Bar Mercer, the latest addition to SoHo's dining scene, pays homage to the neighborhood's history and fashion-forward vibe. Owned by restaurateur Jeffrey McDonald, the spot occupies the space formerly held by MercBar, which he founded 30 years ago. The new establishment features a revamped interior, vintage accents, and a menu highlighting classic dishes with a modern twist.
Shopping is the main attraction for many in SoHo, where stores like Khaite, Zara, Chanel, H&M, Adidas and Tiffany & Co. abound. But all of those spenders have to eat too.
The latest addition to the downtown neighborhood is Bar Mercer at 25 West Houston Street near the corner of Mercer Street. The name is a play on words forwho first unveiled MercBar 30 years ago. Needless to say, he knows the block well, having owned and operated bars and restaurants in the vicinity. As a sign of the neighborhood’s fashion-centric commercialization, that original location at 151 Mercer Street shuttered in 2016, so that the building could be razed.
McDonald’s local lore is not as old as SoHo’s Fanelli Café, which dates back to 1847 but has been revived by Gen Zers in the past year thanks to TikTok posts. On its opening night MercBar hosted fashion editor and stylist Elizabeth Saltzman’s 30th birthday party, during her Campion Platt dating days. McDonald said, “It was an amazing time. We had zero sign, nothing marking us, and we had to have a doorman seven nights a week to control the flow for the first several years.
McDonald quietly closed Bar Tulix at that same location in November, when chef Justin Bazdaric decided to relocate to Finland. Before opening Bar Mercer, the room, floor and seating were refurbished, and vintage lamps, light fixtures and flashback photos of Mercer Street from the 1960s and ’70s were installed. Diners will also find an interior one of a former restaurant that was housed at the same location in 1935.
McDonald has long been entwined with the fashion crowd and he understands how the system works. His sister used to work for the Ford modeling agency in New York City. In a 1999 interview with WWD about the debut of another one of his Mercer Street eateries, Canteen, McDonald recalled what Eileen Ford told him as a 16-year-old, during a visit to her Manhattan town house. Slumped against a wall, Ford said, “’Get up, John. You’re strong enough to stand on your own two feet.
RESTAURANTS SOHO NEW YORK FOOD FASHION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Proenza Schouler Relocates Its SoHo Store to Mercer StreetThe new Proenza Schouler retail flagship at 153 Mercer Street in SoHo, New York will open in February.
Read more »
New Bar Loretta Opens in Menlo Park, Paying Homage to Grateful Dead HistoryLoretta, a new bar in Menlo Park, is set to open on February 3rd, offering seasonal cocktails, wine, beer, and mocktails. The bar, owned by Ali Elsafy, is located in the former Magoo’s Pizza Parlor, where The Grateful Dead played their first gig. Elsafy has incorporated Grateful Dead memorabilia and music into the bar's design and programming.
Read more »
Duke's Counter Opens 'The Bamboo Bar' to Celebrate Panda ReturnDuke's Counter in Washington, D.C. is welcoming the return of pandas to the city with a special panda-themed pop-up bar, 'The Bamboo Bar'.
Read more »
Duke's Counter Opens Panda-Themed Pop-Up 'The Bamboo Bar'Duke’s Counter is welcoming the return of pandas to Washington, D.C. with a special panda-themed pop-up, “The Bamboo Bar” featuring drinks inspired by the beloved animals.
Read more »
Magna Pars Hotel Opens LabSolue Bar and Roof Terrace in MilanMagna Pars Hotel in Milan's Tortona district has unveiled the LabSolue Bar and Roof Terrace, offering a new sensory experience with cocktails inspired by the hotel's signature fragrances.
Read more »
Laws Whiskey House opens two-story bar and lounge in DenverThe lounge upstairs serves classic cocktails and has an unperturbed view of the Rocky Mountains.
Read more »