Calling all post-club kids and late-night workaholics.
Calling all post-club kids and late-night workaholics.
Think Ultra – Glamorized Futuristic Nostalgia.
Located just adjacent to the infamous Soho Grand Hotel, New York City’s latest late-night spot merges the simple pleasures of a New York five-and-dime with the spirit of the city’s current dining scene. With salmon-colored terrazzo floors, walnut booths, neon signage, and of course, a Crosley vinyl jukebox, the space is transportive yet familiar.
This space is a culmination of a collaboration between Tony Fant (president of GrandLife Hotels) and Chef Ken Addington (Five Leaves), with the added design expertise of Briana Stanley (VP and creative director of Grandlife Hotels). To accentuate a theme of modern nostalgia, the space was inspired by past utilitarian diners while incorporating modern design sensibility. From disco fries to restorative cocktails, the menu brings an elevated take on American classics, centering on prime ingredients while still stipulating alluring new flavor profiles for the most complex of New York pallets.
In the spirit of the warm summer months, V Magazine had the opportunity to rejoice in Soho Diner’s late-night specials and explore their new outdoor seating, referred to as “The Garden.” With overflowing lush greenery and pink parasols, the space was a breath of fresh air (literally), providing us with fantasy-like escapism from the everyday hustle and bustle of New York life.
Upon entry, we were greeted by invigorating yet not overbearing fluorescent light bulbs accompanied by blues rhythms, immediately striking up recognition in my mind of being an ultra glamorized version of the opening scene of Pulp Fiction. You know the one with the infamous “Honey Bunny.” With the space full of post-club kids and late-night workaholics, we felt right at home.
Seated in a large walnut-colored booth directly across from a sign that read, “JukeBox Free Play, Late Night, Always Open,” we were served by the diner’s very attentive and knowledgeable Manager, Christian Bernal. We enjoyed a delicious California Salad and a slow-roasted Brick Chicken, which was far more tasteful and high quality than one may think to find at a 24-hour diner. Not to mention, the menu features various gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Soon after concluding our decadent meal, we decided to enjoy two highly acclaimed Espresso Martini’s, in partnership with Jack’s Stir Brew, on the patio of their new winding garden escape.
From the greenery oasis of the open-air terrace, we felt much like we had been escorted into a secret tropical portal while still looking in on our nocturnal neighbors entering the Soho Grand. As time passed and we recharged in the garden, we realized it was time to go. As we got up to exit the restaurant, we were accompanied by Bernal, who bid us a gracious farewell, as the beginning of our Friday was just getting started.
