Storytelling is heating up on stages and stovetops in the West Village.
Approximately one month ago, A24 reopened Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest Off-Broadway theater in the city. Additionally, the film and television studio partnered with the Frenchette chefs for Wild Cherry, the theater’s culinary component.
The reception to both has been as sweet as fruit itself. In just 30 days, the Commerce Street hotspot has become NYC’s most popular ticket and reservation.
With a unique history, engaging programming, and now a delightful French-inspired eatery, there’s a lot to love about Cherry Lane’s revival.
If you’ve yet to make your way into the Village, allow us to fill you in on what the buzz is all about.
A look inside Cherry Lane Theatre & Wild Cherry
The theater sports exposed brick walls and split pea green velvet chairs in an intimate setting, plus it offers a unique lineup: a book talk with Jenny Slate, an evening with Florence Welch, and Weer, a comedy from Natalie Palamides, to name a few.
“We’re first and foremost trying to make this a live destination in New York, and have the space be where people come to enjoy great live performance,” Dani Rait, head of programming at Cherry Lane and SNL alumna told The New York Times.
The same could be said about the pre or post-show dinner at Wild Cherry. If you didn’t overdo it at the concession stand, which we recommend you don’t, you’ll certainly want to stick around for dinner if you’re fortunate enough to snag a table.
Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, the brains behind Frenchette, Le Veau d’Or and Le Rock, have done the honors of taking over the theater’s restaurant, adding French influences, creative cocktails, and art deco vibes to Wild Cherry.
While there are elevated plates to enjoy — steak tartare, lobster club, tuna crudo, and frog legs — you could never go wrong with a classic cheeseburger. Lean in to the theater’s theme and sip on a sherry cherry highball (manzanilla, nonino, cherry, cola) or go the classic route with an old-fashioned or dirty martini — perfect complements to the room’s sophisticated aura.
Speaking of which, designer Zeb Stewart assumed the role of decorating. The modern setting, dreamy light fixture, and small cherry motifs on the walls delight those dining inside and make the restaurant feel like a movie scene. (No surprise there.)
Reservations open online two weeks ahead of schedule, and walk-ins are welcome, but you’ll want to plan wisely. With October nearly booked and reviews claiming “perfection all around” and “inviting and delicious dishes,” all eyes are on this sweet spot.
📍 38 Commerce Street
⏰ Tuesday-Sunday from 5-11pm