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Side Door brings international flair to Midtown
November 11, 2020, 7:13.25 pm ET

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Side Door debuts this week as a gastropub with a global reach along East 57th Street’s high-end retail and residential corridor. The 96-seat restaurant (currently seating 24 socially distanced) is so named because its entrance is indented from the sidewalk with the front door on the side. Look for international flavors ranging from from Israel and Vietnam to Eastern Europe, courtesy of the Romanian roots of owner Istvan Nagy and Executive Chef Dan Nistorescu, formerly of Parker & Quinn and Refinery Hotel Rooftop.

Diners will find assorted flatbreads, burgers and sliders along with soups and salads. Highlights include Burgerland options with choice of heritage pork, chicken and lamb. There is the Mr. Kim, a prime Angus patty with arugula, charred shallots, bacon, kimchi, and yuzu mayo; Falafel Burger with chickpea & fava, lettuce, onion medley, and tirokafteri (a feta-based Greek spread); the Hogburger with a heritage pork double patty, gruyere, cabbage-apple slaw, crispy, onions, horseradish aioli; and Mici Sliders featuring garlicky skinless sausages made with Romanian beef and lamb.


Photos: Side Door

The menu also features The Underdog, a Feltman’s uncured hot dog with bacon, peppers & onion relish with a kale kraut; beer-battered Cod with kimchi slaw, miso tartare, and the "Sabich" made with eggplant, tomato, red onion, cucumber, tahini, zhoug, and spicy chickpeas on a pita. Beverages also bank on some international flair with Romanian “moonshine," Siberian vodka and beer from Belgium.

If you're looking to catch the game, Side Door features a sports bar’s bank of TVs above the 22-seat bar (where one day people will actually sit). The space is also punctuated by vintage prints and a large glass chandelier. A mezzanine area is available for private events.

Side Bar is located at 151 E. 57th St, New York, NY 646-422-7660

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