Capitaine, a seafood-focused tavern, opened this week on Hudson Street in the West Village. The restaurant occupies a corner space near Christopher Street, offering a menu built around East Coast fish and shellfish. Early diners on Thursday evening described a compact room with wood paneling and chalkboard specials listing fried whiting, clam toast, and a $36 market fish entrée.
Capitaine arrives as part of a cluster of tavern openings across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Grimm Tavern, from the Brooklyn-based brewery, opened its taproom and kitchen in Williamsburg earlier in the week. Trudie’s Tavern, operated by the team behind Gertrude’s, began service in Prospect Heights on Wednesday, drawing small crowds for its late-night burgers and fries.
Staff at Capitaine report steady business during lunch and happy hour. Tables fill quickly after 6 p.m., with several neighbors from nearby brownstones making up the early clientele. The bar menu includes a rotating oyster selection and a succinct list of classic cocktails.
Across the city, operators are citing demand for casual, come-as-you-are places as the summer heat settles in. Several groups mentioned the appeal of air conditioning and cold drinks after dusk. On Friday night, sidewalk seating at all three spots was at capacity by 8 p.m., with some guests waiting up to 30 minutes for a table.