Table of Contents
Dante NYC Review
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Dante NYC stands as a beacon of Italian hospitality, blending century-old traditions with contemporary flair. Visitors to this legendary establishment will discover a space where history unfolds through every sip and bite, offering an authentic aperitivo experience that has captivated locals and travelers alike. Originally opened in 1915 as Caffe Dante, it served as a vital gathering spot for Italian immigrants on Macdougal Street, fostering conversations over strong espresso amid the bustling ‘South Village’ neighborhood.
A Storied Legacy Revived
The narrative of Dante is one of enduring community and reinvention. In 1971, Mario Flotta Sr. assumed stewardship, transforming it into a beloved cafe that drew an eclectic crowd, including luminaries such as Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Dylan, Anaïs Nin, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Patti Smith. These figures found respite in its unpretentious charm, a slice of Italy amid New York’s vibrant energy. By 2015, the Flotta family passed the torch to a tight-knit group of New York-based Australian industry veterans, longtime friends who honored the past while infusing modern sophistication. Walls adorned with archival photos pay homage to its roots, preserving the soul of the original as a registered New York City landmark. Recognized as the world’s top bar in 2019 by World’s 50 Best Bars and honored with the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award, Dante exemplifies excellence in bar craftsmanship and hospitality.
Multiple Venues, Unified Spirit
Dante has thoughtfully expanded within New York City, each outpost reflecting its core ethos while embracing unique identities. The flagship Caffe Dante at 79-81 Macdougal Street anchors the portfolio, with indoor and outdoor seating ideal for lingering afternoons. Complementing it is Dante West Village at 551 Hudson Street (corner of Perry), boasting a wood-fired grill and oven that elevates its small plates. The newest addition, Dante Aperitivo at 51 Bank Street, emphasizes all-day spritzes and refined bites, extending the aperitivo tradition seamlessly.
| Location | Address | Hours | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffe Dante | 79-81 Macdougal St, Greenwich Village, NY 10012 | 12pm weekdays; 10am weekends; food until late | Classic aperitivo bar; historic ambiance; reservations via Resy |
| Dante West Village | 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 | 10am daily; extended evenings | Wood-fired dishes; brunch; family-style pre-fixe |
| Dante Aperitivo | 51 Bank St, New York, NY 10014 | Daily from morning | Spritz-focused; walk-ins welcome; intimate setting |
Culinary and Cocktail Mastery
At Dante, the menu philosophy revolves around shareable Italian small plates and an unparalleled cocktail program, championing the ritual of aperitivo hour. Guests will savor meticulously crafted dishes that highlight seasonal, high-quality ingredients. Standouts include charcoal oven-baked bread with smoked butter and sea salt, preserved cherry tomatoes atop toasted rye sourdough, blistered shishito peppers dressed in olive oil and togarashi, and fire-roasted organic chicken alla diavola. Heartier options like confit duck with Jerusalem artichokes, roast fingerling potatoes, and Dante’s signature burger with bacon and beets round out the savory spectrum. Brunch delights feature poached eggs on North African spiced tomatoes, avocado sourdough toast with feta, and Sicilian eggplant caponata. Desserts evoke comfort, from house-made banana bread with ricotta and honeycomb to flaky pastries and scones with clotted cream.
The beverage selection is the true crown jewel, with a deep reverence for the Negroni in its myriad incarnations. Signature creations such as the classic Dante’s Negroni (Bombay Sapphire, Campari, Martini & Rossi vermouth), Negroni Bianco (Brooklyn Gin with quinquina, Alessio Bianco, Carpano dry, and lemon bitters), Mezcalito (Su Casa Mezcal blended with Faccia Brutto aperitivo and Mancino ambrato), Chocolate Negroni, Espresso Negroni, and Unlikely Negroni (tequila-based) showcase innovative twists on the iconic cocktail. Flights and vintage expressions add layers of discovery, while martini enthusiasts appreciate the Upside Down Dirty Gibson and Olive Oil Martini. Beyond Negronis, offerings span Sbagliato Sicilia on tap, vibrant spritzes like Cosmo Spritz, Fireside Old Fashioned, and an extensive wine list featuring Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Barbera, and Sangiovese. Non-alcoholic options mirror the vibrancy with Lyre’s Italian Spritz and fluffy juices.
- Dante’s Negroni: Bombay Sapphire, Campari, vermouth—a timeless staple.
- Negroni Bianco: Light and citrus-forward with Brooklyn Gin and verjus.
- Mezcalito: Smoky depth from Su Casa Mezcal and Italian aperitivi.
- Espresso Negroni: Rum, bitters, and cold brew for a caffeinated edge.
- Vintage Negroni: Rare 1970s spirits for a historical sip.
Ambiance and Guest Experience
The venues exude warmth and timeless elegance, with updated historic settings that blend rustic charm and subtle luxury. Exposed brick, vintage imagery, and cozy nooks at Caffe Dante evoke bohemian nostalgia, while West Village’s grill-centric space offers a lively yet refined vibe, perfect for wood-fired feasts. Soft lighting, communal tables, and attentive service encourage lingering, whether for a solo spritz or celebratory gathering. Events, private bookings, and merchandise like branded glassware enhance the lifestyle appeal.
Planning Your Visit
Reservations through Resy are recommended, though walk-ins are warmly accommodated, especially at Aperitivo. Parties of all sizes find welcome, with family-style pre-fixe menus ideal for groups. Open daily from mid-morning, Dante caters to brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night cravings, serving food into the small hours on select nights. Whether seeking the ritual of aperitivo or a full meal, patrons will leave with memories steeped in Italian conviviality and masterful mixology. Dante NYC remains a must-visit for those craving an elevated yet approachable slice of la dolce vita in the city that never sleeps.
Photos of Dante NYC
Address of Dante NYC
79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Phone Number of Dante NYC
(212) 982-5275
Website of Dante NYC
Weekday working hours of Dante NYC
Monday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
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