Inspired by literary icons Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway, and George Plimpton, is a vibrant new restaurant and lounge, Bar Gonzo.
While it’s not the first Gonzo-themed bar we’ve seen over the years, it will certainly be one worth checking out. The owner and chef, R.L. King, is no stranger to theatrical spaces coming from being the chef at McKittrick Hotel’s The Heath and Gallow Green. (For those who haven’t heard of the McKittrick Hotel, it is where the spectacular production Sleep No More takes place).
The 4,000-square-foot space will be incredibly colorful, featuring 70’s-inspired furniture and decor.
“The bar is elaborately decorated with pink, green, gold, and blue paint colors and resembles famous sites like the Polo Lounge and the Old San Juan Hotel.”
A nod to Thompson’s The Rum Diary? More than likely.
According to the press material, there will be a Peacock Bar on the ground floor (fitting, since Thompson had peacocks of his own), a tiki bar on the second floor, and a large Cabana Veranda terrace.
The restaurant will have a raw bar and charcuterie station, and focus on “Italian-American, farm-to-table tapas offerings.” Along with the food, you can expect some amazing cocktail creations, and live performances in the lounge area.
Bar Gonzo will open on November 7th at 515 Ninth Avenue.
Featured image source: Courtesy of Simmer Group