Wedged between clubs, the Lincoln Tunnel and a few car garages is one of New York’s buzziest new restaurants, Legacy Records. The spiffy brainchild from Delicious Hospitality Group (Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones) opened earlier this month in Manhattan’s new sprawling real estate development, Hudson Yards.
Mid-century furniture, a funky hip hop soundtrack (at an appropriate volume), and plenty of light make this 85-seat hangout designed by Ken Fulk a comfortable way to enjoy the historical space. The restaurant is named after the eponymous studio which sadly closed its doors in 2008 after seven years of hosting an impressive list of film score and Broadway cast recordings.
Cocktails take centerstage here at the emerald and mahogany horseshoe bar manned by Jeff Bell of PDT and Maialino fame. The menu of cocktails is designed like a library card and suggest visitors choose a first, second and third before moving on. Giving a nod to the neighborhood’s revival, “The New Hood” features Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Osocalis brandy, Léberon vin Muté, Rapa Giovanni, Cherry Ratafià and Angostura bitters. “The Empire Estate of Mind” is a concoction of Riesling from the New York Finger Lakes wine estate donning the same name, as well as La Gitana Manzanilla, Laurent Cazottes Quince and cinnamon. If you really want to play make-believe, “The Winter Spritz” could help you forget the city’s summer heat, featuring a refreshing, not-too-complicated mixture of Aperol, blood orange, Prosecco and pomegranate.
Chef Ryan Hardy tips his hat to Italy’s northern coast with his menu. A crudo tasting for the table is available for $25 per person and includes live diver scallops, razor clams and tuna belly from nearby Montauk. Other small plates on offer include hand-pulled mozzarella and charcoal-grilled pigeon with prosciutto bianco and balsamic, followed by pastas like lamb and mint cavatelli and a showpiece of honey-lacquered duck for two with rhubarb and hazelnut.
Legacy Records is located at 517 West 38th Street and hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For daytime visits, the downstairs café, Easy Victor, serves coffee and croissants, and is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., perfect for daytime meetings or afternoon coffee breaks.
Hero image by Robyn Lehr.
