Dan Abrams is not someone you’d immediately associate with the culinary world. Known foremost as ABC News’ chief legal analyst and the host of “On Patrol: Live,” he has carved a niche in legal commentary and media entrepreneurship. Yet, behind the scenes, Abrams has been building a parallel career as a restaurateur. His upcoming venture, Danny’s, promises to be more than just another restaurant opening; it’s a carefully curated homage to classic New York dining culture combined with an innovative twist on American wine offerings.
Curating an Intimate Experience in the Heart of Manhattan
Located at 46 West 22nd Street in the Ladies’ Mile Historic District, Danny’s will embrace an intimate, boutique-sized layout with just 75 seats. This is a sharp contrast to White Street, one of Abrams’ prior ventures which was a much larger 220-seat restaurant in Tribeca. The cozy scale feels savvy because it allows for a more personal, sophisticated dining experience that fits perfectly within the vibe of Abrams’ own Madison Square Park neighborhood. It’s clear he is evolving rather than repeating a formula, adapting to a different audience and atmosphere with true attention to detail.
Celebrating American Wine with Selective Excellence
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Danny’s is its dedication to American wines, but with an intriguing focus on lesser-known states such as New York, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, and Michigan. This deliberate spotlight on regional vineyards beyond the traditional heavyweights like California’s Napa Valley is both enlightening and market-savvy. By leveraging his oenophile reputation and ownership of Ev&Em Vineyards on Long Island, Abrams is tapping into a growing trend of wine enthusiasts seeking out local flavors and smaller appellations. It’s a bold move that not only supports domestic producers but could reshape public perceptions about American wine diversity.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Ambience
The conceptual atmosphere Abrams envisions for Danny’s is a blend of old-school New York icons: the literary glamour of Elaine’s, the refined flavor of Keith McNally’s establishments, and the upscale comfort of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar. The choice of decor—featuring banquettes, vintage photographs, and a mural celebrating the historic locale—suggests a soulful, nostalgic experience rather than a sterile contemporary spot. This fusion of familiarity with elegance has the potential to attract a discerning clientele who appreciate authenticity and heritage woven into their dining choices.
Balancing Media Success with Culinary Ambition
Abrams’ pivot comes on the heels of a highly successful deal in 2023 when he sold his Law & Crime Network to Jellysmack. The capital and creative freedom from that exit likely fuel this new project, which feels more passion-driven than purely commercial. It’s encouraging to see a figure known for legal commentary and digital media entrepreneurship challenge himself in the competitive New York dining scene. The past success of The Lion and White Street indicates he understands the dynamics of opening hotspots that resonate culturally with media, politics, and celebrity circles. Yet, with Danny’s, Abrams is tightening the focus—reducing scale, deepening concept, and personalizing experience.
Why Danny’s Could Redefine “Make America Grape Again”
The cheeky ambition behind promoting wine from lesser-known U.S. states underlines a larger cultural movement toward celebrating local craftsmanship and terroir. Critics might view this as a niche indulgence, but Abrams’ integration of media savvy, culinary appreciation, and community connection could make Danny’s a role model for how local food and drink businesses innovate while honoring history. It’s not just about selling wine—it’s about reinvigorating American pride in viticulture through storytelling, curated ambiance, and genuine enthusiasm.
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Dan Abrams’ Danny’s is poised not to be just another restaurant opening in Manhattan’s crowded dining scene but a thoughtfully packaged experience that celebrates history, wine, and intimacy, all wrapped in the aura of a media personality who knows how to build hype and deliver substance. If early signs hold true, Danny’s may become a beacon for those seeking quality, character, and a fresh take on American bistros.