New York - May 27, 2009

Boys Club

Jo’s Restaurant Opens

Canadian Ian was cooking in Jersey, Johnny was doing the L.A. thing, and Kevin was boozing it up in McNallyland.

But the boys are back in town. And they — along with White Rabbit’s Jim Chu — have opened a new Nolita clubhouse: Jo’s.

Or make that a pubhouse with easy, fun fare that neighbors will crave every day around sunset. Like a Jerk and a Slap (house-cured beef jerky and Pork Slap Ale) and Meat in a Cup (duck rillette with BBQ sauce). Mains are a la carte or “old school,” with seasonal sides. Cocktails run the libation gamut from classic (pisco) to modern (St-Germain).

The front room is casual and waiterless. The back is modern farmy. Yes, this is the old Tasting Room space, but don’t talk about curses. Johnny Santiago and Chu used to own awesome ’40s supper club Torch, which (irony alert!) burned down. Who’s looking back? It’s all good times around here.

Incidentally, Jo’s is named for Johnny’s mother, Josephine.

They know how to treat a lady.

Jo’s, 264 Elizabeth Street, between Houston and Prince Streets (212-966-9640).