GOODMAN’S BAR OPENS IN BERGDORF’S MEN’S STORE
Bergdorf Goodman has opened Goodman’s Bar, a new luxury bar and restaurant inside the retailer’s Men’s Store on the second floor.
To bring this concept to life, the New York City retailer partnered with master sommelier Dustin Wilson and Michelin-starred chef Austin Johnson.
“Our goal was to create a discreet, in-the-know hideaway that’s both timely and timeless—the kind of place you seek out from locals while traveling or that special recommendation from your favorite globetrotter,” said Bruce Pask, men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman. “It’s a mix of the perfect all-day café in Paris, that cozy craft cocktail bar behind an unmarked door in Kyoto, and that aperitivo bar in Milan that makes the best version of your favorite drink. All of that in one special spot, right here in NYC at BG.”
Austin Johnson and Dustin Wilson 
The space itself evokes the mood and ambiance of the finest European cafes and bars, juxtaposing architectural details inspired by the Art Deco exterior façade of the building with the natural greenery elements of nearby Central Park. A bespoke hand-painted mural designed in partnership with de Gournay sets the tone for the interiors, accented with decorative lighting by New York-based design studio Apparatus. The dining room is furnished with vintage Franz Schuster chairs, while seating in the rotunda features custom backgammon tables and wingback chairs by Tom Dixon.
As for the cocktail menu, Wilson curated a unique selection of wines and spirits from around the world. The extensive beverage list features small production wines, in addition to riffs on classic cocktails, designed to complement chef Johnson’s culinary innovations. Featured producers include perennial classics like Krug, Arnaud Mortet and Montevetrano, as well as more progressive wineries like Dhondt-Grellet, Girolamo Russo, Jolie-Laide and Dominio del Águila, among others. Wilson has also developed a cocktail lineup that includes the signature “Goodman’s Manhattan” with Templeton Rye, Carpano Antica and Hella Aromatic Bitters and the “Oaxacan Mary,” a creative take on the Bloody Mary, featuring Yola Mezcal.
In tandem with Wilson’s offerings, chef Johnson’s menu highlights include classics that will become new favorites, like the breakfast sandwich, featuring a runny egg, English cheddar, HP Sauce and jambon de Paris on a toasted English muffin, warm gougères with bacon and cheddar and potato chips served with sour cream and onion, caviar, chive oil, and horseradish oil. Entrees range from housemade tagliatelle with white truffle and Parmesan to seared scallops with salt-baked celery root, roasted apples, and pickled Meyer lemon.
Additionally, Pask collaborated with denim guru and artisanal up-cycler Maurizo Donadi of Atelier & Repairs on uniforms to create a Goodman’s take on the classic work apron using vintage herringbone denim patched with chambray pockets and contrasting embroidery.
“At Bergdorf Goodman, we are committed to providing our clients with the best in-store experiences that reflect our passion for luxury and exquisite experiences and offerings,” added Darcy Penick, president at Bergdorf Goodman. “We are thrilled to have concepted and designed a very Bergdorf’s Bar and Restaurant and collaborated with Dustin Wilson and Austin Johnson as they are the perfect duo to create exceptional and unexpected drinks and food to match the innovative vision we have created inside the BG men’s store.”
Goodman’s Bar is now open during store hours.
I love bars and restaurants in Department Stores. I grew up in Houston, Texas. Back in those days I used to love to go to the fabulous and beautiful Sky Terrace restaurant on the top floor of Sakowitz Dept. Store. Very fancy with wonderful food and elegant decor. Then across the street there was the Azalea Terrace in Foley’s Dept. Store. The atmosphere was decidedly more casual, but the food was really good. On the ground floor of Foley’s there was a Bar with sidewalk access. When Neiman Marcus built their new store, there restaurant was outstanding, and a destination in itself.
I think food and bar service drives more foot traffic to a store, and adds to the personality of the store. Just one more reason to make the store a destination. I am so happy and excited about this new bar and restaurant at Bergdorf’s!!!!!
Extremely delighted to hear this! I was an avid customer when BG had the cafe in the men’s store and very unhappy to see it removed. I still patronize the restaurant on the 7th Floor in the Women’s Store but thrilled to have a place in the men’s store! Congrats! Looking forward.