In theory, it shouldn’t be hard to tell Bar Milano from Milano’s Bar. But, somehow, we know that visitors hoping to go to the new Lupa sequel from Jason Denton will eventually end up at the landmark Houston Street dive bar, so we present an easy-to-read side-by-side comparison, just to prevent any possible confusion.
Bar Milano
Milano’s Bar
The Menus
Elevated versions of classic Northern Italian cuisine.
Beer. Hard liquor. Pretzels (but they’ll cost you).
The Owners
Jason Denton, partner in Otto and Lupa.
David McWaters, who controls a slew of East Village bars, including Nice Guy Eddie’s and the Library.
The Space
Marble walls, suave upholstery, handblown Polish glassware.
A dark, narrow corridor plastered with photos of famously hard-drinking regulars of yore, as well as old baseball lineups.
The Crowd
Well-heeled foodies, Lupa loyalists, and bloggers.
Regulars and regulars-in-training.
What the Critics Said
Not reviewed yet, but given the place’s pedigree, expectations are high.
“At least they have toilet paper,” gushes one Yelp user.
The Cost
$13 cocktails; entrées from $24 and up.
Everything’s about $5, unless it’s happy hour, in which case, $4.
The Drop-in
Crowded, but you can still manage — maybe.
Doors open at 8 a.m., if you need it.
