The Corner Store Soho is a modern American restaurant located in the heart of SoHo, New York. It offers an upscale twist on classic American dishes, combining familiar flavors with a stylish, contemporary setting. It is known for its popular menu items like Wagyu French Dip Sandwich and Lobster Caviar Roll, making it a standout choice for both casual and special dining.
This restaurant sits at the corner of Houston and West Broadway, giving it a prime location that attracts locals and visitors alike. It operates daily and is open from late afternoon to midnight, catering to those looking for a relaxed yet refined meal.
The Corner Store keeps a simple, welcoming vibe while focusing on quality food and great service. For those interested in a blend of traditional American fare with a modern edge, it presents an option worth exploring right in SoHo.
For more information about The Corner Store Soho, visit their official website.
Overview of The Corner Store Soho
The Corner Store Soho blends vintage New York dining with a modern atmosphere. It offers guests a chance to experience a nostalgic yet fresh take on classic American restaurant culture. The design, location, and leadership combine to create a notable dining spot in New York City.
Location and Ambiance
The Corner Store is located at 475 West Broadway, right at the corner of Houston Street in SoHo, New York City. This spot places it in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its artistic scene and historic charm.
The interior is designed by the Rockwell Group and features warm vintage-inspired lighting, checkered marble floors, and polished wood paneling. The atmosphere recalls old-school New York dining rooms with a mix of antiqued brass and textured plaster. The space feels intimate and inviting, with an eclectic, timeless style that welcomes both locals and visitors.
Concept and Inspiration
The Corner Store is designed to revive the spirit of classic SoHo eateries from the past. Its concept focuses on mixing nostalgia with contemporary elements to create a lively dining experience.
The menu and decor both highlight this balance. The food reflects traditional American dishes served with a modern twist. The visual design captures the charm and warmth of vintage New York, making guests feel connected to the city’s rich culinary history without losing a sense of current trends.
Ownership and Leadership
The restaurant is part of Catch Hospitality Group, known for its successful venues around New York City. The team behind The Corner Store includes notable figures like Tilman Fertitta, Mark Birnbaum, and Eugene Remm.
These owners bring extensive experience in running popular hospitality venues. Their goal with The Corner Store is to offer something that feels authentic to New York’s past while appealing to today’s diners. Their combined vision ensures the restaurant is both a tribute to tradition and a fresh addition to SoHo’s dining scene.
For more on the restaurant’s design, see the Rockwell Group project page. Information about its location and style is available on The Corner Store website.
Dining Experience
The Corner Store offers a dining setting that combines comfort with style. The space balances a lively vibe with areas designed for privacy. Patrons will find thoughtful seating options and a unique interior that reflects classic New York charm with modern touches.
Reservations and Seating
Reservations at The Corner Store can be made easily through Resy, ensuring a smooth arrival and minimal wait times for guests. The restaurant accommodates both small groups and couples, with seating designed to fit different dining needs.
A standout feature is the enclosed glass patio, which provides a bright, airy space surrounded by lush greenery. This area is perfect for those who enjoy a semi-outdoor feel without being exposed to the weather. The rest of the seating includes cozy tables and a bar area tailored to casual dining or martini tastings.
Atmosphere and Interiors
The interiors of The Corner Store were crafted by the Rockwell Group, who blended vintage SoHo style with playful, modern elements. The space features green velvet upholstery and accents of green onyx, which add richness and depth.
The walls are decorated with playful illustrations, enhancing the nostalgic yet fresh feel. Overall, the design captures the essence of old-school New York dining while creating a welcoming, stylish environment for guests.
Menu Highlights
The Corner Store offers a carefully chosen menu that mixes classic American dishes with a modern twist. Diners will find a variety of flavorful starters, hearty sandwiches, and rich main courses. The menu focuses on quality ingredients and nostalgic flavors that reflect old-school New York dining.
Starters and Appetizers
The appetizer selection sets the tone with familiar favorites made fresh. The shrimp cocktail is a standout, served chilled with a tangy sauce that complements the plump shrimp. Another popular choice is the creamy spinach artichoke dip, perfect for sharing.
For a twist on pizza, the five cheese pizza rolls are cheesy, crispy, and bite-sized, combining comfort with quality. The Corner Store Caesar salad brings a fresh touch with crisp romaine and everything bagel croutons that add bold flavor and crunch. These starters balance light and rich options for guests to begin their meal.
Signature Dishes
The restaurant’s signature plates emphasize quality meats and nostalgic flavors. Their steak section features tender cuts such as the highly prized wagyu rib, cooked to highlight its rich marbling and depth.
The wagyu French dip sandwich is another signature, served on house-baked bread and accompanied by flavorful au jus. It highlights the corner store’s commitment to high-end ingredients and classic preparation methods. These dishes offer a refined take on familiar tastes for a polished dining experience.
Sandwiches and Comfort Food
Comfort food at The Corner Store includes beloved sandwiches that carry a New York vibe. The pastrami sandwiches fill the gap between classic deli flavors and upscale style, piled high with well-seasoned meat.
Other hearty sandwich options focus on quality bread and fresh fillings, often paired with simple sides. The sandwiches balance generosity with precise seasoning, making them perfect for lunch or dinner. Together, these dishes provide a satisfying and authentic American meal.
Steak and Oyster Specialties
The Corner Store in Soho offers a focused menu that highlights expertly prepared steaks alongside fresh oysters. Diners can expect creative takes on classic dishes, with a clear emphasis on quality cuts and unique flavor pairings.
Disco Steak Frites and Wagyu Options
The Disco Steak Frites is a standout dish. It features hand-cut French fries paired with prime steaks cooked to order. The fries have a crispy exterior and are often paired with bold sauces like the peppery au poivre.
For steak lovers, Wagyu options are available, including the Wagyu French Dip. These steaks offer rich marbling and a tender bite that sets them apart. Other options include the bone-in New York strip and the center-cut filet mignon, both known for their robust flavor and fine texture. The menu highlights these primes cuts with straightforward presentations that let the meat shine.
Oysters and Seafood Selection
Seafood is a key part of the menu, with a variety of oysters served fresh and cold. Vodka-soaked oysters offer a unique twist, adding a subtle kick that complements their natural brininess.
The lobster caviar roll is another popular option. It pairs luxurious seafood flavors with well-balanced ingredients for a refined taste. In addition to oysters, the seafood selection includes martini oysters, a blend of classic flavors served with a cocktail-inspired presentation.
Signature Sauces and Sides
Sauces like the au poivre enhance the steak experience with peppery heat and creaminess. For those seeking something lighter or more familiar, the sour cream and onion option pairs well with fries, offering a comforting yet tangy companion.
Side dishes focus on quality and texture. Hand-cut fries deliver a salty crunch that balances the richness of the steak. These sides are designed to complement the main dishes without overpowering them, keeping the overall meal balanced and satisfying.
Innovative Martini and Cocktail Program
The Corner Store Soho offers a specialized focus on martinis and cocktails, creating unique drinks with precision and creativity. Their menu features both timeless classics and inventive new varieties crafted through advanced techniques. The experience includes personalized service and carefully designed drinks that highlight sophisticated flavors.
Martini Service and Signature Drinks
The Corner Store provides an exclusive tableside martini service, where martinis are poured directly from custom-branded glass bottles. Each bottle contains a perfectly diluted blend chilled to the ideal temperature. For $40, guests can enjoy two of their most popular martinis: Oli’s Dirty Martini and The Filth, both known for their savory profiles.
Other signature drinks include inventive options like the Tomato Martini and the Sour Cream and Onion Martini. All martinis balance classic ingredients with modern twists, using homemade vermouth brine to enhance flavor. This setup ensures a crafted experience that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous drinkers.
Beverage Team and Creative Approach
Beverage Director Lucas Robinson leads the drink program with a vision for innovation and quality. His team focuses on elevating martinis through experimentation and attention to detail. Robinson is known for blending classic styles with modern methods to refine taste and presentation.
The team’s philosophy involves exploring textures, flavors, and techniques to surprise and delight guests. They aim to keep the cocktail list fresh while respecting cocktail history. This approach is clear in the thoughtfully curated menu that pairs familiar elements with creative flair.
Bar Techniques and Experiences
The Corner Store’s bartenders employ advanced methods such as infusion, sous vide, milk washing, and cryovac preparation. These techniques allow them to extract and amplify unique flavors in their drinks while maintaining balance.
Milk washing, used in some martinis, softens harsh elements and adds smoothness. Sous vide low-temperature infusions create concentrated flavors. These processes contribute to one-of-a-kind cocktails that stand out from typical bar offerings.
Guests can watch as martinis are crafted tableside, enhancing the experience with a personal touch and immediate freshness. This method combines precision with theater, making the act of pouring part of the enjoyment.
Notable Cocktails
Alongside classic and savory martinis like the Dirty Martini, The Corner Store features creative signature drinks. The Pornstar Royale is a popular choice, mixing sparkling wine with bold, modern flavors.
Oli’s Dirty Martini remains a highlight, notable for its rich, well-balanced saltiness and use of a special homemade vermouth brine. The Tomato Martini offers a savory, umami-forward option that challenges traditional expectations.
Each cocktail shows the program’s dedication to inventive quality, treating every drink as a crafted work. The variety includes options that are both approachable and adventurous, reflecting the broad appeal of their cocktail menu.
The Corner Store’s martini service is a defining feature, complemented by a team focused on creativity and a menu full of surprises.
Leadership and Culinary Direction
The leadership at The Corner Store is built on extensive experience and strong culinary expertise. The team focuses on quality, execution, and a refined take on classic American dishes. Their approach ensures a consistent and elevated dining experience.
Chef Michael Vignola
Michael Vignola serves as the culinary director for The Corner Store. With over 20 years in the restaurant industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the kitchen.
He plays a key role in shaping the restaurant’s menu and overall food concept. His background includes leading roles in major kitchens, which helps maintain high standards in ingredient selection and preparation. Vignola’s experience with Catch Hospitality Group allows him to blend tradition and innovation effectively.
His direction emphasizes balancing flavors and presenting dishes that reflect a refined yet approachable style. This careful oversight ensures The Corner Store’s menu stands out in SoHo’s competitive restaurant scene.
Paul Castro and Team
Paul Castro holds the position of executive chef at The Corner Store. He has contributed significantly through his previous role as executive chef at Catch New York for four years.
Castro leads the daily kitchen operations and works closely with Michael Vignola to execute the restaurant’s vision. His focus is on menu development, staff training, and maintaining quality control.
The team under Castro ensures each dish meets the expected standards of taste and presentation. Known for attention to detail, he manages a skilled kitchen staff to deliver consistent results. Together, Castro and Vignola form a strong leadership duo that guides The Corner Store’s culinary direction.
Culinary Techniques and Quality
The Corner Store uses precise cooking methods and carefully chosen ingredients to create its dishes. This focus ensures consistent texture, taste, and presentation that stand out.
Sous Vide and Modern Preparations
The kitchen at The Corner Store relies on sous vide cooking to control temperature and timing, which preserves moisture and flavor. This technique is key for meats and seafood, delivering a tender, evenly cooked result.
They also combine sous vide with other modern methods like quick searing or flash-frying to add texture and color. This layered approach allows dishes to have a delicate taste inside while maintaining an appealing exterior.
Attention to detail in timing and preparation highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality. These methods balance traditional cooking styles with innovative techniques to improve the dining experience.
Ingredient Sourcing
Ingredients at The Corner Store are carefully selected for freshness and quality. Seafood, like oysters and bluefin tuna, are brought in daily to ensure they meet high standards.
The kitchen partners with local farms to get seasonal produce, which supports flavor and sustainability. Meats are often chosen from trusted suppliers who follow strict safety and quality protocols.
Using premium ingredients sets the foundation for each dish. The team’s emphasis on sourcing guarantees that every bite reflects careful preparation and top-grade raw materials.
For more on their fresh seafood selections, visit The Corner Store’s Raw Bar menu.
Events and Private Experiences
The Corner Store in SoHo offers unique spaces designed for intimate gatherings and special occasions. Its settings are crafted to fit events that seek a blend of style and comfort.
Glass Patio Gatherings
The restaurant features a glass patio that serves as a prime spot for private events. This space is enclosed with clear walls and a ceiling, creating an airy atmosphere with natural light.
It can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, making it ideal for celebrations like birthday parties or business dinners. Guests enjoy city views without exposure to outdoor elements.
The ambiance here is both elegant and relaxed, suitable for casual yet upscale occasions. The glass patio is available for reservation, providing a controlled environment for special moments.
Special Tastings and Events
The Corner Store hosts curated tasting events that highlight seasonal menus and select beverages. These events are designed for guests interested in exploring American cuisine with a refined twist.
Such occasions may include wine pairings, chef’s tasting menus, or themed food and drink experiences. They often require prior booking due to limited seating and specific arrangements.
These events create a focused setting for food enthusiasts and groups wanting a distinctive dining experience. Private event options are available to customize menus and service for tailored experiences.
The Cornerstore Soho in the New York Dining Scene
The Cornerstore Soho brings a fresh vibe to New York dining by mixing old-school charm with modern touches. It opened in a well-known spot that was home to Dos Caminos for 20 years. The restaurant stands out with a playful menu and stylish design that recall classic New York.
Reception and Reviews
The Cornerstore Soho has received attention for its creative twists on familiar dishes. Critics praise its menu for items like the everything-bagel Caesar salad and disco steak fries, which blend nostalgia with innovation. The atmosphere recalls vintage New York dining but feels updated and lively.
Patrons appreciate the attention to detail in food and drinks, often noting the martini oysters as a highlight. The restaurant has quickly become a sought-after reservation, indicating strong demand and positive word of mouth. It balances upscale dining with a casual, approachable spirit.
Comparison to Other Venues
Compared to Dos Caminos, which held the same space from 2004 until 2024, The Cornerstore offers a more diverse and playful take on American cuisine. Dos Caminos was known for Mexican food, while The Cornerstore veers into classic New York-style dishes with thoughtful twists.
In the broader New York dining scene, The Cornerstore stands out by combining nostalgia with new ideas, unlike many venues focusing solely on trends or tradition. It competes well with other upscale yet casual places in SoHo, attracting diners who want a unique but familiar experience. The team behind it has a strong track record, which adds to its credibility.
For more details, visit The Cornerstore’s page on The Corner Store | American Restaurant in SoHo, NY.
