Welcome the new kid on the block in Hell's Kitchen: Bar Gonzo, a funky, two-tier, '70s-inspired bar-lounge. The joint was created by R.L. King, the main chef that headed up the McKittrick Hotel's Gallow Green and The Heath, where the popular show Sleep No More holds court. King has also worked at New York City successes like il Buco, Hundred Acres, and Five Points.
Photos: Simmer Group
The bar has a chill vibe, with a rich, dark color scheme on the first floor, marrying a mix of retro and modern decor. Head upstairs to a spacious tiki-inspired bar with green and pink shades and a cozy side seating section adorned with flowers atop a bamboo canopy. There's even an outdoor space for couples to step outside and snuggle.
In addition to a raw bar, on the menu are tasty comfort foods that King enjoyed as a kid, here given an update—cured meats and artisanal cheese from Saxelby Cheesemongers, yummy grilled brochettes, melt-in-your-mouth Latch Key Kid Pizza, fried dough bites with powdered sugar, and more.
Tasty cocktail specialties include a Jasmine Flower (Ford's Gin, pear puree, lime juice, simple syrup, sparkling wine, edible flower) and a Holiday Sangria (Aylesbury Duck Vodka, dry Lambrusco, Bengali tea syrup, lemon juice, seasonal fruit, mint). They're as pretty to look at as they taste.
Throughout the night, patrons can also enjoy live entertainment in the form of singers, hula dancers, burlesque performers, and fire breathers. And that's in addition to cool '70s tunes.
Bar Gonzo is located at 515 Ninth Ave., between 38th and 39th Streets. For more information, visit bargonzonyc.com.