John McDonald's SoHo
Where the seasoned restaurateur frequents in his neighborhood + LINKS
My Neighborhood is a Saturday column that serves as an alternative to Plugs. It’s where someone of note (with great taste) shares their five go-to spots in the neighborhood where they live or work. My Neighborhood is for paid subscribers of The Angel only; upgrade your subscription for all-access!
#5 is John McDonald, the restaurateur and entrepreneur known for iconic establishments like Lure Fishbar, for co-founding the food media site Tasting Table, and for writing BROKEN PALATE on Substack. As the founder and CEO of Mercer Street Hospitality, John is also behind Bar Mercer, Bowery Meat Company, Cha Cha Tang, Smyth Tavern, and, most recently, Seahorse in Union Square. He’s lived in SoHo for 20 years and has worked there even longer, since opening MercBar in 1993—which he ran in a garage rented from the Mercer Hotel for two decades (until the building was demolished). Eight years ago, John gave up his office; now, on any given weekday, you’ll find him working from one of his restaurants or the lobby of the Mercer Hotel. Here he is with his five go-to SoHo spots.
M&O Market & Deli
This has been a go-to spot for some of the best sandwiches in the city. In the back of the market is their deli counter, and they have a carving board that features either roast beef, turkey, or pork each day, fresh Portuguese rolls, and amazing empanadas. No frills, just excellent.
