Rockfish, 310 Bleecker St.
Initial Projection: Fall
Current Debut Projection: Mid-November
Odds, On Time Arrival: 2-1
Eater Projected Opening Date: 12/1
One of the neighborhood game changers West Villagers are sure to be most excited about this fall is Rockfish, the new project from Bobby Werhane (owner of Dell'Anima, Johnny Utah's, and L'Artusi) and Josh Morgan (alum of Houston's) in the old Bar Q space. Werhane reveals today that the restaurant, named for what locals call striped bass all along the Mid-Atlantic, is now projecting to open around Mid-November with heavy construction starting in a couple of weeks. He wants to make very clear that while this restaurant is Chesapeake Bay-inspired, it is not a crab shack. Sure, there will be crabs, but they'll also have a "nibble" section ($5), a starters section ($10), and a whole slew of fish and meat centric mains (under $20 with the exception of specials) that will include everything from pulled pork sandwiches to grilled whole rockfish.
"It'll be a cross between a Spotted Pig and a Mermaid Inn," he says. Werhane is planning a large horseshoe bar in the front area, encouraging locals to stop in just for a drink and, perhaps, some house made jerky.
The goal is to make the place extremely casual and affordable, and they're considering enacting a Landmarc-like wine program where the markups are negligible.
The cherry on the sundae: they're envisioning a greenhouse-like outdoor space that will be fully climate controlled, covered in reclaimed barnwood, and open year-round. Expect more updates on the space as the project moves forward.
· Bar Q to Turn into West Village Seafood Spot [~E~]
· All Fall Tracking Coverage [~E~]