After a decade-long hiatus, the East Village’s New Orleans-themed Ninth Ward is preparing for a triumphant return to 180 Second Ave. The restaurant closed in 2016, and reopening plans stalled throughout the pandemic and beyond. Signage for the Ninth Ward is now visible at the address, indicating a return could be imminent. What Now New York has reached out for more information.
According to documents filed with the city in 2024, the culinary and beverage program will remain in tribute to the Big Easy. While the bar will continue to emphasize Sazeracs and frozen cocktails, the new kitchen will offer a selection of New Orleans-inspired small bites and hearty comfort food.
The reimagined space will balance its classic neighborhood feel with a gut-renovated interior to accommodate approximately 74 guests. Patrons can expect a return to the moody, low-lit decor that defined the original location, featuring a prominent 20-foot stand-up bar with seating for 12. This long-awaited reopening marks the final chapter of a renovation saga that survived both a global pandemic and nearly ten years of construction delays.
