With spring finally settling over New York City, there’s no better excuse to step outside, make a few plans, and eat and drink your way through the five boroughs. From buzzy new restaurants to just-opened bars, April is already stacked with spots worth checking out.
Consider this your go-to list of the latest openings to know right now–because in NYC, the next impossible-to-book reservation is always just around the corner.
Ms. Alice, Lower East Side – Now Open
A vibrant new cocktail bar has opened on the LES, inspired by European aperitivo culture.
Ms. Alice offers a luxurious yet approachable setting that flows from sunset drinks on the outdoor terrace to an animated late-night atmosphere. The drink menu focuses on martinis and spritzes alongside refined interpretations of timeless classics.
Signature cocktails include: Yuzu Negroni, Salted Watermelon Spritz, Red Pepper Paloma, and Pickled Blueberry Martini.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs, Prospect Heights – Now Open
Just in time for Pies ‘n’ Thighs’ 20th anniversary, the restaurant is now serving Southern-inspired comfort food in Prospect Heights.
New Yorkers can expect the usual: crispy fried chicken, homemade pies, and Southern-inspired sides alongside new additions like chicken tenders. The flavors certainly feel like home.
Soba Ulala, SoHo – Now Open
Executive chef and owner Hirohisa Hayashi has turned his Japanese restaurant Hirohisa into a new soba spot, Soba Ulala.
The restaurant focuses on a la carte house-made soba–with the noodles made in-house twice a day–with the option of hot or cold broth and toppings like duck breast or vegetables.
Beyond soba, the menu is comprised of small dishes like sashimi, fish collars, and rice, as well as dessert, lunchtime set meals, and rice bowls.
Dean’s, SoHo – Now Open
Dean’s, the new British pub from King’s Jess Shadbolt and Annie Shi, recently opened in SoHo. Inspired by Shadbolt’s coastal English hometown, the menu leans seafood-heavy with dishes like dressed crab, Scotch quail eggs, and a standout stargazy pie, reimagined with local fish and a single head peeking through the crust.
Designed to feel warm and unfussy, the pub keeps most seating for walk-ins and pairs its British fare with pints of Guinness, gin-forward cocktails, and classic desserts like sticky puddings and posset.
Motek, Greenwich Village – Opens Early April
Just seven months after opening its first NYC location in Flatiron, Motek–the beloved Miami-born restaurant known for its modern Mediterranean cuisine–is opening its second NYC location in Greenwich Village this April.
The new outpost will bring Motek’s signature dishes–fluffy housemade laffa, shawarma, schnitzel, and vibrant mezze–to a lively neighborhood setting designed for all-day indoor/outdoor dining, from brunch through dinner, along with a daily $5 happy hour.
GiGi’s, Greenpoint – Opens April 8
The team behind Fulgurances Laundromat is bringing GiGi’s to Greenpoint, a new venture that will focus on rôtisserie and natural wine.
An Instagram post reads: “This is our next chapter after Fulgurances Laundromat: a place to drink well, eat well, and come by for a quick glass or a feast between friends. The wine list is, as you might expect, extensive, and something we’re especially excited to finally share.”
Expect: the famous roasted chicken served with a trio of sauces, a frisée salad with a decadent albufera sauce, local cheeses from Tommy’s Coltsfoot Farm, housemade terrines, an irresistible chicken consommé, and a poire au vin rouge for dessert.
Echo Lake, Williamsburg – Opens April 8
Industry veterans Chloe Frechette and Paul McGee are teaming together for the first time to open Echo Lake, a tropical bar opening in Williamsburg with a rum-forward menu.
According to Greenpointers, Frechette and McGee call Echo Lake “a celebration of rum and its many different styles.” The menu will showcase tropical cocktails, including a daiquiri selection and a selection of house-made rhum arrangé.
The food menu includes bites like oysters with tepache mignonette, snapper crudo with passionfruit, bread with whipped nori butter or warm crab butter, and green coconut curry chowder served over fries.
After Eden, LES – Opens April 10
Once open on the LES, After Eden will offer Vietnamese coffee and café culture by day before shifting towards Southeast Asian-inspired craft cocktails and hospitality by night.
As evening unfolds, the space transforms into an intimate cocktail lounge where curiosity, temptation, and a little bit of luck guide the night ahead.
Yesterday’s, West Village – Opens April 10
Once open, Yesterday’s will bring a fresh take on old-school NYC bar culture to the West Village.
Spanning 6,500 square feet across two levels, the concept blends classic cocktails, throwback music, and a lively atmosphere designed to attract both locals and visitors from brunch till late night.
Skinny Louie, UES – Opens April 24
Miami-born smash burger concept is opening its third NYC location on the Upper East Side this April.
With lines regularly out the door, the award-winning menu is intentionally curated–just a few burgers, fries, and shakes–focusing on smash burgers made from fresh Black Angus beef.
We’ll continue to update this as the month goes on, so be sure to keep checking back! 🍽️✨