When Kittyhawk temporarily closed its doors in late December 2024, owners Jared Merlino, Michael Hwang, and Eddie Levy cited the team’s need for a “well-deserved break”.
Now, the bar is back with renewed focus and an updated name – Kittyhawk New York – and it’s taking inspiration from both New York’s bar scene and the success of sister establishment Big Poppa’s.
“After 8 years of Kittyhawk as an old-world Parisian cocktail bar we decided it was time to introduce some more fun into what is an amazing venue space. We wanted more energy and we wanted to have live entertainment at the core of what this business was going forward,” says Merlino.
Looking forward, the venue will head in a similar direction to Big Poppa’s, drawing on late-night restaurant and underground hip-hop themes. Kittyhawk New York will serve up a late-night Italian menu alongside a soundtrack of hip hop, funk, soul and disco.
“Sydney has loved what was created at Big Poppa’s with great food late into the night without any pretension or fluff”, says Merlino. “This will be the same at Kittyhawk New York, with delicious food all night long and amazing staff to serve you. But this will also be a great live entertainment venue with some of Sydney’s top DJs making sure you are having a great music experience all week long.”
Head Chef Marco Costa will deliver six to eight seasonal pastas, high quality seafood and meats, and Italian-style snacks.
Kittyhawk New York Venue Manager Daniel Hilton has designed a cocktail list with classics, new twists, and high-end options. Meanwhile, Junior Sommelier Michell O’Donnel has curated a wine menu of 80-120 bottles, with a strong focus on Italian varieties, alongside Australian, French, and other exceptional regions.
Big Poppa’s is also temporarily closed thanks to surrounding construction and its opening date is yet to be announced. Kittyhawk will reopen April 4.
Photography by Chris Pearce.
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