🚕 Union Square Sees Restaurant Comeback

Good Morning NY!

Today we’re spotlighting a major new addition to the city’s nightlife scene.

A legendary brand is making its way to the Meatpacking District with a fresh take on dining and entertainment.

We’ll give you the details on what to expect, from lavish dishes to an exclusive atmosphere that promises to elevate your night out.

Plus, we’re taking a closer look at how this iconic venue is aiming to set a new standard for luxury in the city.

It’s a lot to chew on so let’s dive in.

Drai’s Supper Club Brings Glamour to Meatpacking

Drai’s, the famed nightlife brand, is officially landing in New York City’s Meatpacking District.

Opening on May 1, the new Drai’s Supper Club will fuse French-American cuisine with a luxurious atmosphere.

Signature dishes will include tomato tarte, frog legs, steak au poivre, and a decadent $1,000 caviar plate.

The venue takes over the iconic former space of Nell’s and Up & Down, adding a touch of historic glamour.

Downstairs, a speakeasy-style lounge will feature live music and a sophisticated cocktail program, moving away from the typical bottle service model.

Drai’s aims to attract a more mature, elite crowd seeking an elevated night out.

Led by Dustin Drai, son of founder Victor Drai, the brand is returning to its original fine dining roots.

Reservations are now open, and the club promises an Instagram-worthy setting with nightly entertainment.

Expect Drai’s to become a hotspot for celebrities and high-profile diners alike.

Spring Long Island Restaurant Week Returns April 27

Get ready to indulge—Spring Long Island Restaurant Week kicks off on April 27 and runs through May 4.

The popular tri-annual event brings special prix fixe menus to restaurants all across Long Island.

Diners can enjoy a $24 two-course lunch or three-course dinners priced at $29, $39, or $46.

Each restaurant must offer three choices for each dinner course, including appetizer, entrée, and dessert.

The special menus are available every night the restaurant is open, except Saturdays when they’re offered only until 7 p.m.

Food lovers can also enter a Gift Card Giveaway on the Long Island Restaurant Week website from April 21 to May 5.

Winners of the giveaway will be announced around May 9.

NYC Café’s Cinnamon Controversy Ends with a Laugh

Culture Espresso sparked an unexpected protest after moving its cinnamon shakers behind the counter.

On April 17, employees at the café’s three Midtown locations found laminated “NOTICE OF STRIKE” letters from a fictional group called SPICE.

The Society of Peelers and International Cinnamon Extractors (SPICE) accused the café of “flavor discrimination.”

They demanded cinnamon be returned to the self-serve condiment bar and threatened to escalate to an “International Tribunal of Spicy Justice.”

The prank struck a chord with Culture Espresso’s team, who quickly restored the cinnamon shakers to their rightful place.

The café explained the original move was meant to promote cleanliness.

Staff embraced the joke, thanking the pranksters for their creativity and humor.

Union Square Sees Major Retail and Restaurant Comeback

Union Square’s retail and restaurant scene is making a strong comeback.

Storefront occupancy around the park has climbed to 82%, up from 68% in late 2024.

Newcomers like Seahorse, Flight Club, and Smashy are helping to revitalize the area.

A new STK steakhouse is preparing to open at 200 Park Avenue South, filling a space vacant since 2020.

Pop-ups like Mets House and new tenants like Fred Astaire Dance Studio and Nourish are also bringing fresh energy.

Office worker visits have risen by 28% year-over-year, adding even more foot traffic.

The removal of long-standing scaffolding at Barnes & Noble has boosted the neighborhood’s morale.

Despite the momentum, about 20 retail spaces—mostly along Union Square East—are still available.

New Steakhouse Dynamo Room Opens Near Penn Station

Dynamo Room, a new steakhouse from Sunday Hospitality, is opening near Penn Station.

Located at 2 Penn Plaza, this modern take on classic New York steakhouses is set to become a dining destination.

The restaurant is designed to cater to the crowds heading to nearby Madison Square Garden.

Sunday Hospitality, known for its success with Rule of Thirds in Greenpoint and its work at the Hotel Chelsea, is behind the project.

Dynamo Room adds to a growing list of elevated dining spots around Penn Station, including Roberta’s and the second Rowdy Rooster.

This new opening is part of a broader trend of enhancing the dining scene in the area.

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