Welcome to your new favorite spot in Chelsea
New York is famously known as the city that never sleeps. But with Chelsea’s newest cocktail bar and restaurant, The Eighth, the team is asking New Yorkers to do the unimaginable: sit back, relax, and savor the moment.
As of February 2026, The Eighth has officially opened its doors, welcoming guests into a space designed to exist outside the ordinary calendar. This venue is the brainchild of renowned designers Julien Legeard and Valmira Gashi of Opus Hospitality in collaboration with hospitality veteran Richie Romero. Where most Manhattan spots prioritize high-turnover and fast-paced spectacle, The Eighth is rooted in the ethos that an experience should be felt rather than immediately understood. With design at its core, the environment ensures guests never feel rushed, inviting them to linger in a space where time feels beautifully suspended.
Stepping inside, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere – deeply sensual, nocturnal, and possessing the magnetic pull of a liminal space. The palette is a sophisticated mixture of rich purples that marry into beautifully crafted accents, such as the backlit stone bar that glows as if it were the centerpiece of an altar or temple. The Eighth centers its narrative around two motifs: the Moth and the Snake. The snake represents the cyclical nature of infinity, while the moth symbolizes attraction and surrender. This symbolism is most evident at the glowing bar, which acts as a literal flame, drawing guests into the heart of the room.
The menu features a series of inspired bites created the culinary team. The Hoggin’ A Duvet is a cheeky, elevated delight that is made up of a prosciutto and puff pastry-wrapped beef hot dog finished with earthy mushroom duxelles. The Jerk Wings, Honey! focuses on balance sweet and savory. Featuring house-made jerk marmalade and a scotch bonnet honey, this dish provides a perfect, lingering kick that keeps you coming back for more. However, the absolute standout was the Scallop Crudo: fresh Hokkaido scallops paired with stone fruit and gooseberry. It is bright, acidic, and the ultimate companion to the bar’s avant-garde cocktail program.
Speaking of the spirits, the cocktail menu is nothing short of inspired. Helmed by a passionate mixologist , the program focuses on “rituals” rather than just drinks. We sampled the Flash of Inspiration, which leverages a vibrant gin and butterfly pea cordial blend for a light, floral, and impactful finish. The favorite of the night, however, was the Midnight Ballerina. A smoky, upscaled take on the Pornstar Martini, it utilizes mezcal and sparkling Riesling to create layers of complexity that keep you coming back for more.
While The Eighth is designed for “the pause,” its versatility is its secret weapon. The transition from an intimate dinner spot to a high-energy event space is seamless. Located in the heart of Chelsea, it serves as the ideal home base for New York’s creative industries, effortlessly transforming from a lush restaurant into a premier afterparty venue. The DJ booth is strategically designed to activate a disco ball that fractures light across the room, shifting the energy at a moment’s notice. With nightly cocktail ceremonies at 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM, the venue creates built-in “moments” that keep the energy of an event focused and intentional rather than chaotic.
Whether you are seeking a hidden corner for a private conversation or a striking backdrop for a high-profile brand launch, The Eighth offers a level of curated “edge” that is increasingly rare in New York’s trend-chasing landscape.
