Foodies and literary-enthusiasts alike celebrated the opening of Oscar Wilde NYC in 2017. Located in the NoMad area of Manhattan, diners are greeted by Oscar himself. Okay, not exactly. They’re greeted by a bronze-casted figure of him sitting on a bench outside the front of the restaurant.
Inside, the restaurant’s Victorian-style, decadent decor is true to the successful playwright’s spirit. Marble, porcelain, dark wood and bronze are just a few of the lavish surfaces found inside the extravagant bistro. Quotes from Oscar Wilde’s plays, poems and essays can be found strategically placed throughout the bistro. Along with unique antiques, old photographs of Irish writers, and a repurposed piano, the space boasts a 118.5-foot-bar – the longest bar in New York City.
The cocktail menu highlights Oscar Wilde’s eccentricity through libations. Along with clever titles including Writer’s Block, 50 Shades of Dorian Gray and My Bookie’s Wife cocktails, you will find the Absinthe Drip. (Absinthe was one of Oscar Wilde’s favorites.) The menu features bar classics with a flare. The “Broccomole” is made with fresh avocados, broccoli and Thai chilis. The chicken wings are tossed in a curry sauce and the appetizer tossed in buffalo sauce is crunchy cauliflower. There are a wide variety of salads and sandwiches on the menu and the eclectic entrees include pan-seared trout, Polenta Shrimp and Grits, and Carbonara.
Oscar Wilde NYC is the brainchild of Frank McCole and Tommy Burke, the Irish duo also behind Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. In a press release, Burke and McCole said, “Coming from County Mayo and County Monaghan in Ireland, we grew up reading Oscar Wilde and studying his literature. We want the bar to celebrate his legacy and become an inclusive destination for all.”
Twisted Talk: Are you a fan of Oscar Wilde? Will you make this new bistro a priority to check out this year? Discuss below!
