Kittyhawk Has Said Goodbye to Paris, Relaunching with a NYC Aesthetic and Italian-American Pasta
Led by the team behind Big Poppa's, Kittyhawk New York is honouring the Big Apple's underground nightlife scene with a music-focused revamp.
For eight years, CBD bar Kittyhawk has been known for its Parisian end-of-the-war ambience. But now, regulars can expect a different vibe from the reborn cocktail bar, with its French feel giving way to a raw, underground aesthetic that takes more than a few hints from New York City. At Kittyhawk 2.0, you can expect a high-energy experience anchored by a stacked program of live music, while a sumptuous Italian-American menu means you can tuck into top-quality pasta late into the night.
Kittyhawk's new direction has been inspired in no small part by one of its sister venues, late-night Darlinghurst hangout Big Poppas. For founder Jared Merlino (who is also the mind behind The Lobo) the success of the Oxford Street venue served as a launching pad to bring a similar kind of atmosphere to Kittyhawk — or, as Merlino himself puts it, "to introduce some more fun".
"Sydney has loved what was created at Big Poppa's with great food late into the night without any pretension or fluff," says Merino. "This will be the same at Kittyhawk New York, with delicious food all night long and amazing staff to serve you. But this will also be a great live entertainment venue with some of Sydney's top DJs making sure you are having a great music experience all week long."
As such, Kittyhawk New York will feature DJs five nights a week, spinning the distinctive soundtrack of NYC. Whether it's hip hop, soul, funk or disco, these tunes will keep the vibe going late into the night. Plus, Merino intends to expand the music program to include an international scope, where renowned DJs and musicians from around the world will be invited to come and play.
Complementing the mood is an Italian-American menu designed by head chef Marco Costa's (ex-Glorietta). It's available until close, meaning you'll be able to snack on a selection of seasonal pasta dishes, high-quality proteins and Italian snacks until midnight. There's also a refreshed cocktail list that plays on classic combinations, while the wine offering balances stellar Italian varieties with bottles from Australia, France and further afield.
As for the decor, the front of the venue has been transformed with a DJ booth and drinks lounge capturing the spirit of underground NYC venues — think: plush carpets, red and purple velvet curtains and a raised DJ booth framed by stacks of vinyl storage. Meanwhile, a handmade tiled mural of legendary rapper and Brooklyn native Busta Rhymes adorns the dance floor and links Kittyhawk with Big Poppa's through its similarly massive Notorious B.I.G. artwork.
Kittyhawk New York is open Tuesday–Saturday from 4pm–midnight at 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney. Head to the venue's website for more information.
Images: Chris Pearce.
