🚕 Limusina Brings Bold Mexican Flavors to Hudson Yards

Good Morning NY!

Fall brings bold flavors and exciting openings to NYC.

Limusina opens in Hudson Yards, serving bold Mexican dishes and inventive cocktails across three levels.

Greenpoint’s Pencil Factory bar is set to reopen later this year, keeping its dive bar charm.

The Manhattan Hot Cocoa Crawl offers cozy fall sips, with NYCbites readers getting 25% off tickets.

Barbuto debuts in Brooklyn at 1 Hotel, serving Jonathan Waxman’s California-Italian classics and new creations.

Even top spots face scrutiny: Carbone, STK Steakhouse, and The Pierre Hotel received “B” or “C” health grades.

This fall, NYC offers a mix of immersive dining, nostalgic bars, and seasonal events.

Limusina Brings Bold Mexican Flavors to Hudson Yards

Quality Branded, the group behind Bad Roman and Twin Tails, has opened Limusina, a sprawling Mexican restaurant in Hudson Yards.

The three-level, 5,000-square-foot space can seat over 200 guests and was formerly a parking garage.

Its name, “Limusina,” nods to the building’s history while signaling a luxurious dining experience.

The menu offers a non-regional take on Mexican cuisine, with highlights like lobster al pastor, pork shank carnitas, and short rib quesabirria.

Cocktails are curated by beverage director Bryan Schneider, featuring drinks such as the Tajin Martini and frozen vampiro.

Desserts from pastry director Lucy Blanche include inventive options like jelly doughnut conchas and a sweet corn sundae.

Design blends historic concrete elements with modern finishes, creating a space that feels both edgy and contemporary.

Limusina is currently open for dinner, with reservations available through OpenTable.

This new Hudson Yards hotspot promises bold flavors and an elevated Mexican dining experience in the heart of Manhattan.

Greenpoint’s Iconic Pencil Factory Bar Set to Reopen

Brooklyn’s beloved dive bar, Pencil Factory, is preparing to reopen later this year.

The bar, located at 142 Franklin Street, had closed in July after nearly 25 years when its previous owners lost the lease.

New owners Tony Ismail of Café Alula and David Doyle of Café Balearica are taking over the space.

They have announced plans to maintain the bar’s identity while bringing it back to the neighborhood.

While specific changes and updates have not yet been detailed, fans can expect the reopening to honor the bar’s legacy.

Pencil Factory has long been a staple of Greenpoint, cherished for its dive bar charm and community vibe.

Its return is eagerly anticipated by locals who have missed its casual, welcoming atmosphere.

The bar’s revival promises to bring both nostalgia and fresh energy to the Brooklyn nightlife scene.

This reopening marks an exciting new chapter for one of Greenpoint’s most iconic spots.

🎃 Sip, Stroll & Win: Manhattan Hot Cocoa Crawl

Fall in NYC means crisp walks, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything. 🍂 This year, we’re turning up the autumn vibes with our friends at City Crawl Adventures.

We’re giving away 2 tickets to their brand-new Manhattan Hot Cocoa Crawl, a guided adventure where you’ll sip the city’s best hot chocolates, explore hidden gems, and soak in the cozy magic of fall in Manhattan. 🗽✨

How to enter the giveaway:
1️⃣ Follow @nycbites & @citycrawladventures on Instagram
2️⃣ Post a story tagging both accounts

✔️ That’s it, you’re entered!

🍫 Bonus for everyone: Even if you don’t win, NYCbites readers get 25% off tickets for the Manhattan Hot Cocoa Crawl. So grab your best friends or family and make it a cozy day out.

Deadline to enter: Sep 25, 2025
Winner announced: Sep 26, 2025

Bundle up, sip away, and let the cocoa (and pumpkin spice season) keep you warm. ☕🎃

🛍️Looking for merchandise? Shop now and use code NYCBITES10 for 10% off.

Sweet Sprint Through NYC: The Bakery Run Debuts

New York City streets were filled with laughter, sneakers, and the irresistible aroma of fresh pastries this past Sunday.

Approximately 100 participants took part in the inaugural NYC Bakery Run, a unique half-marathon combining fitness and a love for baked goods.

The 13.1-mile course began in Bushwick, Brooklyn, wound through Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridges, and concluded in Brooklyn Heights.

Runners made stops at eight local bakeries, sampling cream-filled croissants, cupcakes from La Bicyclette, savory hand pies from L’Appartement 4F, and buns from La Cabra.

Despite the indulgent treats, participants maintained their pace, resuming the run after each tasting station.

The race was organized in three waves to accommodate different skill levels, ensuring everyone could enjoy the experience.

Founder Simon Evers described the event as a celebration of New York’s baking culture and the city’s love for running.

Inspired by Copenhagen’s Bun Run, the NYC Bakery Run plans to expand to London, Mexico City, and Amsterdam.

This sweet and active celebration marked a deliciously memorable day for fitness enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike.

Barbuto Makes Its Brooklyn Debut at 1 Hotel

Jonathan Waxman has officially opened Barbuto Brooklyn inside the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

The new outpost brings his signature California-Italian style to a spacious 210-seat dining room.

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with a menu that blends old favorites and fresh creations.

Classic dishes like the kale salad, gnocchi with hazelnut pesto, and JW pollo al forno roasted chicken return in full force.

New additions include the indulgent “Pizza Brooklyn” topped with smoked salmon, avocado, crème fraîche, and caviar.

Families will find options too, such as the simple butter-and-Parmesan “Pasta Bambini” for kids.

The space combines industrial design with lush greenery, creating a modern yet welcoming atmosphere.

Guests can also step into the Barbuto Garden, a more casual offshoot with lighter bites and a selection of beers.

This marks a bold expansion for one of New York’s most beloved restaurants.

Hidden Health Risks in NYC’s Favorite Restaurants

Carbone, one of Manhattan’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, has been hiding a “B” health grade since 2023, raising questions about transparency in the dining scene.

The Pierre Hotel’s main kitchen was hit with a “C” grade after inspectors found evidence of mice, hygiene lapses, and improper cleaning.

STK Steakhouse also received a “C,” cited for failing to keep food at safe temperatures and struggling with flies and sanitation.

Even Barry’s fitness café was not spared, flagged for lacking certifications, mouse activity, and unauthorized ingredients.

Other popular spots like Barbuto, Serafina, Rosa Mexicano, Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya, Jacob’s Pickles, and Citizens of Soho all received “B” or “C” grades for pest issues, unsanitary surfaces, and poor food storage.

These findings serve as a reminder that even the city’s trendiest and most beloved dining destinations may be hiding unsettling health violations.

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