Dining and Drinks
| 01 Jun 2022 | 12:01
Chef Daniel Boulud of Le Gratin. Photo: Bill Milne
Outdoor space at Sweet and Vicious. Photo courtesy of Sweet and Vicious
Manhatta
28 Liberty St., 60th floor
https://www.manhattarestaurant.com
After a pandemic sabbatical, Danny Meyer’s restaurant Manhatta — perched 60 floors high in the financial district — has returned with a renewed focus on cocktails. The menu offers several drinks inspired by NYC neighborhoods, like Little Italy, Astoria and Red Hook. Pair one of those with the bar’s views over Manhattan, and it makes for a singular happy hour experience.
Nothing Really Matters
50th Street Downtown 1 station
@nothingreallymattersbar on Instagram
Tucked inside the Downtown 1’s 50th Street subway station is Nothing Really Matter — a speakeasy of sorts delivering upscale cocktails. Bathed in neon pink light and adorned with a disco ball, Nothing Really Matters has a welcoming atmosphere for those who find their way to the bar. Once there, customers can enjoy drinks like the Belmont, made with rum & spiced coffee — no password required.
Sweet & Vicious
5 Spring St.
Sweet & Vicious is a Nolita favorite. The downtown spot was a mainstay of the punk scene in the 90s, and retains remnants of the era’s graffiti art. Today, their garden patio is a prime spot for a summer drink al fresco. Try one of their seven frozen margaritas, and be sure to arrive for happy hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Charles Pan-fried Chicken
146 West 72nd St.
Legendary New York City chef Charles Gabriel is back to cooking after a pandemic hiatus, and he’s opened up an Upper West Side outpost of his popular Harlem restaurant just in time for summer. As you’d expect, Gabriel is offering pan-fried chicken among other Southern fare, like smothered turkey wings, collard greens and black eyed peas. Charles is a takeout joint, but you can make the short walk to Central Park or Riverside Park for the perfect picnic dinner.
Forsyth Fire Escape at Olly Olly Market
601 West 26th St.
A pair of Chinatown residents created a viral trend last year when they started selling scallion pancake burritos out of their third-floor apartment, lowering down orders in a bucket. Since then, Forsyth Fire Escape has been operating as a pop-up, but will soon have a home for their Dominican-Asian fusion burritos at a new food hall in Chelsea, called Olly Olly Market. The hall opens this summer and will feature Filipino and Korean spots, as well.
Le Gratin
5 Beekman St.
Renowned French chef Daniel Boulud opened his latest venture in the ground floor of the Beekman Hotel last month with a menu paying homage to the bistros in his native Lyon — and to the potato. The namesake gratin is Boulud’s own mother’s recipe, bringing a comforting touch to a menu that features raw bar go-to’s, terrine and pâté, watercress vichyssoise, roasted duck and chicken, and, of course, steak frites. The ambiance and offerings make it perfect for your next special occasion.