Primo’s, the older sophisticated sister to Mr. Fong’s – a favourite after-hours Chinatown drinking establishment – is NYC’s latest offering in elevated hotel bars.
Discovered inside The Frederik Hotel in Lower Manhattan, partner Aisa Shelley inspires the spirit of summer holiday through Mediterranean styles of drinking with Spritzes, Negroni’s, anisette, and endless cups of coffee. Part classic cocktails, part reimagined European aperitifs served with midnight pasta, and coconut chili anise vodka highballs, Primo’s atypical bar menu reveals its playful, one-of-a-kind mindset intended for a plush haven for drinks and small bites before and after meals.
With nods to art deco, mid-century modern, and a Seventies Italian aesthetic, designer Camilla Deterre sourced distinct sets of vintage lamps and chrome-framed chairs from the 1950s and 60s, reupholstering them with velvet cushions and pairing them with custom-made terrazzo tiles and wood panelling.
Highlighting the darkly lit den, and conceived specifically for Primo’s, is an impressive mural painted by Conie Vallese – a theatrical composition of contrasting geometric shapes and colours in sync with a well-orchestrated cocktail bar. Split between the front bar and back room den, the latter is saved for late-night dancing and continuous cocktail hour from Thursday through Saturday.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
129 Chambers St
-
The Testament of Ann Lee brings the Shaker aesthetic to the big screenDirected by Mona Fastvold and featuring Amanda Seyfried, The Testament of Ann Lee is a visual deep dive into Shaker culture
-
Dive into Buccellati's rich artistic heritage in Shanghai'The Prince of Goldsmiths: Buccellati Rediscovering the Classics' exhibition takes visitors on an immersive journey through a fascinating history
-
Love jewellery? Now you can book a holiday to source rare gemstonesHardy & Diamond, Gemstone Journeys debuts in Sri Lanka in April 2026, granting travellers access to the island’s artisanal gemstone mines, as well as the opportunity to source their perfect stone
-
Form... and flavour? The best design-led restaurant debuts of 2025A Wallpaper* edit of the restaurant interiors that shaped how we ate, gathered and lingered this year
-
New York’s members-only boom shows no sign of stopping – and it's about to get even more nicheFrom bathing clubs to listening bars, gatekeeping is back in a big way. Here’s what’s driving the wave of exclusivity
-
The Wallpaper* team’s travel highlights of the yearA year of travel distilled. Discover the destinations that inspired our editors on and off assignment
-
This cult Los Angeles pop-up restaurant now has a permanent addressChef Brian Baik’s Corridor 109 makes its permanent debut in Melrose Hill. No surprise, it's now one of the hardest tables in town to book
-
NYC’s first alcohol-free members’ club is full of spiritThe Maze NYC is a design-led social hub in Flatiron, redefining how the city gathers with an alcohol-free, community-driven ethos
-
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2026: City of the Year shortlistExplore the nominated urban locations making an impact in design, architecture and contemporary culture
-
A local’s guide to Miami by gallerist Nina JohnsonAs Art Basel Miami Beach 2025 kicks off, gallerist Nina Johnson shares her hometown essentials – from art museums to where to eat, drink and shop
-
The W New York, Union Square gets a grown-up revamp by Rockwell GroupThe noughties hotspot has reopened with a more mature – yet never muted –new look. Wallpaper* checks in