So, you’ve made a reservation at the new downtown hotspot Heroes. After a few glasses of wine, a second helping of truffle butter, and a plate of apricot-glazed pork ribs, you find yourself at a crossroads. Do you call it a day and wobble home with a happily-full stomach, or do you continue the fun and give in to the signature Cherry Americano and Scallop Crudo? The obvious answer is to take the party upstairs to Pearl Box, the swanky French bistro’s hidden bar two flights up. There is a bit of a catch: Pearl Box reservations are separate and hard to come by. But, don’t fret; the Bar Room is here to the rescue.
You’re In Good Hands
Before we get to the allusive Pearl Box bar room, knowing you’re in good hands is important. Do you know Tokyo Record Bar in the West Village or Air’s Champagne Parlor? These joints are run by the same people — Ariel Arce, chef Aaron Lirette, and beverage director Kenneth Crum. Lirette even has a Michelin-starred background with stunts at Acadia and Danny Meyer’s GreenRiver. The three took on the project of reconstructing the 200-year-old three-story building with many lives of its own. The space went from a private residence to a fur dealer’s warehouse and a garage, before becoming an experimental supper club of sorts.
Pearl Box Bar Room
The Pearl Box Bar Room is the happy medium of the three-story establishment. Here, reservations do not exist (walk-ins only); the space has the same aesthetic as Pearl Box upstairs, and you’ll still get to make a trip up the iconic spiral staircase. The space was initially used for private events, and is now open for more accessible seating, so that you can travel back in time to the 1970s-era Playboy After Dark.
Things move quickly at the unofficial social club. It opened officially last October, and the extra space opened 5 months later due to reservation demand. The walk-in spot will be open as early as 5:30 in the evening for an easily accessible happy hour moment for the downtown crowd. (That’s prime time to meet a Tribeca office single, or an artsy fashion brand executive). The front of the building is on a quieter street of SoHo and completely unassuming, but this only adds to the pleasant surprise of the atmosphere once you’re inside.
70s Glam
Once you’ve made it to the second floor of the old carriage house, you’ll be greeted by wood-paneled ceilings, black furniture, and red velvety carpet inspired by late architect and designer Carlo Mollino. Your martini and other seasonal specialty cocktails will come in Baccarat crystal, while bar snacks are all about your guilty pleasures. You choose if that means a bowl of caviar, candy (or both), or Foie Gras mousse with Brioche and Jam. Custom card games are also soon to come, so stay tuned.
FAQs
Q: Is there a minimum spending requirement at Pearl Box?
A: A $45 per person food and beverage minimum is required.
Q: When is Pearl Box Bar Room open for walk-ins?
A: The second floor officially opened on March 1st and accepts walk-ins from 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Q: Where is the establishment located?
A: 357 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
