Popular Bushwick Seafood Spot Heads to Williamsburg Waterfront This Spring

Popular Bushwick seafood restaurant Sea Wolf will set up shop this spring in a new luxury real estate development rising on the Williamsburg waterfront — a much more high-end locale compared to the restaurant’s original digs in Bushwick.

Sea Wolf has plans to swing open within the residential and commercial project under development at 420 Kent Ave., at South Eighth Street, in a “polished,” nautical-inspired version of its original outpost, according to a news release. Owner Daniel Cipriani says the “boat-like,” low-ceilinged space has a windowed front, making the view of the East River, three bridges, and Manhattan skyline a main draw.

The upscale waterfront spot is a prime slice of Brooklyn real estate that has attracted big-name chefs like Danny Meyer, who launched taco stand Tacocina this past summer in nearby Domino Park. Cipriani’s personal connection to the water — his lifestyle revolves around fishing and surfing — attracted him to the space, which he says will have a more “refined” menu than his Bushwick location.

He says he plans to “massage the menu” to fit the new waterfront spot, though Sea Wolf’s wood-fired grill, lobster tank, and oyster bar will make their way to the site. Despite the high-end location, Cipriani says he aims to keep Sea Wolf’s original prices intact, the goal being to offer luxury food items at an “accessible price point.”

Prices on the original menu range from $6 sides to a $12 lobster corndog, and up to $32 for a “colossal” rib. Menu highlights here will include fish and chips, a lobster benedict, New England clam chowder, lobster tacos, and hand-cut steaks, as well as vegetarian options.

The new spot also will inherit Sea Wolf’s popular happy hour specials like oysters, wings, and buffalo cauliflower for a dollar, as well as $6 glasses or $18 bottles of wine, cocktails for two, and frozen Painkillers, the company says.

Sea Wolf’s newest venue will be located steps from the water at 420 Kent, a new three-tower development featuring 800-plus apartments and 20,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. A studio in the building starts at $2,350/month.

This stretch of the Williamsburg waterfront is undergoing a major upgrade with a brand new Domino Park debuting this past summer — which is where Meyer’s taco shack now lives. The park revamp is part of a much larger 11-acre project that has also attracted a restaurant from Missy Robbins, named Misi. Unlike other new developments around NYC — like Hudson Yards — the Williamsburg waterfront has so far remained comparatively affordable.

Sea Wolf’s first location in Bushwick opened in 2016 at 19 Wyckoff Ave. The restaurant plans to open its second spot in the spring 2019 and will be open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cipriani is also planning a “Snow Wolf” in the same location, which will have a takeout-friendly version of Sea Wolf’s menu, including on-the-go coffee and breakfast items.

Stefanie Tuder contributed reporting to this article