Stepping out of the elevator into Lemon’s rooftop space at the top of Wythe Hotel is actually stepping into the 1960’s world of Signora Lemon, a fictional housewife who threw lavish and legendary lunches turned cocktail parties at her home in Emilio Romagna, Italy. Just as her home did, Lemon’s will be home to luminaries from the creative and hospitality worlds, a group that now includes you, because once you hear about Lemon’s you won’t be able to stay away. Vintage Nectarine-hued damask wallpaper adorns the venue’s interior walls, complemented by sunset colored cushions on walnut wooden banquettes all meant to evoke coastal Italian soirees.
The space is the brainchild of a dream team of New York hospitality superstars. Jon Neidich and Golden Age Hospitality (Acme, The Happiest Hour, Slowly Shirley) conceived the concept with acclaimed chefs Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber (Chez Ma Tante) along with beverage gurus Jim Kearns (Happiest Hour, Slowly Shirley) and Christine Kang (Soho House) to create the ideal warm-weather haunt. Neidich has brought in local Williamsburg cult DJ legends Chances with Wolves to handle all music and programming ensuring that the space will have an old school vibe primarily from vinyl and 45s.
The food menu includes snacks like salumi, raw oysters, and stracciatella with olive oil and bread that will look familiar to anyone who has lazed away a summer afternoon in the cafes of Italy. Options like grilled calamari, sugar snap peas, and tuna carpaccio on cracker crisps run with the light-eating coastal vibe, while a selection of Italian-style toasted sandwiches, topped with ingredients like ham and tomato, offer a few heartier nibbles.
The beverage program features a selection of low ABV spritz-like cocktails inspired by the culture of Italian Aperitifs that will let patrons experience a tipple or three during the day while still being able to make their evening plans. The venue’s namesake citrus comes in a spiked lemonade served in a vintage pitcher and garnished with lavender. The Capri, Son made with Tequila, grapefruit, calamansi, and honey topped with sparkling wine can be ordered in large format for groups. Lemon’s will also offer a picnic style format, served in lemon yellow, vintage coolers and accompanied by a snack trio. Playful twists show this team can concoct serious cocktails without taking themselves too seriously. For another summer delight, Lemon’s beverage team has partnered with Oddfellows to develop a line of boozy popsicles that will come in flavors like cantaloupe, Limoncello, and Italian citrus.
Lemon’s will definitely have great food and beverages, but the real mission is to create a festive vibe that makes guests feel like they are at a friend’s home. The amazing views both day and night are complemented by a cocktail and a snack plus a hearty side of people watching, because, as we said, Lemon’s is the newest place to see and be seen this summer.
Lemon’s
80 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn
Monday–Thursday: 5:00–11:00 PM Outside, 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Inside
Friday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM Outside, 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Inside
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Outside, 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Inside
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
