The Eighty Six, an intimate 35-seat steakhouse, opens in the heart of the West Village on September 9, 2025. The Eighty Six revives the spirit of classic New York dining while honoring the rich legacy of its storied past. Set within the historic former home of Chumley’s at 86 Bedford Street—once a legendary Prohibition-era literary haunt for icons like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Cummings, and Steinbeck—The Eighty Six nods to its 120-year-old legacy and the culinary lore of the term “86,” said to have originated when bartenders discreetly ushered guests out the hidden side door during Prohibition raids.
The space at The Eighty Six blends the rich heritage of the former Chumley’s with a sophisticated sensibility inspired by its 1920s speakeasy roots. Interior features include warm woods, exotic lacquered finishes, bold geometric marble floors, and layered vintage-sourced lighting that create an atmosphere both intimate and energetic. Velvet banquettes in deep jewel tones, plush copper dining chairs, and custom millwork nod to Art Deco design while curated details inspired by vintage book covers and cigarette holders subtly reference the literary figures and objects that once filled the space. A fireplace nook pays tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s favorite seat, and the restored bar combines antique mirrors, burled wood, and gold leaf accents with a gold onyx countertop.
Crafted by Chef Michael Vignola—the chef behind The Corner Store—The Eighty Six pays homage to the elegance and allure of New York’s legendary dining rooms. The Eighty Six’s cocktail and wine program reflects the restaurant’s Prohibition-era inspiration, offering a selection of martinis and cocktails that balance classic flavors with modern technique. The cocktail menu is the work of CHG’s Beverage Director, Lucas Robinson, and Employees Only alum Dev Johnson, the creative forces behind The Corner Store’s beverage program. The bar team employs culinary techniques such as cryovac, sous vide, rotary evaporation, milk washing, fat washing, and in-house carbonation to craft refined, distinctive drinks that complement the steak-forward menu.
The wine list is designed to reflect the restaurant’s overall approach to service and atmosphere, emphasizing traditional regions, complemented by a rotating selection of collector favorites and undervalued gems. With a focus on vintage depth and allocated bottles, the list is built to evolve regularly. As a steakhouse, the spotlight remains on full-bodied reds that enhance and elevate the menu’s signature dishes.
From polished tableside service and a curated selection of wines and spirits, The Eighty Six delivers a dining experience that evokes the nostalgic showmanship of classic steakhouses while offering something fresh, intimate, and unmistakably of the moment.
