8 October Restaurant Openings (The Breslin, Abe and Arthur’s, Bill’s Bar and Burger and More)

October was a meat-themed month, not just the food category but also the district of meatpacking, which exploded with openings. Dainty eaters steer clear! These newcomers are boasting huge flavors in everything from burgers to fried chicken livers.

As always, leave thoughts in the comment section if you’ve visited any of these exciting spots.

Abe and Arthur’s
Franklin Becker (of Brasserie) and the folks from club Tenjune open this much-anticipated restaurant with a contemporary American menu and an old-timey feel.  It’s in the old Club Lotus space, so expect a party below and a restaurant above.
409 East 14th Street, 646-289- 3930
Why You Should Care: Initial reports have been extremely promising, with some putting it at the caliber of the Standard Grill, down the block.

Tanuki Tavern
It feels like every month I’m reporting a new Jeffrey Chodorow-charged restaurant and October is no different. Tanuki is Chodorow’s new restaurant in the old Ono space and his answer to the Izakaya (Japanese small plates) trend. They’re boasting no-less-than 70 menu items including tempura maitake mushrooms, fried chicken livers with ponzu, and yellowfin tuna spaghetti bolognese.  As compelling as the menu sounds, they’re still charging $16 for a California roll so it’s unclear how much has changed since Ono.
18 9th Avenue, Between Little W 12th and 13th, 212-660-6766
Why You Should Care: Supposedly they have Hitachino White Ale on tap

Ardesia
Ardesia is the latest wine bar to open in the city, though dangerously close to three others in Hell’s Kitchen (Xai Xai, Casellula, and Bocca di Bacco). Still it’s possible that Mandy Oser (of Le Bernardin) might carve out a niche for those even further West. An international list of 80 wines plus a menu from the chef of Chelsea tapas restaurant, El Quinto Pino, may give them an edge. The initial reviews on Yelp are promising.
510 W 52nd (between 10th and 11th), 212-247-9191
Why You Should Care: They’re running a Grand Opening special: complimentary homemade pretzels or an artisanal cheese selection with your first glass of wine or beer!

Bill’s Bar and Burger
As much as I’m lamenting the loss of Hog Pit and its foos table, Steve Hanson’s new burger-focused joint seems a welcome newcomer. It has already been praised as one of the best burgers in the city, though its unique thin-style means it cannot be ordered to temperature. I’m not sure if these crisp-as-a-falafel burgers are my speed, but I’m happy to be proven wrong!
22 Ninth Ave, 212-414-3003
Why You Should Care: The meatpacking district could use a relaxed space, where design stops at the bottle of Heinz and French’s on the table.

The Breslin
Ken Friedman and April Broomfield of The Spotted Pig open the restaurant in the The Ace Hotel, focusing on nose-to-tail cooking. Expect a whole lot of terrines and sausages and some of the best French fries in the city.
20 W 29th Street, 212-679-2222
Why You Should Care: In keeping with the gastro-pub theme, prices are kept low, despite its trendy scene.

Corsino
Owner of ‘Ino and ‘Inoteca open this casual crostini-focused Italian “cantina” with flavors like cauliflower and saffron, radicchio and goat cheese and chicken liver. I’ve never had a poor meal at the other ventures, so I’m hopeful that Corsino will become a reliable, affordable meatpacking staple.
637 Hudson Street, 212-242-3093
Why You Should Care: Crostini are just $2.50 a pop and prices for mains are all under $20. Wines are all under $50.

Brinkley’s
The Martignetti brothers open this neighborhood pub which looks like every other black-and-white-tile/red banquette brasserie that has opened in the city this year. This one has a British bent, complete with a variety of sausages, bubble and squeak, and pudding.
406 Broome Street, 212-680-5600
Why You Should Care: They’re serving local NY beer and wine!

Tipsy Parson
The owners of precious LES comfort-food spot Little Giant stake their claim on the West side with Southern classics like hush puppies, fried chicken livers (October chicken-liver trend?), and braised pork shank with grits. Coffee purists will be happy: they’re using Stumptown beans.  Initial reviews show they may need more time to iron out service issues.
156 Ninth Ave (between 19th and 20th) 212-620-4545
Why You Should Care: It’s tough to find Southern hospitality in this fast-paced city!

I should also mention the renovation of Lever House as Casa Lever and the opening of a second Accademia di Vino

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