P.J. Clarke’s Oyster Bar & Grille is in development at 424 W 33rd St. in Hudson Yards.
P.J. Clarke’s has a storied history dating back to 1884, but this new location will be the start of a new chapter for the brand. On P. J. Clarke’s website, a timeline weaves through the many iconic figures and New Yorkers who have left their mark on the bar. In turn, P.J. Clarke’s has made its mark on them.
P.J. Clarke’s has cemented itself into the essence of New York City with three locations spanning from Battery Park City to Lincoln Square. There are two additional locations in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
Today, P.J. Clarke’s is owned by Phil Scotti. P.J. Clarke’s Oyster Bar & Grille will be a slightly different concept, although it will build a similar atmosphere and sense of community.
Scotti spoke with What Now NY over the phone to share more about his plans for the 424 W 33rd St. location.
“Most of the other buildings in this area are new and glassy, but the location for P.J. Clarke’s Oyster Bar & Grille really stands out,” said Scotti. “There’s nothing like it in the area. Right now it’s empty inside, but it has good bones that we are going to use to create something really one-of-a-kind.”
Scotti was initially drawn to the neighborhood because of its constant foot traffic. Located between Hudson Yards and the train station, P.J. Clarke’s Oyster Bar & Grille will appeal to one-time passers-by and daily commuters alike.
Part of Scotti’s goal with this new restaurant is to create a space for people to gather after work and engage with others.
“I like to think everyone we meet is a part of our story, and we want this saloon to support that,” said Scotti.
According to an application filed with Community Board 4, there will be 39 tables and 128 seats for guests. There will be 32 seats around the restaurant’s bar.
Scotti predicts this restaurant will be the busiest of The Clarkes’ Group’s collection of restaurants. With this in mind, he and his team intentionally sought out a location with easy access on the ground floor.
“New York happens on the street, not on the third floor,” said Scotti. “I want this to be a bar that anyone can come into after work, whether they work at BlackRock or in the train station. We’re building a bar for working people to come in, take a seat and engage in the liveliness that makes New York what it is.”
Jeremy Mazal, COO of the Clarkes’ Group, offered a brief description of P.J. Clarke’s in an email to the community board.
“P.J. Clarke’s is a true American Classic. Hailed as the ‘Vatican of Saloons’ the action at every PJ’s begins at the bar with tie-clad bartenders shaking martinis and serving up conversation; and spills over into our lively dining rooms where guests sit elbow to elbow at red and white checkered tables in quirky booths and red leather banquets. We are best known for our iconic burgers, freshest raw bar, and innate sense of hospitality.”
What Now NY was unable to immediately reach Mazal for a comment.
A menu attached to the liquor license application features raw oysters, a tartare menu and cooked seafood options. There will also be salads, entrées, dessert and the beloved Clarke Burgers.
Scotti anticipates the entire build-out process will be between seven and nine months. The team is finalizing design plans for the kitchen and bar, and plans to begin construction in the next few weeks.
“We are looking to have a little fun with this project,” Scotti said. “It’s always exciting to see your ideas manifest into reality, but it’s even more rewarding to see people walk out of your business feeling like they belong.”
