Bar Tizio: Jonathan Waxman’s Laid-Back Wine Bar Next to Barbuto Delivers Style, Substance & Sips

Introduction: Next Door to Greatness, Standing Out on Its Own

When your neighbor is Barbuto, one of New York’s most beloved modern Italian institutions, you could be forgiven for playing it safe. But Bar Tizio, the newly opened wine bar from chef Jonathan Waxman, doesn’t settle for being the sidekick—it’s carving out its own moment in the spotlight.

Bar Tizio offers something effortlessly charming: a space that bridges the comfort of a casual wine bar with the thoughtful execution of Waxman’s signature cooking style. Here, the roast chicken might live next door, but the tuna tartare, delicate agnolotti, and seared steak with romesco are reason enough to stay right where you are. Add in over 30 wines by the glass, and you’ve got a place that’s both approachable and quietly refined.

The Story Behind the Concept: A Natural Extension of a Culinary Legacy

Chef Jonathan Waxman is no stranger to New York’s fine dining scene. With Barbuto, he helped redefine what a relaxed yet high-quality neighborhood restaurant could be. With Bar Tizio, he turns the volume down even further—offering a space for pre-dinner drinks, casual meals, and intimate catch-ups, all with his unmistakable culinary signature.

The name “Tizio,” which loosely translates to “some guy” in Italian, speaks to the low-key, unassuming vibe of the place. It’s not trying to impress with grandiosity. Instead, it wows you with understated elegance, strong wine curation, and flavors that quietly linger long after the plate is cleared.

A Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Simplicity and Seasonality

At Bar Tizio, the kitchen isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it’s perfecting what already works—leaning on the best ingredients, classic pairings, and Waxman’s signature restraint that lets freshness shine.

This is food that doesn’t shout. It speaks gently and confidently, offering just enough flair without losing the soul of traditional Italian fare. Each dish is composed with wine in mind, with flavors balanced to complement—not compete with—what’s in your glass.

What Makes the Menu Special: Light Plates with Deep Personality

The menu at Bar Tizio is compact but thoughtfully composed, ideal for sharing over a bottle—or several—of wine. Here are some of the early standouts:

Tuna Tartare

A Waxman classic, given the Bar Tizio treatment. The dish is minimalist but vibrant, with silky tuna accented by citrus, herbs, and a whisper of heat. Served with crisp house-made crackers, it sets the tone for the meal: light, elegant, and endlessly snackable.

Agnolotti

Pillowy, hand-rolled agnolotti filled with seasonal ricotta or sometimes squash, depending on the day. These are buttery, delicate, and finished with just the right drizzle of brown butter and sage—comforting and refined all at once.

Steak with Romesco

The heartiest dish on the menu, the steak arrives perfectly medium-rare with a deeply flavorful romesco sauce—nutty, smoky, and slightly sweet. It’s the ideal counterpart to a bold red.

Other Rotating Favorites

Bar Tizio also surprises with occasional appearances of items like marinated olives, grilled artichokes, roasted carrots with tahini, and a refreshing lemon panna cotta to end on a sweet, citrusy note.

The Wine: 30+ Reasons to Linger a Little Longer

Wine is clearly the soul of Bar Tizio. With over 30 wines by the glass, the bar encourages exploration and spontaneity. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or a curious novice, the staff offers warm, knowledgeable guidance without a hint of pretension.

Expect a dynamic list with Italian varietals, biodynamic pours, and a handful of French and Californian favorites. The focus is on balance and pairability, with plenty of wines chosen specifically to match the salty, rich, and bright notes of the food.

A few featured pours might include:

• Vermentino from Sardinia – perfect with the tartare

• Etna Rosso from Sicily – earthy enough for grilled veggies, yet light on its feet

• Chianti Classico – a natural match for steak and romesco

• Orange wines and pét-nats – for the adventurous drinker wanting something textural and funky

Ambience and Atmosphere: Understated Elegance in the West Village

Bar Tizio’s interior is a lesson in refined minimalism. Exposed brick, cozy banquettes, and a modest bar create an intimate space that feels like it’s been here forever. The lighting is soft, the playlist jazzy, and the mood undeniably West Village.

It’s a spot made for lingering—not rushing. Whether you’re flying solo with a book and a glass of Lambrusco, or sliding into a booth with friends for wine flights and nibbles, Bar Tizio feels like a local’s secret—the kind of place you find once, then return to again and again.

A Perfect Pairing with Barbuto—Without Competing

Bar Tizio doesn’t try to outdo its sibling, Barbuto. Instead, it complements it. Think of it as Barbuto’s cool, younger cousin—just as stylish, a little more casual, but equally obsessed with flavor.

Those craving the famous roast chicken will still need to stroll next door. But if you're looking to start or end your evening with wine, thoughtful small plates, and low-key luxury, Bar Tizio is the place.

Conclusion: A Wine Bar That Whispers Luxury

Bar Tizio is proof that you don’t have to shout to be heard. With its humble name, softly glowing space, and subtly stunning menu, it offers an experience that feels quietly indulgent. It invites you to slow down, sip thoughtfully, and savor well-executed dishes without ceremony.