It's been more than 30 years since Beetlejuice first premiered in 1988, but today marks a new chapter in Tim Burton's dark comedy with the release of the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Bringing together the cast from the first film with some new additions, this latest installment follows the Deetz family as Lydia (once again played by Winona Ryder) realizes that her daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega) has discovered a portal to the afterlife. One new character making a bold debut is Rory, Lydia's boyfriend, played by Justin Theroux.
This latest role is just another in a series that highlights Theroux's broad range and acumen as one of Hollywood's leading men. From American Psycho to Zoolander, Theroux continually brings his distinct sense of wit, humor, and gravitas to each character. Therefore, ahead of the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we asked the actor about his New York. Often a staple in lower Manhattan, city dwellers can spy Theroux strolling the streets with his pit bull mix, Kuma, whom he adopted in 2018. Below, get to know Theroux's New York which includes everything from dog-friendly spas and gyms to the best coffee shop/flower store.
Explore more insights on New York from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Impossible. There are too many great spots, so here’s a little smattering. EN Brasserie for Japanese food. It's stunning for so many reasons. Massively high ceilings, incredibly consistent and healthy menu, and private rooms for when you want to get a gang together and get boisterous.
Want to get weird but not too weird? Go to Foul Witch. I don’t even really know how to describe the menu (Italian? I guess?), nor do I want to try. But Carlo Mirarchi, the genius who gave us Blanca and Roberta’s Pizza, is the chef, and he blows my mouth off with whatever he makes. Just go try it.
For more straightforward Italian, Don Angie is basically unbeatable. Three Michelin Stars from me. I want to attach a chute to my face and have their lasagna shot into my mouth at consistent intervals.
And for date night, the Waverly Inn. Kuma and I have a standing table which they are kind enough to let us have to ourselves. It's a restaurant for all seasons. Nothing beats the center room in winter and the chicken pot pie. Garden seating for brunches in spring/summer and outdoor drinks in the fall before it gets too cold. If it does you can always tuck back in to their cozy bar.
Where do you go to de-stress?
If I want to truly unwind, the real answer is I get the f*** out of New York. Every city dweller knows this to be both true and necessary. Barring that, there’s an amazing gym called S10 on Leroy St. It's an incredible underground oasis that of course has an amazing gym and wonderful trainers but has the added benefit of private infrared saunas and ice plunges. You can definitely go there to work out your stress, but afterwards (or without even working out) definitely hit the spa in the back which offers sports massage, a sensory deprivation tank, and just has an incredible vibe that leaves you feeling very unplugged and zen afterwards. It's also dog friendly if there’s not already a dog there, and if your dog can behave.
What is your favorite park or outdoor space?
Washington Square Park, but not because I love it. The place is a complete disaster at times for totally random reasons, but I guess that’s part of its charm. Washington Square is kind of like a shitty roommate situation on a grand scale. You love everybody there, some of them drive you totally nuts, you wish you weren’t all there at the same time, and when it’s empty it’s absolute heaven. When it's busy, which is anytime the temp is above 57 degrees, you won't find a better blended intersection of youth, culture, criminal activity, talented performers, non-talented performers (which can be just as entertaining) and passed-out eccentrics. Also, a lot of wildly awake ones.
That being said, I think real New Yorkers know that quiet outdoor spaces are key. They are also closely guarded secrets, so I won't give my favorite one away here lest it become overrun by people taking selfies and pictures of their bubble latte donuts. However I will say there are all kinds of walled gardens and muse streets, some yet to be truly discovered by tourists and even New Yorkers. I’ll give you one of my favorites which is an open secret but still amazing: Jefferson Market Garden at 6th Avenue and Greenwich [Avenue]. It's an incredible community garden. If you are stressed, it’s worth doing the short loop inside. Five minutes, some deep breaths and stunning flowers. Spring/summer is peak, obviously, and it's dog friendly (leashed) and has wildly varied plantings and water features. Fun fact: It used to be a women’s prison, was levelled and is now a garden. There is certainly a metaphor in there somewhere.
Do you have a favorite coffee shop?
Well, if you're already at the old women’s prison slash garden, go ahead and walk directly across the street to Rosecrans on the corner of Christopher and Greenwich. It's great coffee and a flower shop—two pick-me ups in one. There’s something wonderful about drinking an iced coffee on a hot day and gazing at all the flowers in the walk-in refrigerator as condensation forms on the inside of its glass doors. It’s one of those combo stops no one asked for but we certainly need. Also, it makes me buy more fresh-cut flowers for the home and it's something I try to make a habit of. As for BEST coffee, it's Lyria on Crosby. Opened by a couple of cool Greek kids a few years back. Order the 'Lyria' signature coffee, hot or iced. You will not be disappointed.
Tell us about your favorite bar.
Well, I would be remiss if I did not plug Ray’s Bar on Chrystie Street, a spot opened by my friend Carlos Quirarte, myself, and a few others a several years ago. Honestly, it really is a perfect bar that ticks the three boxes of what a great bar should be. 1. Pretty dead in the afternoon and a great place to go with a friend to be moody, melancholy, or get stuff off your chest. 2. As the sun sets it picks up and does a great little locals' happy hour. And 3, as it gets later, the rails come off and people get wilder.
By the time last call approaches, you’ve probably had a very memorable night, too much whisky, and may question some of your life choices. Pro tip. Do not do all three in the same day. Choose two, then go home. Also, there’s a truly great burger. A pool table. Free toilet paper and it’s air conditioned. Juke box has been busted for a while now and the floors aren’t too sticky.
*Note to Michelin. Please do not review us. Although, hell, since I’m here, kinda technically writing for a Michelin publication, I’m going to go ahead and give it a Michelin review anyway. “Ray’s Bar: Ten Stars. 1/2 $” Now I’m going to go put that quote on our merch.
Address Book:
EN Japanese Brasserie
435 Hudson St., New York, 10014, USA
Foul Witch
15 Avenue A, New York, 10009, USA
Blanca
261 Moore St,, New York, 11206, USA
Roberta's
261 Moore St., New York, 11206, USA
Don Angie
103 Greenwich Ave., New York, 10014, USA
Waverly Inn
16 Bank St, New York, 10014, USA
S10
109 Leroy St., New York, New York, 10014, USA
Washington Square Park
Washington Square, New York, 10012, USA
Jefferson Market Garden
10 Greenwich Ave., New York, 10011, USA
Rosecrans Florist & Cafe
7 Greenwich Ave., New York, 10014, USA
Café Lyria
166 Crosby St., New York, 10012, USA
Ray's
177 Chrystie St, New York, 10002, USA
Hero image: Mark Seliger
