NYC News

Vandal Pop-Up Returns to Beauty & Essex with Chris Santos Flair
June 5, 2025, 2:28.13 pm ET

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Photos: Cititour.com

Vandal is back—if only for a moment. The beloved Bowery hotspot, known for its bold global street food and immersive, art-filled atmosphere, has returned in the form of an intimate pop-up at Beauty & Essex, the Lower East Side’s original glam speakeasy. Through the month of June, guests can enjoy signature dishes from the original menu.

Originally opened in 2016 by Chef Chris Santos and Tao Group Hospitality, Vandal was more than just a restaurant—it was a 22,000-square-foot celebration of food, street art, and nightlife. Guests entered through a flower shop, passed a breakdancing bunny sculpture, and dined beneath murals by world-renowned artists. Like many iconic NYC venues, Vandal closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

Now, some of its most popular dishes are back. The crispy bao buns are packed with tender brisket and crunchy slaw. The wild mushroom pizza, topped with fontina, mozzarella, and caramelized onions, is so rich and flavorful even a carnivore can love it. The “Vandal” chicken parm is unapologetically oversized, with gooey mozzarella and bright San Marzano tomatoes, while the prime skirt steak comes with fragrant Thai fried rice and coconut milk. Vietnamese street fries, served with sweet chili ketchup and spicy garlic aioli, are an easy crowd-pleaser.

The cocktail list also gets the Vandal treatment. The Lost and Found blends Hendrick’s gin with Aperol, sage, and lemon for a crisp, herbal sip, while the Double Dutch mixes Belvedere vodka with raspberry-thyme shrub and bitters. Both are playful and balanced.

For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, the Vandal pop-up at Beauty & Essex offers a flavorful glimpse back at one of NYC’s most distinctive dining experiences. The menu is available now through June—reservations highly recommended.

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