East Village, created by chef-owners Chris Ng and Kyaw Lwin, beautifully blends classic Asian flavors with Western influences. The eye-catching menu features a range of unique dishes, including char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) served with caramelized bananas, “dynamite fried rice” topped with broiled masago and white mushrooms, a shareable karaage pancake, and a miso Caesar salad adorned with candied anchovies and crispy ramen. Don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with a dessert like the poached pear, flavored with red wine, sage, and blue cheese. To complement these dishes, Bananas serves sake- and soju-based cocktails, including the signature PB&J cocktail made with banana makgeolli, spice soju, and grape syrup, also available as a milkshake. The 70-seat restaurant’s design is just as wildly bananas as the menu—it’s outfitted with cove lighting, whimsical banana wallpaper, and playful banana motifs throughout the space, including an Instagram-worthy banana shrine in the bathroom. This hotspot promises one of the most exciting dining experiences in the city.
174 1st Avenue; T. (646) 422-7169
Looks like downtown NYC has more than one new “snack” on the block—meet Bar Snack, a laidback, red light-drenched hangout in the East Village, where killer cocktails and tasty bites take center stage. Created by acclaimed bartender Iain Griffiths and Brooklyn-based bar owner Oliver Cleary, this cozy spot is designed to be a fun-filled, flirty hangout that serves “Dressed-up classics for dressed-down people.” Cocktail standouts include the “Big Twea Energy,” a passionfruit twisted tea cooler made with Italian bitter and grapefruit. As for the bar’s name? It’s a nod to the “snaquiri,” a snack-sized version of a classic daiquiri, and Bar Snack offers a seasonal house daiquiri that’s available in single serves, pitchers, and, of course, snaquiris. Whether you’re stopping by for a beautifully crafted cocktail or indulging in one of their substantial snacks (like their loaded pork and beef “snack dog,” topped with onion jam, hot pickles, Duke’s Mayo, and a side of Kettle chips), Bar Snack is the perfect joint for a fun and quintessentially East Village night.
92 2nd Avenue
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Sunn’s, a new Korean wine bar on Orchard Street from Chef-Owner Sunny Lee—known for her beloved Banchan by Sunny pop-ups—serves up a vibrant mix of savory banchan (Korean small dishes), substantial plates like braised pork belly topped with tofu, and a superb selection of natural wines (curated by Parcelle) all within a stylish teeny-tiny space. Opened in late 2023, the menu highlight is undeniably Sunn’s rich, umami-forward baked ziti-style rice cakes tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) that pack a punch. Just a friendly reminder: Sunn’s is pint-sized, so if you’re more than 15 minutes late, they might have to give your table to someone else. Also, they kindly ask that you stick to the following time limits: 90 minutes for groups of 2-3 and 2 hours for groups of 4-5.
139 Division St
Looking for an omakase experience without the hefty price tag? Head to Tōka Chef Kitchen, a buzzy new Japanese fusion spot in the Lower East Side. The intimate restaurant serves innovative chef’s tasting menus inspired by traditional Japanese flavors, with an 8-course menu priced at $98, featuring mouthwatering dishes like insanely fresh sashimi, caviar truffle toast, buttery miso cod, uni squid ink pasta, plus a dessert to finish. For a lighter but equally delicious option, go for the 4-course menu at $46. Tōka offers exceptional, creative Japanese fare with a BYOB policy, making it affordable and a must-try for foodies seeking top-notch flavors in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
201 Allen St; T. (646) 588-9729
WORDS Alex Catarinella