New Spot on the Block: 'Cactus Wren' Opens on Corner of Ludlow and Rivington
Takes over the old Serafina space on a lovely Hell's Square corner.
The team behind Sixty Three Clinton has opened Cactus Wren, another LES restaurant, this time on the corner of Ludlow and Rivington, serving up a unique mix of sophisticated small plates and entrees. The descriptions online of the place vary - some call it a wine bar, others a restaurant - but the reviews are all decidedly positive. Google reviewers, Conde Nast Traveler, and (the peculiarly named blog) If the Devil Had Menopause all had the same praise for the food, vibe, and drinks.
It's no surprise why. The restaurant is run by two star chefs who've been around our neighborhood for a while. Chefs Samuel Clonts and Raymond Trinh once worked at Bar Ucho, a kaiseki restaurant active on Eldridge Street for several years until 2021 (seems the space has been vacant since). That's where Clonts earned his Michelin star as executive chef at only 26 years old. The pair opened tasting menu based Sixty Three Clinton (between Stanton and Rivington) soon after leaving, which 4 years later is still going strong.
Cactus Wren is open 5 days of the week from Wednesday - Sunday 5:30PM to 10PM, and replaces a most beloved neighborhood gem Serafina that I'm sure all locals will miss dearly. Before Serafina, the space was home to Galli restaurant and then 'inoteca before that, who had been there since at least 2007. The location, with its windows and position right in the heart of Hell's Square, could hardly be better for late night people watching.
Wishing best of luck to the operators!
Chefs: Samuel Clonts, Raymonde Trinh
Beverage Director: Michael Tran
Interior Design: Dylan Mellinger, Nicole Pilar
