Willet’s Corner Officially Opens on Amsterdam and 80th

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A new neighborhood restaurant has opened on the Upper West Side. Willet’s Corner, located at 420 Amsterdam Avenue at West 80th Street, comes from Ken Halberg, a lifelong New Yorker and the owner of the former Flatiron spot Harding’s.

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The corner restaurant replaces Black Lab Café, a short-lived “dog and human café” that closed earlier this year after opening in 2022.

Willet’s Corner describes itself as an American restaurant offering “shareable, ingredient-driven dishes” alongside a cocktail and wine program with a natural-leaning focus. The team behind it includes several longtime collaborators from Harding’s: Executive Chef Joel Zaragoza, who led that kitchen for more than a decade; Beverage Director Hugo Ayala, who also worked at Halberg’s Casa Neta; and Jill Halberg, Ken’s wife and business partner who oversees catering, events, and community outreach.

Inside, the space features wrap-around windows, exposed brick, and warm wood finishes, anchored by an 11-seat bar and lined with banquette seating.

The menu spans snacks, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and mains. Some highlights, per a restaurant press release, include Fig Toast with whipped ricotta and red-wine-simmered figs; Roasted Za’atar Cauliflower with crispy capers; and a Levantine Flatbread topped with hummus, roasted red peppers, and feta.

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Heartier options include a Seared Ahi Tuna sandwich—a nod to Harding’s former tuna burger—served on ciabatta with pickled onions and garlic aioli; Campanelle Bolognese made with grass-fed beef; and Short Rib braised in red wine and strawberry preserves.

Desserts include a Flourless Chocolate Cake and Apple Crisp with vanilla bean ice cream.

The drink list features updated classics, such as the Strawberry Thistle (gin, elderflower, strawberry syrup, and milk thistle) and Dirty Chai Espresso Martini. A zero-proof section offers non-alcoholic cocktails built around teas and fresh ingredients, like the Smoky Orchard (Lapsang Souchong tea, apple juice, and ginger beer).

Willet’s Corner’s wine list includes a range of natural and organic bottles, with 12 available by the glass, and a rotating selection of beers, ciders, and coffee and tea.

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