New Kid on the Block: 1803

“We felt that we—and the neighborhood—could use a change,” says Tal Lavi, explaining why the Church Publick pub at Church and Reade has been made over into 1803, a restaurant inspired by New Orleans. (The name comes from the date of the Louisiana Purchase.) “There’s a love of New Orleans among the partners. One goes to New Orleans every year.”

The menu certainly reflects it. Food options include fried oysters, jambalaya, Cajun-style catfish, and, at lunch, po’ boy and muffuletta sandwiches. To drink, you might have a pint of Abita, a Hurricane, or a Sazerac. “And we have tons of bourbons,” says Lavi. And then there’s the decor: Artist Uri Aran has crafted a hothouse vibe, with bold floral wallpaper, a checkerboard floor, tropical plants, and quirky objects—such as vintage editions of Clue and Candy Land and old Johnson & Johnson first-aid kits in the restrooms—from his own collection.

Because you can’t conjure up New Orleans without the right music, 1803 will also have a jazz club on the lower level (previously used for private events). “We’re hoping to be ready by the beginning of October,” says Lavi. “We’re working with big people in the jazz world to program it.” In the meantime, brunch service will start September 9.

1803 is at 78 Reade (at Church), 212-267-3000, 1803nyc.com.

Recent New Kid on the Block / First Impressions articles:
Alumnae
Book Nook Enrichment
Del Frisco’s Grille
Cryofuel
Brooklyn Flea
Think Coffee
INColour
Xtend Tribeca
L’Angolo
Bortolami

 

7 Comments

  1. Yay! More jazz in the neighborhood!
    Glad to see some vegan options on the menu…hope you will add more.

  2. This looks awesome. Great addition to the hood.

  3. Great addition to the hood.

    No Boudin? No cracklins? Please add!

  4. visiting NOLA now – they need that bacon tomato jam with the fried oysters :) …or the char-broiled oysters with garlic butter and lightly crusted parmigiana – with some French bread, heaven!
    …great addition to hood.

  5. wow…b-flat, Django and now 1803 will all feature live jazz. Nice. Tribeca is starting to get cool.

  6. Put the Church Publick tots back on the menu! TOTS TOTS TOTS!

  7. I already asked the owner for the tots back and he assured me there would be a Louisiana style tot back on the menu!!

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