MANHATTAN — The owner of a new European bar and lounge says he'll bring a taste of Downtown to the Upper East Side.
The Tuscan restaurant and wine bar Felice 83, located on First Avenue at East 83rd Street, is set to open a lounge called Felice Next Door during the first week in October, owner Jacopo Giustiniani said.
While Felice 83 at 1593 First Ave. has a formal, sit-down environment, Felice Next Door will be a more casual hangout, said Giustiniani, who owns three Manhattan restaurants.
“I want to develop a sophisticated, casual and welcoming spot where my guests can enjoy a sports match or a romantic evening with their loved ones,” said Giustiniani, who co-owns the new lounge with Gherardo Guarducci.
Giustiniani said that while the Upper East Side is full of great bars, Felice Next Door will stand out.
The 30-seat lounge will have two flat-screen TVs that play American and European sports games, in a nod to Felice’s Italian roots.
Wine-infused cocktails by mixologist Salvatore Tafuri will be served nightly. The bar will include European craft beers, artisanal whiskeys and Felice's signature organic wine imported from Tuscany.
Felice Next Door will also have small snacks from chef Simone Parisotto, including lobster rolls, pulled pork paninis and veal meatballs.
Felice Next Door will be open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. On weekends, the lounge will serve brunch from noon to 4 p.m.
