One of life’s greatest pleasures is to share a good meal with friends. There are so many options: invite a few people over for burgers on the grill, or order take out and bring it to a homebound friend. Or…set a date to meet up at “the new place that just opened in Brookside”…which would-be Cru Bistro and Bottles at 128 W. 63rd St. Try a new dish, catch up with another couple, no screens for a few hours…just good conversation and tasty food, priceless!

So if you haven’t been to Cru yet, here’s a taste: the interior has been completely remodeled from the former Michael Forbes decor. Warm and inviting, the room is anchored by a long wall of wine bottles and white tablecloths on the tabletops. The large windows that overlook the streetscape will open during warm weather. The bar is still there, up the steps on the east side if you just want a drink and a nosh. Owners Hannah Koenig and Avery Bailey have extensive restaurant and hospitality experience (Avery was the GM at Bella Napoli), and when this space was vacant, somehow Avery convinced his wife to open Cru. Hannah told me “He was so excited when the space became available. We live within walking distance and love the community here, we love the neighborhood. We are both passionate and driven and we wanted to open this nice spot where people could connect over wine and good food in a relaxed atmosphere.”

The Cru name comes from that part of the vineyard where the best grapes are grown. And if wine is your thing, Cru offers some very unique varieties. They have bottles from Greece and Switzerland; Avery and Hannah work with small family producers and know the people behind the wine. Craft cocktails feature local spirits such as Tom’s Town. But what about the food?? This is a “bistro” but not solely French focused. You’ll find plenty of cheeses and a charcuterie on the menu, plus salads, a fish and chicken option and the very popular pork schnitzel and risotto. Some menu items will change seasonally.

Cru is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday; weekends are the most popular so you may want to stop in during the week to have a more leisurely experience. Reservations can be made via their website.