Video: A Night Out at Gitano NYC Is a Night to Remember

Lest you thought Lower Manhattan had maxed out its cool quotient with late-night hotspots like La Noxe, Laissez-Faire and hippest-bar-in-the-city T.J. Byrnes, Gitano brought its Tulum vibes to the Seaport last month. After all the buzz, we decided to stop by to check it out for ourselves — and folks, it lives up to the hype.

Located in the Pier 17 spot that used to house Pearl Alley, Gitano NYC makes excellent use of its 13,605-square-foot space. Towering palm trees and lush tropical greenery stretch toward high ceilings, which are decked out with fringed lamps and an oversized disco ball that commands attention (rumor has it, it’s the largest in Manhattan). Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge, and come summer, the space will transition into a true indoor/outdoor experience as they open up to the breeze.

Gitano has a full food and drink menu, with plenty of elevated tropical and Mexican offerings for everyone (note that it’s a particularly good spot for gluten-free folks!). When it comes to cocktails, the mezcal drinks are a real highlight. The signature Gitano margarita was a hit at our table as was the house Paloma, and for those looking for a unique twist, the mescal martini was a surprisingly smokey delight. If you’re dining at Gitano, or at least indulging in some small plates, be sure to get guac for the table and a ceviche to share. For mains, the black bass, which comes wrapped in a banana leaf with shitake mushrooms, tomatillos and salsa verde, is a must-try.

On weekend nights, stick around after dinner as Gitano transforms into a bonafide nightclub. A live DJ spins from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, drawing a stylish crowd to the dance floor. The team also plans to open a private club upstairs soon — stay tuned.
Although the space is generous, Gitano fills up fast. Reservations are highly recommended, though walk-ins are welcome at the bar. Heads up: there is a dress code, so save the sneakers, tanks and flip-flops for another night out.
Want more Gitano? Watch our video below:
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