NYC News

bar56, An Elegant Wine Bar, Opens Near Brooklyn Bridge
August 15, 2023, 7:04.45 pm ET

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Photos: Michael Grimm

Located in the heart of DUMBO, bar56 (53 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY), is an elegant spot offering a menu of 56 wines by the glass along with playful bites, all just steps away from the Brooklyn Bridge. The space boasts an 18-seat bar, 52-seat dining room and intimate 10-seat lounge area where guest can drop in for a quick glass of wine to a night out on the town.

The restaurant is operated by the team behind taste56, an adjacent wine store and tasting room, led by James Fantaci, sommelier Aaron Fusco (Oxalis and Restaurant Daniel), and general manager Michael Brown (Jeju Noodle Bar), while the kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Vincent Cortese (Del Posto, Bar Boulud and Restaurant Daniel).


James Fantaci


Executive Chef Vincent Cortese

Chef Cortese is presenting seasonal plates for sharing such as Fried Artichokes with roasted garlic labneh and urfa; Potato Croquettes with speck and taleggio; Hiramasa Crudo with orange, black olive and pistachio; Baby Beets Panzanella with pine nuts and sourdough croutons; and Langoustine with Sorrento lemon, garlic, parsley and Tajarin Pasta.

Mains include Anson Mills Farro Piccolo with chanterelles, roasted corn and salsa verde; Raviolo al Uovo with BKLYN Ricotta, Meadow Creek egg, guanciale and black pepper; Black Sea Bass with kombu, mussels, saffron and Thai basil; and Dry Aged Strip Loin with grilled gem lettuce, cherry tomato and Parmesan. For dessert, there is Vanilla Panna Cotta with fresh strawberries, olive oil, sea salt and basil; Chocolate Torte with cherry semifreddo and toasted almonds.

Aside from an extensive wine selection highlighting some of the team’s favorites, bar56 also offers creative takes on classic cocktails like Tradewinds with light and dark rums, apricot, coconut and lemon; Up Gorgeous with London Dry Gin, carrot eau de vie, corn and lemon; and That Pink Drink with blanco tequila, agave, watermelon and grapefruit juice; among others.

The restaurant is housed in a landmark building dating back to 1892 with original rustic wood beams exposed brick, juxtaposed with sleek dove gray leather banquettes, Fyrn oak chairs and custom Manjiro walnut tables with bronze accents. Running parallel to the dining room is a 17-seat burnished metal bar, lounge seating with plush armchairs and a custom, Ochre glass chandelier.

Reservations are available via Resy, and tables are held for walk-ins. For more information, please visit bar56dumbo.com and follow along on Instagram @taste56wines.


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