Bar Primi Penn District

Meyer Davis

Short description

Designed by Meyer Davis, Bar Primi’s second location in New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, brings a vibrant and approachable character inspired by the Roman neighborhood of Testaccio. Located across from Moynihan Station and opening onto 33rd Street, Bar Primi serves as an anchor within this resurgent community. Meyer Davis embraced the building’s industrial history with expansive steel windows and doors, leveraging high ceilings to create a bold arrival moment.

The pill-shaped bar, the first encounter upon entering, features a Calacatta Viola marble top and handmade glazed tiles, setting the tone for the energetic yet approachable ambiance. The main dining room is a blend of custom light fixtures and collaborations with local artisans like In Common With, Workstead, and Allied Maker, casting soft, layered lighting. Curated artwork, including a hand-painted mural by Brooklyn artist Finley, adds bold accents and a bit of cheekiness. The design incorporates saturated leather upholstery and a preserved tree installation around the central banquette, fostering an indoor/outdoor feel.

A private dining room, connected by rippled colored glass panels, features a moody ambiance with graphic wallcovering and a small private bar, allowing for flexible event layouts. The outdoor seating area, approximately half a block in size, mirrors the lively interior with lush greenery, brick columns, metal pergolas, and a prominent red neon Bar Primi sign. The pergola draped with fabric and string lights, along with a fireplace, fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere, making the outdoor dining experience unique to the neighborhood.

Bar Primi Midtown aims to bring the same charm and culinary excellence as the original Bowery staple, ensuring guests feel a sense of familiarity and leave uplifted by the energetic surroundings.