For all Charlie Bird fans like myself, Pasquale Jones was one of winter 2016’s most hyped restaurant openings. The hotshot crew, that had successfully brought Charlie Bird to the Soho dining scene three years earlier, opened their second outpost with an equally catchy (nonsensical…? 🙄 ) name.
Pasquale Jones is a casual Italian restaurant located in a colorful modern and welcoming space in Nolita. The 45-seat dining room is a lot smaller than at its sister restaurant, but comfortably intimate, with the “hip-&-trendy-but-doesn’t-take-itself-too-seriously” kind of vibe. Relaxed table seating are spread along indoors and outdoors on warmer months, but the best seats are at their bar counter along the open kitchen, with front-row views on the two wood burning ovens. These bad boys are where the magic happens.
Closed Mondays
The majority of the Italian-inspired menu is prepared in their wood-fire ovens, except for their salad dishes and pastas of course. The single-page, seasonally changing menu at Pasquale Jones is pretty simple and straightforward: a few small plates under $20, a couple of vegetable dishes, a handful of fish, steak and game birds dishes…
But Pasquale Jones is all about the carbs, with three carefully selected pasta recipes and most importantly, the wood-oven pizzas. The thin-crust pies are what Pasquale Jones’ hype is all about, the most exceptional being their signature Little Neck Clam. The rest of the menu is “good” (if you’re famished, also get their pork shank or steak for two) but this place is best appreciated if regarded as a pizza joint.
Sit at the bar seating by the open kitchen
Along with their pizzas, Pasquale Jones excels in their wine list. Just like Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones is led by oenology scholars that have put together an ingeniously curated wine selection, which wittily starts with a “seasonal short list” of about 60 predominantly Italian and French bottles (great Burgundies). You’ll be able to choose from a total of 150 fairly priced bottles, half-bottles or wines-by-the-glass (served in the classiest stems as a bonus touch).
As all Charlie Bird regulars know, a legit hip-hop soundtrack is the team’s signature touch for a grindin’ and happening atmosphere. The crowd is young and vibrant, and the service friendly and casual (most of the time).
Pasquale Jones is a non-tipping establishment, which sounds like you’ll be saving up, but this new trend always ends up being a sham – the 20% fee is clearly taken into account in the pricing.
Accommodates for large parties private events
The groovy music, the funky vibe, the extensive wine and the shareable plates are what make Pasquale Jones a great restaurant for a friendly dinner gathering or a girls’ night out. Most seats are for walk-ins only, but a limited number of reservations are available, released two weeks in advance. Make sure to book a table in advance, or come outside of rush-dining hours to limit the wait.
Open for Dinner Tues-Sat 5:30pm-11pm / Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Lunch on weekends 12pm-3pm