This Victorian-Themed Gastropub Pays Homage To Cultural Icon Oscar Wilde

New York has no shortage of extravagant bars. After all, we love over-the-top options. NoMad’s newly opened Oscar Wilde certainly fits the bill. Located at 45 West 27th Street, this Victorian-themed bar pays homage to the Irish playwright, novelist, and poet that had a flair for opulence.

The 5,874 square-foot space is decked with gilded framed mirrors, roaring fireplaces, breathtaking marble statues, eccentric antiques, and a piano dating back to the 1890s. It also features New York City’s longest bar at 118 ½ feet, offering over 300 whiskys, 32 beers on tap, and of course Wilde’s favorites: Absinthe and Champagne. He once said that the only way to deal with temptation is to “yield to it”. Owners Frank McCole and Tommy Burke created the highly stylized gastro pub, and are the masterminds behind Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, named after the Victorian actress and socialite Lillie Langtry and onetime friend of Wilde’s.

The building that now houses Oscar Wilde was once home to the city’s Prohibition Enforcement Headquarter during the 1920s. As such, the cocktail menu denotes the spirit of both the Victorian and Prohibition eras. Start the evening with Flower of Love, a delicious concoction of Destilador Reposado, elderflower, El Silencio Mezcal, Luxardo Maraschino, lime and Thai Chili. Cocktail Standouts also include Cyrill’s Last Stand involving Templeton Rye, dry vermouth, green chartreuse, and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. And a Smoked Old Fashioned infused with Old Grand Dad Bourbon, smoked simple syrup, charred cedar, and orange bitters.

The menu encompasses signature Irish dishes like Boxty– smoked trout with tobiko, maple syrup and Irish potato pancake for starters. And a Shepherd’s Pie or Roasted Chicken with mushroom stuffing and buttered kale rice for the entrée.

The crowd pleaser, Wilde Sliders is offered with the choice of lamb, beef or vegetarian and a great sharing option. This month, Oscar Wilde’s menu lineup includes Irish Nachos– House-cut fries, scallions, Guinness cheese, bacon and sour cream.

Save room for dessert, especially the Impossible Cake and Chocolate Mousse.

Oscar Wilde
45 W. 27th Street
New York, NY 10001
www.oscarwildenyc.com