Openings

What to Eat at Miss Lily’s, Now Serving Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken to the Select Few

When we tried to drop into Miss Lily’s for a bite last night, a dapper man who was guarding the alcove beyond the papered-over front door politely shooed us away. “It’s open seating from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m. and after that it’s reservations,” he explained. “And as you can see, it’s pretty small [nineteen tables and a bar, to be exact]. Sorry about that, brother. But please come back.” (Shortly after that, a hostess at Fedora turned us away with a “sorry, babe” — between the “brother” and the “babe,” rejection never felt so cool.) This sort of treatment has caused at least one blog to wonder whether Miss Lily’s is the new Charles, and it’s a valid question given that former Bungalow, Box, and 1 Oak doorman Binn Jakupi and his brother Genc are owners along with Paul Salmon (owner of the Rockhouse Hotel in Jamaica as well as a founding partner of Joe’s Pub). Oh, and then of course there’s Serge Becker of La Esquina, who (to Anna Wintour’s notable chagrin) designed the place with Brooklyn’s West Indian businesses in mind. So what’s the deal?

A rep tells us the jerk joint is still in previews but that within a couple of weeks, we’ll see official photos of the interior’s checkered floors, vinyl booths, and walls decorated with reggae and ska album covers. In the meantime, we’ve snagged the menu for you. Oh, and you know what really takes some of the mystery out of Miss Lily’s? The Columbia Spectator, of all places, has already penned a review.

Miss Lily’s Menu [PDF]

Miss Lily’s, 132 W. Houston St., nr. Sullivan St.; 646-588-5375; res@misslilysnyc.com for reservations

What to Eat at Miss Lily’s, Now Serving Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken to the