Photo credit: Henry by JJ

It’s been a long time since I’ve been motivated to go to a hotel bar in NYC, and even longer that I’ve been enticed to a dinner. Dining and drinks are so prevalent in the city. Across the boroughs you can find bastions of culinary delights featured at the cross-sections of prominent streets, on your way to great shows and concerts.

Why divert? Because sometimes the side streets are more interesting, more intimate and in the case of Henry by JJ, really a surprise and inviting – even if you’re not a hotel guest.

Henry by JJ is a restaurant and bar that serves as the ground floor of the Life Hotel in NoMad, Manhattan, and is helmed by Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson. JJ draws upon African, Latin and Caribbean flavors for a rich and spice-packed selection of bites.

The vibe is terrific, dim and sexy and the crowd is eclectic. You’ll have conversations with guests from London and Madrid, looking for your tips on where to dance tonight. You’ll also meet savvy and sleek young locals, knocking ‘em back and filling up to shake-off the mid-town work-week. It’s a warm welcome, meet and mingle.

Menu items not to miss:

Tuna Tartare, anointed with benne seed, peanut curry crunch and served atop shiso leaves that serve as a convenient grab and nosh wrapper – no utensils needed – $15

Mushroom Yassa, a deliciously spicy and stewy dish prepared with an assortment of plump mushrooms, pistachio, dijon, onion, Aleppo pepper – good to the last spoonful – $10

Tamarind Jerk BBQ Chicken comes up on a bed of cauliflower puree and soy-braised collard greens – and comes up often, this dish is hot here – $32

Mortimer & Mauve is the drink you want, made with rye, vermouth, chai and ginger – the balance is fantastic – $14

Henry by JJ
At the Life Hotel
19 West 31st Street
New York, NY 10001

Monday- Saturdays, 5:30-11pm
Sunday, 5:30-10pm
henrynomad.com for reservations