🚕 August Bids Farewell to a Dozen Beloved NYC Restaurants

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re exploring a mix of fresh openings, big menu changes, and NYC restaurant milestones.

From classic spots closing their doors to Southern favorites making their long-awaited debut, the city’s culinary scene is shifting fast.

We’ll also highlight innovative new restaurants and pop-ups giving diners a taste of global flavors without leaving Brooklyn.

And, of course, we’ll cover a major menu evolution at one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining destinations.

Stick around for all the updates shaping NYC dining this August.

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Hōp Brings Cambodian Flavors to Brooklyn with Summer Pop-Ups

Two Red Hook Tavern alumni, Chef Bun Cheam and GM Cait Callahan, are previewing their new Cambodian restaurant through weekend pop-ups this August.

The pop-ups run Fridays through Sundays, from August 1 to August 24, between 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Billy’s Place inside Industry City.

Dishes being served include grilled beef skewers, fried noodles, and rum-based cocktails—offering a flavorful preview of Hōp’s style.

The restaurant, named Hōp (Khmer for “to eat”), will officially open later in 2025 at 58 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook under the Four Glover restaurant group.

These events let Brooklyn diners sample early versions of the menu and support the launch of a rare Cambodian cookery debut in the city.

Let me know if you’d like me to craft a newsletter-ready recap or headline for this one!

Farewell to a Dozen NYC Favorites This August

New York City said goodbye to a host of beloved dining spots throughout August 2025.

Astoria’s Tacuba—famous for its vibrant Day of the Dead decor—closed on August 3, though its Hell’s Kitchen location remains open.

In the East Village, both La Fleur Café & Market and dessert spot Tiki Tiki shuttered; La Fleur plans to relocate, while Tiki Tiki is expanding elsewhere.

Gowanus lost its long-running cocktail haven, Dirty Precious, following a lease expiration.

Greenpoint’s Franklin Corner Café, a 17-year staple once frequented by David Lynch, closed due to lease non-renewal.

Prospect Heights bid adieu to R&D Foods after 11 years, with Gertie’s takeout slated to take its place.

Other closures include Steve’s Coffee Shop in Flushing; Hell’s Kitchen’s Bar Nine and Noodies; as well as Eva’s Kitchen, Naruto Ramen, and soul food institution Mitchell’s Soul Food.

Each closure marks the end of a cherished chapter in NYC’s rich restaurant history.

Bojangles Brings Southern Flavor to Brooklyn and Beyond

Bojangles, the beloved Southern chain known for its Cajun fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and Bo-Tato rounds, is finally making its way back to New York City.

The North Carolina–based brand has signed a deal to open 20 locations across the city, marking its biggest push into the Northeast in decades.

Its first NYC outpost is already under construction in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, with doors expected to open this winter.

Over the next ten years, Bojangles plans to launch more than 55 restaurants across New York City and New Jersey, cementing its presence in the region.

CEO Jose Armario called the move a “monumental moment” for the company, highlighting the demand for its Southern comfort food among East Coast diners.

With this expansion, New Yorkers will soon have a taste of biscuits and fried chicken without booking a flight down South.

August Brings a Fresh Wave of NYC Openings

New York City’s dining scene got a major boost this August with a diverse lineup of new restaurants across the boroughs.

In Nolita, Mommy Pai’s is serving up Thai-inspired chicken fingers with dipping sauces and sides.

Penn District welcomed Serano’s Italian, offering house-made pastas and gluten-free Sicilian pizzas.

Queens saw the debut of The Sconery in Sunnyside, a bakery fully devoted to scones.

On the Upper East Side, Libbi brings an upscale kosher Mediterranean menu with pasta and brunch options.

Brooklyn gained Tortelli in Carroll Gardens, specializing in stuffed pastas and tiramisu.

The East Village added KebabishQ with halal kebabs and Nishaan with Pakistani-style chopped cheeses.

Other highlights include La Contenta’s new Greenpoint outpost, Hudson Local in Hell’s Kitchen, Marathon Hong Kong Diner in Long Island City, and Artara Coffee on the Upper East Side with creative matcha drinks.

Eleven Madison Park Reintroduces Meat After Four Years

Eleven Madison Park, the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, is making a major menu shift.

Starting October 14, 2025, the restaurant will offer a tasting menu that includes optional meat and seafood dishes.

Chef Daniel Humm explained that the previous all-vegan menu may have unintentionally excluded some diners, especially for private events and corporate bookings.

The new approach aims to make the dining experience more inclusive while still emphasizing sustainability and plant-forward cuisine.

Dishes like honey-lavender-glazed duck will appear alongside seasonal vegetables and ethically sourced ingredients.

Despite reintroducing animal products, the restaurant maintains its commitment to innovative, thoughtful, and high-quality dining experiences.

This change marks a significant evolution for Eleven Madison Park, blending its plant-based philosophy with broader culinary accessibility.

Guests can expect the same meticulous attention to flavor and presentation that has long defined the restaurant’s world-class reputation.

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