Biddy Early’s became Woodrow’s. Uncle Mike’s is giving way to Cricketer’s Arms. Now Murray Street’s gentrification continues with the Manhattan Proper Bar & Social Club, in the space that was Copper Barrel. The “social club” part of the name isn’t just a bit of wishful filigree. There’s a dress code—it’s dressy casual, which basically means none of that oversized-jersey hoodlum look—and they’re considering offering membership, with monthly members-only parties. The word that ought to be in the name, however, is “restaurant.” The menu includes classics like wings, a chicken club, and mac and cheese, but also a boudin croquette, andouille sliders with Creole mustard and caramelized shallots, a Truffle Burger with a “balsamic portabella red wine reduction,” and smoked sea salt on the Caesar salad. The bar is up front, with about a dozen stools, a lot of standing room, and a large window that’s open on nice days. The dining room, in back, seats around 50. The aesthetic is very black-and-white, with the exception of the televisions. Most of them are 70 inches, while a 103-inch projection TV will be unrolled for football games. Manhattan Proper is a hangout during University of Florida football games.

Recent mentions on Tribeca Citizen