East Village: The entire Cienfuegos complex was graded last night and got an A. Some changes in the complex: El Cobre now serves exclusively tapas downstairs, the full menu upstairs, and a daily happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. with $5 punch, beer, and tap cocktails, as well as reduced-price menu items. Amor y Amargo has added a syrups-and-infusion class and a vermouth-and-bitters workshop to their cocktail courses.
Greenwich Village: Brunch Republik will hold a benefit on Sunday at Slice, with $25 bottomless brunch featuring mimosas, sangria, and an organic prix fixe with a D.J. and art installations. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. [Grub Street]
Hell’s Kitchen: Ardesia’s second annual shrimp boil is August 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. on their outdoor patio, where $30 buys lots of shrimp, beer, rosé, and cocktails. Call or e-mail info@ardesia-ny.com to reserve a spot. [Grub Street]
Nolita: Ellabess launched a new lounge menu featuring fun snack items like sweetbread nuggets, chicken báhn mì sliders, and ice cream pops. [Grub Street]
Park Slope: The (free) Gelflog Non-Motivational Speaker series returns at 7:30 p.m. on August 23 at Tea Lounge with a panel discussing all the food-truck drama. [Grub Street]
Tribeca: Smith & Mills will host a Chocolate Brunch on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; chef Nick Korbee will use Vosges Haut-Chocolat to prepare a $50 three-course prix fixe including a chocolate cocktail. [Grub Street]
Upper West Side: Groupon’s offering a two-for-one deal from Big Nick’s today: $14 for two burgers (hamburger, cheeseburger, or turkey burger), two orders of fries (can be substituted for any of the on-menu potato options), and two milkshakes. [My Upper West]
West Village: Arbor bistro opened this week in the former Alphaville toy store at 226 West Houston Street, serving pan-Asian plates like sushi, noodles, and Korean grilled baby-back ribs. Open for lunch, dinner, takeout, and delivery. [DNA Info]
Williamsburg: Betto offers a daily happy-hour deal from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with $6 wines by the glass, $9 cocktails, $1 toasts, and other complimentary snacks. [Grub Street]
Get down on an outdoor dance floor at Loreley Williamsburg on Saturday at 4 p.m for their first-ever “Bier Disco,” with D.J.’s Mark Verbos and Stephen Pandolphi spinning in the beer garden and a free keg of HB Summer beer. [Grub Street]
