When you think of Weehawken, the Lincoln Tunnel or Alexander Hamilton\u2019s famous duel with Aaron Burr might come to mind.<\/p>\n
Lately, however, Weehawken has been getting attention for something new: its food scene.<\/p>\n
Things are about to get even more exciting with the opening of DRIFT Restaurant & Bar in the Lincoln Harbor district.<\/p>\n
This spot will bring something fresh with its amazing waterfront views, a menu sure to impress, and a unique rotating dining platform that gives you a new view of the city every time you visit.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s much more than a place to eat\u2014it\u2019s a whole new experience!<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with the space.<\/p>\n
DRIFT is 17,000 square feet of pure, mid-century modern gorgeousness.<\/p>\n
This place used to be Houlihan\u2019s, but it\u2019s had a major glow-up.<\/p>\n
Jeremy Casilli, the mastermind behind some of the coolest restaurants on New Jersey\u2019s Gold Coast (Hudson & Co. and Pier 115), brings this vision to life.<\/p>\n
And there\u2019s no secret that he\u2019s going all out.<\/p>\n
The interior is inspired by Henry Hudson\u2019s Half Moon vessel, so you can expect nautical vibes with a modern twist.<\/p>\n
Vanessa Deleon from VDA Designs and Sasi Kissane from Zilkz Studios teamed up to nail the look.<\/p>\n
From oversized olive trees sprinkled around the dining room to recessed ceiling coves that hide soundproofing, this place is built to be beautiful and cozy.<\/p>\n
Oh, and did I mention the rotating dining platform?<\/p>\n
Yes, you read that right.<\/p>\n
As you sip your wine or enjoy some fresh sushi, the dining room will slowly rotate, giving you panoramic views of the NYC skyline.<\/p>\n
Every hour, you\u2019ll have done a full 360-degree rotation.<\/p>\n
And the bar is a showstopper.<\/p>\n
The 100-foot-long bar is decked out in brass and emerald green tiles, and it\u2019s where you can watch chefs in action, prepping sushi and crudo right before you.<\/p>\n
Plus, there\u2019s an ice mountain that\u2019ll display the catch of the day in all its glory.<\/p>\n
The bar is going to be a hotspot, whether you’re grabbing a cocktail or indulging in fresh seafood.<\/p>\n
And if you\u2019re more of an outdoor type, you\u2019ll love the other side of this bar.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with a retractable pergola, so you can chill out and dine al fresco, rain or shine.<\/p>\n
Views of Manhattan?<\/p>\n
Check.<\/p>\n
Summer House Patio bar?<\/p>\n
Double-check.<\/p>\n
It\u2019ll be the perfect spot to unwind.<\/p>\n
Now, for the best part: the food.<\/p>\n
Chef Bryan Noury, the guy in charge of the kitchen, has some serious cred.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s worked at places like Le Bernardin, Restaurant Daniel, and Eleven Madison Park.<\/p>\n
So, this isn\u2019t his first rodeo when it comes to top-notch cooking.<\/p>\n
The menu he\u2019s crafting for DRIFT has \u201cmodern American with global influences\u201d written all over it, focusing heavily on seafood.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/p>\n
Chef Noury aims to give you a dining experience that feels relaxed and upscale.<\/p>\n
And most importantly, whether you’re a seafood fanatic or someone with a special dietary restriction, there will be something on this menu for everyone.<\/p>\n
While DRIFT\u2019s food will definitely be a highlight, it\u2019s more than that\u2014it\u2019s about the whole experience.<\/p>\n
Casilli and his team have considered everything to make your time at DRIFT unforgettable.<\/p>\n
Wander Debrito, the Vice President of Operations at 3 Group Hospitality, will oversee the day-to-day operations so that everything runs smoothly.<\/p>\n
With the rotating dining platform, sleek mid-century modern design, and a view of the NYC skyline that\u2019ll leave you speechless, the vibe here will be unmatched. It\u2019s not like there\u2019s an abundance of restaurants offering the same unique feel that DRIFT is aiming for.<\/p>\n
You won\u2019t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, but you\u2019ll still get all the sophistication and style that come with a big-city dining experience.<\/p>\n
Casilli himself said it best:<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to provide a relaxed and welcoming dining experience that still highlights the standout elements of our culinary offerings. With our unique blend of cuisine, pioneering craft cocktails, and the innovative rotating platform, we aim to redefine the dining experience along the Gold Coast.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n
Sounds like a recipe for success, right?<\/p>\n
So, when can you grab a seat at DRIFT?<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, they don\u2019t have an official opening date just yet.<\/p>\n
But what we do know is that it\u2019s going to be worth the wait.<\/p>\n
With DRIFT adding to Weehawken\u2019s fast-growing dining scene<\/a>, this little pocket of New Jersey is about to get much more exciting.<\/p>\n In a nutshell, DRIFT Restaurant & Bar is shaping up to be a game-changer for Weehawken.<\/p>\nGet Ready for DRIFT<\/b><\/h2>\n