Stephen Starr Opening El Vez in NYC Tomorrow


On Friday, April 25th, Stephen Starr is opening his New York City version of El Vez. The 190-seat bar and restaurant is opening at 259 Vesey Street, in the Battery Park City neighborhood. The menu has been developed by executive chef David LaForce, who also has worked at the Philadelphia location of El Vez and a Starr task force that includes James Tracey, the culinary director for STARR Restaurants and chef Dionicio Jimenez of Starr’s El Rey.

The space is designed in partnership by the Rockwell Group and offers several distinct dining experiences. A wooden bar with 150 mezcals and tequilas will like the Philadelphia location, include a photobooth. Large circular booths and banquettes line the walls of the main dining room. The “garage” has a roadside cantina vibe and features a hand painted mural by Philadelphia artist, James Comey. There is also outdoor seating on a wrap-around patio. And in coming weeks, a grab-and-go burrito stand will open.

El Vez is Stephen Starr’s fourth New York restaurant. In 2006, Starr opened Morimoto and Buddakan in the Meatpakcing District. He added Caffè Storico in the New York Historical Society building more recently.

UPDATE: Starr is pursuing real estate for a joint venture with Peter Serpico.

El Vez New York [Official]