🚕 NYC Winter Restaurant Week Brings Big Deals Across the City

Good Morning NY!

From bodega cats and bargain-filled Restaurant Week to major closures and celebrity-backed openings, the city’s food scene isn’t slowing down.

January is bringing big changes, tough goodbyes, and a few surprises worth watching across all five boroughs.

Whether you’re tracking industry shifts or planning your next meal out, today’s stories capture where NYC dining is headed.

Let’s dig in.

NYC Bodega Cats Could Soon Be Officially Legal

New legislation in the New York State Legislature may soon make bodega cats legal in retail stores.

Currently, health codes technically prohibit animals in food establishments, leaving these beloved felines unregulated.

The proposed bill would allow cats to live in corner stores while setting health and safety standards.

Requirements include regular veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and proper nutrition.

Cats would also need designated safe areas separate from food preparation and storage.

Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal introduced the bill, which has now moved to the Agriculture Committee.

Supporters say bodega cats are an iconic part of New York City culture and contribute to pest control.

Backers like Councilmember Keith Powers argue the legislation preserves both public health and the city’s unique charm.

If passed, the bill would protect the cats and the store owners who care for them.

This could mark a historic moment for NYC’s furry corner-store residents.

NYC Winter Restaurant Week Brings Big Deals Across the City

Winter Restaurant Week 2026 is officially underway in New York City.

The event runs from January 20 through February 12 and includes over 630 participating restaurants.

Prix-fixe menus are available at $30, $45, or $60, making fine dining more accessible.

Both two-course lunches and three-course dinners are offered across neighborhoods and cuisine styles.

Eater NY highlighted standout menus that deliver high-quality cooking at value prices.

Upscale spots are participating, giving diners a chance to try signature dishes at a discount.

The selection spans diverse cuisines, from classic American to international specialties.

Restaurants are providing unique and creative dishes that aren’t usually found at these price points.

The event encourages exploring new neighborhoods and discovering hidden gems.

Winter Restaurant Week 2026 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy NYC dining without breaking the bank.

NYC’s Best Cheap Eats Prove Great Food Doesn’t Have to Be Pricey

January 2026 brought a noticeable wave of restaurant and bar closures across New York City.

Eater reports shutdowns affecting longtime neighborhood fixtures as well as newer dining concepts.

Bay Ridge lost Blue Agave, ending the taco spot’s run in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

Bushwick brunch café and community space Father Knows Best also closed its doors.

In Clinton Hill, Moo Burger quietly ended operations at its local outpost.

Midtown saw the closure of Cafe Un Deux Trois, a French bistro with decades of history.

The East Village said goodbye to Spice Brothers, once known for its creative menu.

The Financial District lost The Irish Punt after more than thirty years in business.

Queens Center Mall’s Burmese Bites closed its food-court location but plans a future comeback.

Together, these closures highlight the continued volatility facing NYC’s restaurant industry.

January Closures Mark a Tough Moment for NYC Restaurants

January 2026 brought a noticeable wave of restaurant and bar closures across New York City.

Eater reports shutdowns affecting longtime neighborhood fixtures as well as newer dining concepts.

Bay Ridge lost Blue Agave, ending the taco spot’s run in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

Bushwick brunch café and community space Father Knows Best also closed its doors.

In Clinton Hill, Moo Burger quietly ended operations at its local outpost.

Midtown saw the closure of Cafe Un Deux Trois, a French bistro with decades of history.

The East Village said goodbye to Spice Brothers, once known for its creative menu.

The Financial District lost The Irish Punt after more than thirty years in business.

Queens Center Mall’s Burmese Bites closed its food-court location but plans a future comeback.

Together, these closures highlight the continued volatility facing NYC’s restaurant industry.

Gwyneth Paltrow Brings Goop Kitchen to NYC

Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness brand, Goop, is opening its first New York City restaurant this summer.

The new Goop Kitchen will be located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District.

The concept follows a fast-casual, delivery and takeout-focused model similar to Goop Kitchen’s California locations.

Menus will adhere to Goop’s “Clean” standards, excluding gluten, dairy, soy, corn, refined sugar, and preservatives.

Expect health-forward offerings like Mediterranean hummus bowls, miso salmon bento boxes, colorful salads, and warm soups.

Hand rolls, wraps, and other portable meals will also be available for grab-and-go diners.

Dessert options will feature treats like maple pecan oatmeal cookies, dark chocolate brownies, and maple pumpkin bread.

The NYC opening marks Goop Kitchen’s first expansion into the city’s competitive restaurant scene.

Exact opening dates and additional menu details are expected to be announced closer to launch.

This launch signals a growing focus on health-conscious dining in Manhattan.

Thanks

Thanks for reading NYC Bites today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves food and NYC.

Want to advertise in our newsletter? Fill out this form here and we will be in touch shortly!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign-up to get it.

Have a question or need support? Contact us.