Themed Eats: ‘Oscar Wilde NYC’ brings Victorian Extravagance to the Big Apple

in Food, Theater, Travel

Inspired by the life and writings of infamous the infamous playwright, Oscar Wilde NYC celebrates the writer’s Victorian life and extravagances.

Rich, authentic nineteenth century time-pieces, spectacular statues and splendid stylings in the way of wonderfully carved wood fixtures, marble bars and ornate mirrors are just some of the delightful décor accenting the soon to open bar in New York City.

 

“DRIVEN BY THE SPIRIT OF THE IRISH PLAYWRIGHT, OUR BAR PAYS HOMAGE TO HIS GENUINELY PROLIFIC STORY.

OSCAR WILDE TURNS THE VICTORIAN ERA ON IT’S HEAD – WITHOUT RELINQUISHING ANY OF ITS GLAMOUR. JUST LIKE WILDE HIMSELF, WE BELIEVE LIFE SHOULD BE LIVED TO ITS FULLEST, WITH A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATED DEBAUCHERY. WHY MISS OUT ON THE FUN?

WE ENCOURAGE LIVING IT TO THE FULLEST WITH WILDE ABANDON.” – Oscar Wilde NYC website

Owners Tommy burke and Franke McCole are no strangers to Wilde’s story.  They also run a pair of “Lillie’s Bars” – inspired and dedicated to Lillie Langtry (actress and friend to Wilde).  The two have spent $4 Million renovating the former Prohibition Enforcement Headquarters into the work of art that will become Oscar Wilde NYC.

Bewitching beverages like absinthe and champagne (a favorite of Wilde’s) and “Oscar Wilde’s Potent Elixir” (cognac, gin, Guinness, lavender, champagne and orange zest) will be served across the 188.5 feet bar, which is the longest bar in New York City.

All of the Victorian clocks that decorate this extravagant establishment will be set to 1:50 PM, the time of Wilde’s passing.

 

Oscar Wilde, the author, is known for his single novel, “A Picture of Dorian Grey” as well as several poems and plays including, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“Coming from County Mayo and County Monaghan in Ireland, we grew up reading Oscar Wilde and studying his literature,” Burke and McCole say of their inspiration. “We want the bar to celebrate his legacy and become an inclusive destination for all.” –Gothamist.com

Oscar Wilde NYC is located 45 West 27th Street in New York City.  The bar is expected to open in late June and will eventually also feature gastropub grub.  Additional information can be found on their website, including the opportunity to sign up for “Oscar’s Newsletter.”

Source and images: Oscar Wilde NYC website, Facebook page and Instagram page; Gothamist.com, Wikapedia

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