Vandal New York, The Secret Garden Room
By Emmanuel Black
Dying to immerse yourself into New York’s explosive street art and graffiti culture coupled with posh eats? Time to trek on down to Tao Group’s new lower east side beauty, Vandal.
Vandal Restaurant Restaurant Front
Florist shop facade with secret back door to the restaurant. Similar to the pawn shop entrance at Beauty and Essex restaurant.
The location seems like a synonymous fit given the neighborhood’s history for early graffiti movements. Vandal’s sprawling 22,000 square foot space takes you on a ride not just with its NYC street inspired menu but with its plush interior and well executed street art, and what better way to start than its 11 foot breakdancing bunny tucked near the entrance.
Vandal New York Entrance of breakdancing bunny
There are three dining areas, a hip bar, and another bar and DJ lounge with bottle service downstairs. Vandal looks not only looks to implement but to celebrate global street culture, the art is the canvas and the food is the passport. The multi level space gives a choice of multiple dining areas ranging from the bar and lounge to the beautiful garden dining room rounding things out with its exclusive private dining room. The space was curated by UK based artist hush and the beautiful murals come courtesy of artist Shepard Fairey, Apexer, Tristan Eaton, Eelus, Vhils and Will Barras.
Vandal New York
Chef Chris Santos of beauty & Essex and Stanton social fame reinvents himself once again in his familiar stomping grounds of the lower east side. The street fare element in the cuisine can be seen in its most New York worthy dish: the NY hot pretzel fuzed with American kobe smoked aioli and pickled mustard seeds. The menu also spans the globe touching on street fare from Hong Kong, Rome, and Peru making Vandal a true international experience.
Vandal New York Hot Pretzel fuzed with American kobe smoked aioli and pickled mustard seeds
The restaurant is open till 1am and lounge till 3am. Vandal is now serving brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 to 3:30pm. Make reservations here.
Secret Door To The Lounge Downstairs
199 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
-EB
Photography by GG and Tao Group
