Michael White Opens Tavern Room With Lower Prices at Costata in Soho

The first floor of Michael White's steakhouse Costata has been dormant since last year with service taking place strictly on the second floor, but this week, the first floor is back as a tavern room. White is now serving a menu that includes the 'white label burger,' along with lower priced options designed to gain "a wider audience," the chef tells Eater. Just as with his recent revamping of Ristorante Morini, his Upper East Side property, the chef has decided to lower the barrier of entry. "There is a lot of competition in Soho," White concedes "and since I have a lot of space it made sense to offer a more affordable option." He also notes that steakhouse prices don't necessarily lend themselves to walk-ins. Costata sells one of the city's best, but also most expensive ribsteaks at $126.

In addition to the hamburger, Costata's new menu also includes a steak panino ($16) that White says is inspired by a patty melt; a prime steak frites ($23) and pastas in the $19-22 range. Cocktails remain priced at $14. The full Costata menu is also available in the tavern. Reservations are restricted to main dining room on Open Table, but the restaurant will accept telephone bookings for downstairs.

Take a look at the tavern menu below:

Costata Downstairs Menu