Solly Assa: All About Bar Gonzo

Equal parts campy, eclectic, and stylish, Bar Gonzo presents a vision of seventies chic updated for the digital age. Like its namesake, Bar Gonzo is adventurous and bold: embracing zig-zag print, Art Deco floors, weathered wooden booths, and bright colors like pink, green, red, and gold. The atmosphere recalls the favorite tropical locales of many famous writers, specifically the Puerto Rico featured in Hunter S. Thompson’s Rum Diaries, or the bygone, glorious Cuba so familiar to (and beloved of) Ernest Hemingway.

Bar Gonzo’s menu is every bit as varied and unique as its setting. Traditional tapas like patatas bravas are paired with shrimp po’boys and wagyu skewers, while cocktails like the flaming blue Gonzo Margarita exist alongside tongue-in-cheek creations like the vodka-based Baby Maker or the mezcal-heavy Peacock in Hand. Separate menus for brunch and happy hour are also available, though food specials and drinks are constantly being updated.

Bar Gonzo’s 4,000 square foot space is split between two levels: the Peacock Bar on the ground-floor, with space for up to 40 guests, and the second floor, home to a raw bar, charcuterie station, tiki bar, and an all-season terrace with room to accommodate 150 guests. The two are connected by a winding marble staircase that harkens back to the classic hotels of the era. Yet, the space doesn’t lose itself in the past; the design of both rooms balances the sweeping lines and marble with the pizzazz of neon signage and modern furniture. A host of peacock statues are carefully distributed across both floors, adding yet another touch of charming whimsy.

Bar Gonzo is owned and operated by the team behind Ronnybrook Farms and Chelsea Market’s The Tippler. Chef R.L. King, who has worked at the Heath and Gallow Green at the unique McKittrick Hotel, as well as il Buco and Hundred Acres at Five Points, oversees Gonzo’s food menu. Hospitality expert Tim Cooper, a veteran of establishments like the Flatiron Lounge and the Surf Lounge, is in charge of building Gonzo’s distinct, tiki-and-tropics beverage menu.

Bar Gonzo is a perfect addition to Cassa Times Square Hotel and Residences, one of the flagship brands of the extensive Assa Properties portfolio. Cassa is equal parts luxury hotel and residence: the building encompasses both hotel rooms and serviced apartment rentals, the latter of which come in a variety of floor plans, from studio to one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and penthouse layouts. Guests and residents alike can choose from the same menu of amenities, such as maid service, child care, and pet-sitting.

Bar Gonzo is located on Manhattan’s West Side, on Ninth Avenue between 38th and 39th Streets. From there, it’s just a short walk to a range of transportation options, including the Times Square subway station, the Port Authority bus terminal and subway station, as well as the Lincoln Tunnel. The restaurant is easily accessible by both mass transit and private car, and is within close proximity to a bustling, vibrant nightlife district full of other trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants–perfect for a night out with friends or family.

---

Solly Assa is a seasoned investor and developer with over two decades of experience in high-end real estate. As founder and CEO of Assa Properties, Solly Assa spearheaded its rapid, successful expansion across North America, acquiring some 3 million square feet of real estate across the United States and Mexico. This blog was originally posted on Solly Assa's website here.