A brand new spritz bar inspired by 1930s Milan can now be found nestled on the sun-drenched corner of Houston Street and Avenue A, and though the space literally just opened its doors–and at the literal perfect time considering a hotter summer than usual is heading our way–it’s already becoming the East Village’s new go-to hotspot.
If NYC’s perpetually increasing prices means Italian summer is certainly not in your future–and surely not even a $400 stimulus check can help us at this point–Bar Bianchi must be on your radar. The new bar is effortlessly fusing the energy of New York’s wine culture with the timeless elegance of Italian tradition, which only makes sense considering the space comes from the team behind NYC’s beloved wine bars Elvis and Le Dive as well as the Nines and Monsieur (you know, NYC’s newest medieval lair cocktail bar from ‘Moulin Rouge’ director Baz Luhrmann).
And the teams are inviting New Yorkers to “sip, savor, and linger the Italian way”–truly. All the girly pops will feel as if they’ve been whisked away to the vibrant piazzas of Northern Italy once surrounded by the bar’s handcrafted clay tiles, Venetian plaster walls, and vintage overhead light fixtures. Think: Milan’s most fabled haunts, from the Prada-owned Bar Luce to beloved classics like Bar Basso and Bar Jamaica.
The best part: they’re bringing aperitivo culture straight to NYC. If you’re unfamiliar with aperitivo, it’s a social ritual that serves as a pre-dinner warm-up, during which time people enjoy drinks and light snacks like cured meats, cheeses, and olives. The word “aperitivo” comes from the Latin word “aperire,” meaning “to open,” hence the ritual–you’re opening your appetite before dinner.
That’s to say the trattoria-style menu is made up of aperitivo-eqsue bites, featuring standouts like Crisp Fried Zucchini, Rigatoni with sausage, peas, and pink sauce, Beef Carpaccio, Burrata with roasted peppers, and the signature Veal Milanese for two.
And like any true Italian hand they’re not letting you leave without the chance to indulge in something sweet–for dessert, guests can enjoy classics like Tiramisu, Ricotta Cheesecake, and Affogato.
But wait, we did mention this was a spritz bar, so naturally their cocktail program does not disappoint. However, they are treating us to more than just spritzes! Highlights include Italian staples like spritzes, negronis, and sgroppinos—made with gelato-inspired ice cream and sorbet from Hallie Meyers’ beloved Caffè Panna.
We’re not saying you don’t need a trip to Italy, but we are saying Bar Bianchi kinda feels pretty damn close. Oh, and of course Bar Bianchi has plenty of outdoor seating, making it truly feel like you’re people watching at an Italian piazza. Jon Neidich, Golden Age Hospitality Founder and CEO, stated:
This corner location was a dream canvas for bringing Italy’s aperitivo culture to life. With the French doors wide open, the line between inside and out disappears, letting the buzz of the dining room spill onto the sidewalk patio. It captures that unmistakable magic of an Italian piazza.
📍 5 Avenue A