The Bedford, Specializing in Mexican Spirits, Has Opened in Fidi | Eater NY
"A sibling to the Bedford in Williamsburg, an identically named follow-up opened at 55 Stone Street (at William Street) in the Financial District and is inspired by retro ocean liners while being more food-focused than its Brooklyn predecessor under a new ownership team combining Atomic Hospitality Group with Paul Lamas of Harry’s and the Dead Rabbit. I was struck by the narrow bar room—which seats 75, with eventual outdoor seating for 30—and the shipboard details: a wood-planked ceiling and bar that feel like an ocean liner, tall-ship artwork, rattan seating, tropical ceiling fans, an antique brass divers’ helmet, and a vintage brass engine-room signal device from a World War II Liberty ship. The cocktails, overseen by bartender and beverage manager José María Dondé, prioritize Mexican spirits (rum, clairin, cachaça, agave, tequila, mezcal, sotol from Northern Mexico, bacanora from Sonora, and raicilla from Jalisco) and include inventive drinks like a mole corn painkiller ($19) made with mole fat–washed Paranubes rum, Posh Altar, Mexicanatole, and totmoxtle (the mole is made by an employee’s mother, the rum comes from Mexico, and the atole is made in-house from Chiapas corn); other highlights are La Isla Bonita (with San Cosme mezcal) and green (Chartreuse) or red (Campari) margaritas ($19). The menu leans seafood-forward with beer-battered blue crab beignets ($19), a half-dozen oysters ($18), crab and tomato water bucatini ($24), and sea bass à la plancha ($32), while a burger blended from brisket, chuck, short rib, and filet comes topped with caramelized onions, romaine, smoked tomato jam, and garlic aioli on brioche with Old Bay fries ($19). The wine list features bottles from France, Italy, Georgia, Spain, and Napa Valley ranging $60–$295 plus over 10 pours by the glass, and beers from the U.S., Germany, Belgium, and Mexico run $8–$24. Dondé, who brings experience from Maison Premiere, Claro, and Cosme, emphasizes storytelling when pouring so he can trace who makes each spirit. The Bedford Stone Street is open Sunday–Wednesday 4 p.m.–midnight and Thursday–Saturday 4 p.m.–1 a.m." - Melissa McCart
