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Pinky Swear, opening April 24 at 171 Chrystie Street on the Lower East Side, aims to redefine the neighborhood’s dining scene by merging a traditional restaurant experience with immersive art installations.
“From token-activated payphones that reveal life’s great mysteries and control the lighting and sound installations to ancient marble busts whispering their secrets, and a NYC street parking meter that pays you for your time—every corner of Pinky Swear is alive with stories waiting to unfold,” reads a press release.
The installations were created by members of the Founders Path Art Collective, each contributing exclusive pieces to the venue, which was envisioned by interior designer Jeanette Didon, interaction designer Nathan Roth and architect Sebastian Quinn.
That same artistry reportedly extends to the food and drinks, under the tutelage of culinary director Will Horowitz, a chef, forager and “preservation expert.”
“Your Negroni may have saffron, your brisket burger may have Cheez Whiz,” the release teases, also highlighting more refined options like aged swordfish belly lardo with olive oil and yuzu, and smoked Shinnecock scallops with black walnut mousse.
Since the venue has yet to open, we’re curious to see how this ambitious concept will translate in practice. But if the preview photos are any indication, Pinky Swear is poised to at least attract the Instagram-driven crowd, securing an initial wave of viral fame. Whether that buzz will be fleeting or enduring remains to be seen—but the concept alone earns an A+.