Restaurants We Know You Want to Put on Your Radar: The Return of Barbuto!!!
What made Chef Jonathan Waxman’s Barbuto an iconic New York restaurant? Outside of having the most famous garage doors in the city, exceptional cacio e pepe, and the perfect dish to split on date night in pollo al forno (that’s the chicken with the salsa verde), the jam packed dining room made us feel like there’s a specific purpose to dining out. It was lively. The scene made us feel like we were extras in a movie that may never see the light of day, but it was nonetheless memorable. Opened in 2004, it seemed like Barbuto’s menu and vibe could cheat father time. It may have, but it had to get past its landlord first, and unfortunately that didn’t happen. Where some see the ideal spot for a neighborhood restaurant, others see loud noise and a space that would better be served by some international clothing store that only skinny rich people can take advantage. So the closing of Barbuto in May 2019 happened. And the city was angry for awhile. But Waxman made it a point to drop hints letting loyal guests know Barbuto would return, someway, somehow, and somewhere in the West Village. And he made it happen quickly. Barbuto is set to reopen on February 25th at 113 Horatio Street in a space that will be similar but not exactly the same. And we are more than okay with that. Thankfully, there is such thing as karma, and the original space which Google Maps now refers to as Barbuto (permanently closed) does not have a new tenant and likely won’t have one because New Yorkers love to publicly shame assholes by not frequenting their business.
The new Barbuto will have 74 seats and since it’s so close to the Whitney Museum, will likely be just as hard to get into on a daily basis. So we’re telling you now, make a reservation as soon as you can. In fact, just show up right when they open and then grab seats at the bar or a table. Take a personal day from work if you have to. And cherish the idea that if you scream loud enough, people hear you and will answer your cries. Or at least stuff your face with food. Start thinking about your order right now by checking out a few dishes that are likely to be on the opening menu.
Kale salad is a must here no matter what Peter Luger’s says. Photo: Barbuto/Facebook
Order a delicious seasonal pasta otherwise you are not doing it right Photo: Barbuto/Facebook
You’re gonna want to order a pizza here as well. Photo: Barbuto/Facebook
A look at the exterior of the new Barbuto. Photo: Robert Sietsema/Eater