On Tuesday, New York multiconcept operator Gerber Group opened Irvington, a "New American," Mediterranean-influenced bar and restaurant, on the street level of the W Hotel New York – Union Square.
Both on its menu and through its design aesthetic, the operation highlights a strong connection to locally-sourced ingredients from the neighboring Union Square Greenmarket and rotisserie-roasted meats.
Occupying space that formerly housed chef Todd English's OLIVES, Irvington was revamped by Brooklyn-based design firm Crème, which sought to create a market-friendly vibe through natural finishes such as wood and leather mixed with an urban industrial palette of blackened metal and glass. An open kitchen with brick stone oven, rotisserie and custom-built cooking suite provides a focal point to the space and an intimate chef's counter gives diners a front-row seat to the kitchen action.
Photos courtesy of Gerber Group
The large central bar touts a program headlined by classic, modern and retro-inspired cocktails, global wine offerings, small-batch spirits, regionally brewed beers, and craft cocktails bottled in-house. Fresh juices and handcrafted coffee are available from local outposts, Liquiteria and Irving Farm Coffee Roasters.
The restaurant's name, Irvington, is derived from the iconic New York literary figure Washington Irving, whose historic presence is deeply felt across the Union Square community. A large-scale pop art painting by contemporary artist Marcus Pierce hangs above the kitchen and features a tongue-in-cheek depiction of Irving's famed Headless Horseman character.