This week feels like a blessing, complete with perfect low-humidity weather, the Knicks leading the playoffs, and the Word Cup starting any day now. If it wasn’t before, now is the time to make al fresco dining (and drinking) priority number one because another cool crop of newly-opened bars and restaurants have sprung up around town.
Look for a slice shop from a well-known Brooklyn pizza team, an East Village taqueria by way of Mexico City, a new bar in Bushwick from the folks behind New York Distilling Co, and more.
Paulie Gee’s East Village Slice Shop
In late May, an East Village outpost of beloved Brooklyn slice shop Paulie Gee’s opened, right, near 6th Street on First Avenue in a space formerly occupied by a Dunkin’ Donuts. With this stretch of First Avenue blowing up with bars and restaurants seemingly by the day, there aren’t a ton of pizzerias, so it’s certainly welcome.
With cozy booths, stool seats, New York style pies (like pepperoni, with vegan options too), and Coca-Cola flowing from a soda fountain, there’s a retro, old-school vibe which helps make this place feel lived in already. 100 1st Ave., East Village, pauliegee.com
Bar Bas
A hidden cocktail lounge in Hell’s Kitchen, Bar Bas opened on May 29, tucked beneath Marseille brasserie and led by Chef Driven Hospitality, the family-owned group created by Simon Oren. Inspired by the laid-back atmosphere of 1970s French bars, and featuring a resident DJ on the weekends, Bar Bas can also fit the bill for a pre-theater meal too…