Dan Abrams is a figure best known for his role as ABC News’ chief legal analyst and his hosting duties on *On Patrol: Live*. Yet, beyond the courtroom dialogues and live crime coverage, Abrams has been quietly nurturing a parallel passion: the restaurant business. Having previously co-owned highly regarded New York spots like White Street in Tribeca and The Lion in Greenwich Village, Abrams is once again venturing into the culinary scene, this time with a deeply personal and ambitious concept—Danny’s, an American wine bistro set to open in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park neighborhood.
It’s clear Abrams approaches this new project with a hands-on mentality, evidenced by his involvement in everything from curating the wine list to interior aesthetics. He’s not just leveraging his celebrity but diving headlong into creating a space that’s both intimate and evocative of a bygone era, aiming for an atmosphere that beckons both wine lovers and New Yorkers who appreciate nostalgia wrapped in sophistication.
American Terroir Reimagined: A Wine List with a Mission
One of the most compelling aspects of Danny’s is Abrams’ dedication to championing American wines that often fly under the radar. Rather than sticking to the predictable marquee labels of California’s Napa and Sonoma, the bistro will offer an eclectic selection featuring wines from New York, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, and Michigan. This is not just a gimmick—it’s a deliberate attempt to broaden palates and redefine perceptions around American viticulture.
In an era where localism and authenticity are coveted in food and drink, Abrams’ approach taps into a growing consumer curiosity. Highlighting lesser-known wine regions challenges the industry’s traditional hierarchies and encourages a more inclusive appreciation of American terroirs. Given Abrams’ ownership of Ev&Em Vineyards on Long Island—named after his children—his personal stake in American wines lends credibility to this mission, setting Danny’s apart from typical wine bars that default to international selections.
An Atmosphere Rooted in New York’s Cultural Fabric
Danny’s promises to be more than a restaurant; it aims to be a cultural landmark. The design, inspired by iconic New York haunts such as Elaine’s, Keith McNally’s eateries, and Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, evokes that old-school glamour that has become rare in the city’s rapidly modernizing restaurant landscape. With timeless elements like banquettes, vintage photographs, and a mural celebrating the Ladies’ Mile Historic District, the bistro is designed to foster a sense of place and history.
This focus on ambiance suggests Abrams understands that dining today is as much about experience as it is about food and drink. By anchoring Danny’s in New York’s storied neighborhoods and aesthetics, he signals a commitment to crafting a sophisticated, distinctly local environment that invites patrons to linger and connect.
Scaling Down for Intimacy and Exclusivity
Compared to his earlier large-scale undertakings—White Street boasted 220 seats and attracted a powerful, star-studded clientele—Danny’s opts for a more compact, intimate setting with only 75 seats. This reduction in scale seems a strategic pivot, honing in on quality over quantity and emphasizing a gathering spot tailored for serious wine enthusiasts and locals alike.
Opening in his own neighborhood furthers the personal stake Abrams has in this project. It’s no longer merely a business venture but a community endeavor that fits organically within his day-to-day world. The choice to structure Danny’s as an approachable yet refined bistro underscores a more nuanced understanding of what contemporary New Yorkers may crave: authenticity paired with comfort, exclusivity balanced by local relevance.
A Calculation Beyond Celebrity
Abrams’ exit from the Law & Crime Network via a lucrative sale earlier in 2023 seems to have freed both capital and creative energy for these new ventures. Yet, what distinguishes his resurgence in hospitality is a clear departure from relying solely on celebrity cachet. While his media profile and previous high-profile restaurants provide precedent and PR advantage, Danny’s embodies a deeper, more mindful culinary vision.
This signals Abrams’ desire not just to dabble but to leave a lasting imprint on New York’s competitive dining scene. By emphasizing American wines, thoughtful design, and an intimate atmosphere, he’s positioning Danny’s as a bistro with a purpose—one that integrates personal passion with a genuine cultural statement. It remains to be seen how this blend of legal sharpness and gastronomic enthusiasm will play out, but Abrams is nothing if not ambitious in carving this distinctly American niche.