The somewhat fratastic Upper East Side BBQ joint Southern Hospitality just opened a massive second location in Hell's Kitchen. As you can see, it's a colorful and lively-looking establishment, with largely unfinished 300 year-old wood on the floors, walls and ceiling; exposed brick; and antique mirrors. There is a giant antler chandelier (now we've seen everything), lyrics from the Million Dollar Quartet spelled out in rusty iron and neon lights, and nods to Memphis rock and roll sprinkled throughout. And in an attempt to reach beyond the backwards baseball cap set, co-owner Eytan Sugarman (and his partner Isiah Thomas) brought on wine guy Gary Vaynerchuk to curate a 50-varietal wine list to match the menu. (There are 50 varieties of bourbon, too.)
Under the main floor dining room, there's a "plush" lounge with wine and bourbon barrels lining the walls; the whole place seats over 150 and was designed by Roy Nachum, who did 1Oak and Mel’s Burger Bar. As for the food, executive Chef Jay Lippin's menu doesn't vary much from what you'll find across town. $29.95 gets you a "massive" appetizer combo platter of BBQ Nachos, Spicy Crawfish and Cheddar Hush Puppies, Fried Pickles, Philly Cheese Steak Egg Roll, and Pulled Pork Sliders. Enjoy a Pulled Pork Platter for $16.95, a Grilled Mac & Cheese for $14.95, and an "Over the Top Combo Platter" for $49.95: A Mountain of Wet and Dry Memphis-Style Spareribs, Tender Baby Back Ribs, and 1⁄2 a Beale Street BBQ Chicken, Topped off with Four Sides and Cornbread. Finish the whole platter yourself and get your picture on the wall of fame! Nothing fratty about that. Menu below.
Southern Hospitality // 645 Ninth Avenue near 45th Street
