John Varvatos
315 Bowery, nr. Bleecker St.; 212-358-0315
Varvatos unveils a rock-inspired collection of leather jackets, linen knits, distressed-leather boots, and vintage-band apparel in the storied space that was formerly CBGB. The famed punk venue’s stickers and show posters still coat the walls, and records, electric guitars, and seventies-era audio equipment are for sale among the racks of clothes.
Vox Pop
308 Bowery, nr. Bleecker St.; 212-260-1600
Sander Hicks’s politically-minded bookstore, coffeehouse, and performance space claims its second location within the Bowery Poetry Club, built from 100 percent sustainable materials. The progressive book selection covers politics (Fortunate Son: George W. Bush and the Making of an American President), activism (Outlaws of America), and eco issues (To Buy or Not to Buy Organic), which shoppers can peruse over bottomless cups of Vox’s fair-trade-certified coffee and vegan cupcakes.
Mannahatta
310 Bowery, at Bleecker St.; 212-477-1979
Mannahatta technically isn’t new; the populist lounge has been a Bowery staple for years. But when a planned restaurant from the design firm AvroKo bought out its longtime home, Mannahatta packed up its bags and relocated just a few doors down in February. Owner Bill Fresko brought the old wall panels with him, but has otherwise spruced up the new digs with a bar made from Costa Rican wood and art from D.J.-designer Izzy Gold.
King’s Cross
356 Bowery, nr. 4th St.; 212-388-1655
King’s Cross is just downstairs from another newbie, the cocktail lounge Antik. There’s no sign outside, so your easiest entrance point is down Antik’s passageway—appropriate, considering the basement pub’s speakeasy-meets-rec-room vibe. There’s plenty in the room to digest, from design flourishes like wrought-iron-legged oak tables to leaden touches like faux gas lamps and flocked wallpaper.
The Bowery Electric
327 Bowery, nr. 2nd St.; 212-228-0228
A rock bar in the former Remote Lounge space with a renowned pedigree: Mike Stuto of HiFi and Johnny T and Jesse Malin of Niagara and Black and White are all co-owners. Stuto is framing the place as a protector of that ol’ Bowery grime; we’re just happy these guys have churned out another solid, pretense-free drinking establishment.
Looking Ahead
Coming in mid-August is artist and street-wear designer Montana Knox’s first namesake boutique, full of illustrated men’s T-shirts, blazers made of organic cotton, and art prints. And that’s not all: The East Village Yacht Club will be moving down from 1st Street, bringing its cornucopia of sailing paraphernalia and pristine-white couches along for the ride. Also, Bar Apotheke, from mixologist Albert Trummer, will attempt to bring “old Singapore” to the Bowery in mid-summer.