Dear Strangers: West Village’s Newest Cocktail Bar Fuses Latin American Flair with NYC Sophistication

The West Village welcomes Dear Strangers, (147 w 4th Street
New York, NY 10012) a bold new cocktail bar and restaurant set to officially open its doors on November 19th. Tucked beneath a classic brownstone at the intersection of West 4th Street and 6th Avenue, Dear Strangers is the creation of hospitality veterans Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic, and Bratislav Glisic, whose combined experience at iconic NYC establishments like Employees Only and Macao Trading Co. shapes this sophisticated yet approachable space. With its intimate atmosphere, curated cocktail menu, and vibrant dishes, the venue promises to be a fresh gathering spot for New Yorkers seeking a stylish escape.

Photo credit: Andrea Grujic

Drinks That Tell Stories

At Dear Strangers, cocktails take center stage with an imaginative menu designed to surprise and delight. Highlights include the Angie, a blend of gin, Brazilian maracuya (passion fruit), and matcha, and the Star Treatment, which pairs sotol with cilantro syrup, coconut milk, and lime for a refreshing twist. For those craving a smoky edge, the Smokin’ Bandit combines rye whiskey, peated Scotch, lemon, and yuzu soda.

Gin lovers are in for a treat with a dedicated section of the menu devoted to Gin & Tonics, featuring Radulovic’s favorite variations inspired by Indian and Spanish traditions. Standouts like The Hindu Times blend toasted cumin, fenugreek, pomelo, and house-made tonic for a dynamic experience. These cocktails, paired with creative storytelling and pop culture influences—like nods to the band Oasis—make the menu as engaging as it is innovative.

A Culinary Adventure

The food menu, crafted with input from Chef Diego Rodriguez (formerly of Popular by Diego Muñoz), celebrates Latin American flavors with a modern American twist. Dishes like the Green Aguachile, with clarified cucumber, serrano, and lime water, or the indulgent Bisque de Tigre Chilaquiles, featuring lobster, prawn, and a fried quail egg, offer a fresh take on traditional cuisine. For dessert, the Cheesecake Buñuelo, paired with orange and vanilla tonka bean ice cream, provides a sweet finale that reflects the restaurant’s creativity and flair.

Photo credit: Andrea Grujic

A Design Worth Exploring

The ambiance at Dear Strangers is as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks. Designed by Dutch East Design, the space blends deep navy tones, marble accents, leather details, and polished wood to create a cozy yet elegant environment. The centerpiece is a stunning bar illuminated by dramatic lighting, inviting guests to linger over cocktails while retro accents and eccentric artwork add character. For those seeking a more private experience, a hidden dining room with deep sea blue walls offers a secluded escape.

With its inventive menu, lush design, and storied cocktails, Dear Strangers is set to make its mark as a standout addition to the West Village. Follow along on Instagram at @dearstrangersnyc or visit dearstrangersnyc.com to learn more about this exciting new destination.

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2026 Update: Dear Strangers Settles Into the West Village

Nearly two years after its November 2024 debut, Dear Strangers remains one of the West Village’s go-to cocktail destinations. The bar continues to be helmed by hospitality veterans Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic, and Bratislav Glisic, with reservations now bookable through Resy as demand for tables at the 147 West 4th Street spot has grown. The Latin American-inflected cocktail and food menu, including Chef Diego Rodriguez’s contributions, remains a draw for locals and visitors alike.

FAQ: Visiting Dear Strangers in the West Village

Where is Dear Strangers located?

Dear Strangers is located at 147 West 4th Street in the West Village, at the intersection of West 4th Street and 6th Avenue.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and can be booked through Resy.

Who created Dear Strangers?

Hospitality veterans Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic, and Bratislav Glisic, whose backgrounds include Employees Only and Macao Trading Co., founded the bar and restaurant.

What kind of food and drinks does Dear Strangers serve?

The menu pairs an imaginative cocktail list, including Gin & Tonics inspired by Indian and Spanish traditions, with a Latin American-inspired food menu crafted with input from Chef Diego Rodriguez.

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Meraki Brooklyn Brings Authentic Greek Dining to Williamsburg

Annabella Pardo

Williamsburg’s vibrant culinary scene recently welcomed Meraki Greek Bistro, which has now opened an inviting new outdoor patio for guests to enjoy a year-round cozy dining experience while savoring authentic Greek cuisine.

Meraki Brooklyn has also just launched a delectable new happy hour during the week serving Greek appetizers, wines and beer. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, this restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere inspired by the Greek Isles, providing a delightful escape for diners.

Meraki Brooklyn is the first location outside Miami for the Meraki Hospitality Group, known for its successful Greek dining concepts in South Florida, including Meraki Greek Bistro and Meraki Gyro. Led by Executive Chef Giannis Kotsos and Managing Partner Alex Karavias, the team brings their passion for authentic Greek flavors to New York, building on a strong reputation cultivated through their Miami locations.

“Meraki means to put something of yourself into whatever you do, and that’s exactly what Chef Giannis and I have been doing since we opened the original Meraki location,” said Alex Karavias. "Our cuisine is a reflection of our love for Greek tradition, featuring fresh ingredients and classic flavors that have resonated with our guests in Miami, and we can’t wait for Brooklyn to experience the same."

Guests at Meraki Brooklyn are transported to the Aegean Sea with its charming decor featuring breezy white curtains, rustic wooden floors, cozy seating and gorgeous bar with bougainvillea adorning the ceiling overhead, which are designed to evoke the warmth and charm of a Greek taverna. With its new outdoor patio, diners can now enjoy the fresh Mediterranean dishes al fresco through all seasons.

Executive Chef Kotsos has curated a menu that emphasizes fresh, authentic Mediterranean flavors and stays true to his Greek roots, offering timeless dishes like Moussaka, Aegean Chicken and Creta Seafood Pasta. Family-style platters, known as “Poikilies,” encourage sharing and bring people together around the table, just as they would in Greece.

Adding to the dining experience is a carefully curated all-Greek wine list, featuring traditional and organic selections from Greece’s most renowned winemakers and unique micro-wineries. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Greek beers, highlighting both traditional favorites and new brews from local Greek microbreweries.

Meraki Brooklyn’s new happy hour features delectable appetizers with favorites such as mussels, calamari, spanakopita, honey and sesame cheese puffs and more for $7 each, house wines for $8 a glass and Greek beers for $4.

"We’ve always been about bringing people together over good food," said Chef Kotsos. "Every dish we create is meant to remind you of sitting by the sea in Greece, enjoying a meal with family and friends."

Whether it’s a weekend lunch or an evening out, Meraki Brooklyn offers a warm, inviting space where everyone is welcome. With lunch and dinner options, and a patio perfect for relaxing with friends, it’s the ideal spot to escape the hustle of the city and enjoy the simple pleasures of Greek dining. For those looking to celebrate special occasions, the restaurant also offers catering and private event services.

Meraki Brooklyn is open from 4pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 4pm to 11pm and from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday. Meraki is located at 252 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11211. For more information, catering inquiries or reservation visit ww.merakibrooklyn.com or contact brooklyn@merakibistro.com 

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Discover the Year-Round Appeal of Château Minuty Rosé

Annabella Pardo

Though rosé has become synonymous with summer, pigeonholing it to warm days by the pool is doing the category a disservice.

Photo via @chateauminuty

Most of our favorite qualities about rosé, like its freshness and sippability, make it ideal for a range of pairings, occasions, and seasons.

Minuty Prestige Rose 

Photo via @chateauminuty

A brilliant robe, a nose of great finesse. Dominant flavors of tangy red berries are followed by notes of apricot. The wine’s pronounced minerality draws out a lingering finish on the palate. This cuvée is the result of a meticulous blending of a selection of grapes from the Appellation with those from the estate.  This wine has a crisp, clean, earthy and vibrant personality. Experience via ReserveBar.com

Chateau Minuty Rosé et Or 

Photo via @chateauminuty

The 2023 vintage elevates the winery’s signature subtle flavors and intense aromas to new heights. It features elegant citrus and wild herb aromas, a light palate, and distinctive minerality with characteristic salinity from the Minuty terroir. The cuvée Château Minuty Rose et Or, with its generous, delicate suppleness, can accompany a wide variety of dishes, especially as it brings out the spices. Composed of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Tibouren, this wine is both elegant and crisp. Experience via ReserveBar.com 

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