Keeping the convivial atmosphere of Hawthorne mainstay Gordo’s, which closed in February, Gordo’s North opened in Thornwood in September, with an updated menu and elevated interior design. As its outdoor signage proclaims it’s, “A new dining experience with old friends.”
The new restaurant is owned by Lisa Schlilman, of the original Gordo’s, and Joanne Piazza. Piazza describes the menu and the décor as “elevated casual.” With decorative black-and-white-tiled walls, black-and-white photos depicting the area’s past, and a great-looking bar, the restaurant is definitively more stylish than its predecessor. It’s also expansive, with seating for 150 people at tables, high tops, and comfortable bar seats. A number of large-screen TVs make this an ideal spot for watching the game.
“Families can come and feel comfortable, or a group of women can come and have a glass of wine and share some great appetizers” Schlilman says. “People don’t have to drive to Armonk or White Plains to spend a nice evening out.” The restaurant’s cocktail menu definitely makes for a festive night — with such drinks as the Smith & Kearns, with vodka, dark crème de cacao, milk (or almond milk), a pretzel rod and a chocolate Twizzler garnish.
The menu hits the right notes, too, with a wide variety of options to appeal to guests’ tastes. “An American restaurant is, by definition, a melting pot of flavors,” Piazza says. “We kept our menu on the smaller side, as we want to offer customers a trip around the globe without sacrificing consistency.”
Start with Thai meatballs in a spicy, sweet chili sauce. Then take a trip to Italy with an excellent chicken scarpariello with a balanced vinegar-pepper sauce or to New Orleans via the cornmeal-crusted fried shrimp sandwich, served on French bread with remoulade sauce. (Both dishes are amply sized.) Bonus points to Gordo’s North for the delicious — and piping hot — french fries. “Our aim was to keep serving our popular sliders and wings, while also offering great salad selections and appetizers like crispy spring rolls and whipped feta dip,” Schlilman says.
Gordo’s North also serves Sunday brunch, featuring standards like French toast, pancakes, and steak and eggs, plus a Caprese frittata, an open-face omelet with sliced tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Gordo’s North
1006 Broadway
Thornwood
914.579.2610
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