(Image courtesy Paradise Lounge via Instagram)
Between a bizarre amount of Detroit-inspired greasy goods and fish-shaped ice cream delights, we’ve compiled a lineup of new openings to keep you stuffed this entire weekend.
Paradise Lounge (and a new Ed & Bev’s location!)
678 Woodward Ave; open from 4 p.m-2 a.m (featuring a happy hour from 4-8 p.m) and backyard area until 8:30/9:00 p.m.
Opening this evening at 7 p.m., the new Paradise Lounge in Ridgewood features a beautifully-lit Jungle Room with a backdrop of palm leaves, tunes from the Velvet Lapels, and a delightful shark “employee” by the name of Sully. It’s all brought to you by owner Austin Hartman, a self-proclaimed “cane spirit enthusiast & educator” and his business partner, Greg Goldman. Hartman told Bedford + Bowery by email that the inspiration for Paradise Lounge stemmed from his “love and passion of rum/rhum [and] travels through out the Caribbean.” He wants to capture “that calming sense of sitting at a beach bar with a drink in hand [staring] out at the beautiful ocean.” Paradise Lounge is no tacky tiki party, rest assured, but rather, a fun island cocktail vibe mixed with some traditional drinks.
(Photo courtesy of Ed & Bev’s via Instagram)
Ed and Bev’s, the Detroit-influenced coney island diner in Riis Park Beach Bazaar, will finally boast its first year-round home as a burger window in Paradise Lounge. (FYI: coney island refers to a diner typical of the Detroit area—not the wild Brooklyn fairground as you might think). The Sussmans couldn’t be more excited, claiming on Instagram that there is a “new burger sheriff in town.” The burger window has a full menu that includes Ed and Bev’s classic coney dogs from Michigan (a hot dog crowned with chili, yellow mustard and diced onions), chili cheese fries and chicken tenders stuffed in pita.
Emmy Squared
83 1st Ave., East Village.
In other Midwest-related food news: Emmy Squared, the much raved-about Detroit-inspired pizzeria with restaurants in Nashville and Williamsburg, has opened a location in the East Village earlier this week, per our friends at Grub Street. You’re welcome, Manhattanites. Featuring square slices from the Midwestern city, this will definitely hit the spot when you’re hankering for something other than the traditional thin slice.
(Photo courtesy of Grandlo Café)
GrandLo Café
178 Broome St., Lower East Side.
GrandLo Café, a social enterprise serving up coffee with a conscience to support disadvantaged youth, kicks off its weekend service this Saturday. Starting this weekend, GrandLo will be open every day from 7a.m.-3 p.m. Get your weekend coffee fix now.
(Photo courtesy of Taiyaki NYC via Instagram)
Taiyaki NYC Williamsburg
294 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg.
The Instagram sensation Taiyaki NYC is headed to Williamsburg, folks. In addition to its original Chinatown location, Taiyaki is now bringing Brooklyn-dwellers soft serve ice cream in a delightful fish-shaped twist on the standard waffle cone. Their grand opening started yesterday and runs through Sunday, July 15. Like any worthwhile grand opening, Taiyaki Williamsburg also offers some sweet perks with the purchase of an ice cream: a unicorn floatie balloon OR another Taiyaki ice cream. Bring a friend and get two ice cream fishes for the price of one. It’s a win-win.
And if you’re looking for more food fun: Check out the Brooklyn Paranormal Society for a “Frieday” the 13th (misspelling intentional) pop-up party at 526 E. 11th Street on the Lower East Side featuring “psychedelic psychics” and “stoned shamans.” Open between 4:20 p.m.-midnight.