If you’re in search of the cocktail of the summer, look no further. elNico, a brand new rooftop situated atop the 11th floor of Penny Williamsburg, has the potential winner—and plenty more!
From Sydell Group, the team behind NoMad, Freehand, and LINE brands, elNico joins Penny Williamsburg with panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, along with a colorful interior and art-forward space that is a feast for the eyes.
Taking a modern approach towards Mexican fare, Chef Fernanda Serrano and Hospitality veteran Leo Robitschek have joined forces for what may be the hottest new spot east of the river!
“I’m excited for guests to see and taste dishes that I grew up with that have gradually evolved, just as my palate has, while working in some of the world’s most notable kitchens, pulling in new techniques and ingredients to present my version of Mexican cuisine,” said elNico Executive Chef Fernanda Serrano.
The rooftop restaurant and bar offers a menu of shareable bites in both small plates and large format dishes. Highlighting ingredients from urban farms and producers in the tri-state area, let your tastebuds explore a range of flavors from their Caviar Sope with salsa cruda and crème fraiche to the Pulpo Pibil which is fried octopus with toum, xnipec, potato chips and tortillas.
But for the real show stoppers: the cocktails! Separated into four sections, the drink menu features Classics, Fresh, Preserved and Non-Alcoholic. Notable ingredients from Latin America are highlighted with cocktails like the Rhubarb Margarita with Ocho Blanco Tequila, rhubarb, Aperol, yuzu, and lime or the Turn the Beet Around with Paranubes Rum, Patron Silver, lime, yellow beet, pineapple, and vanilla.
As for what may qualify as the drink of the summer, it’s their Santo Pepino. It’s a light and refreshing delight on the tongue, presented beautifully with a cucumber garnish that lines the wall of the glass.
In terms of interiors, Andrew Zobler and the creative team at Sydell Group envisioned the dining room and rooftop lounge as an “eccentric artist’s plant-filled living room and studio space.”
Local artist, Yuko Nishikawa, features their work with an installation of paper sculptures using recycled materials that pairs perfectly with the funky furniture and patterned details.
elNico promises to bring the party with a built-in DJ booth and enough space to get your groove on when there’s live music, cultural programming and more.
Find out even more or make a reservation on their website here.