Image Credit: Emily Teague
On July 16th, Chloe Coscarelli—renowned vegan chef and author—celebrated a milestone moment: the grand opening of her new vegan restaurant, “CHLOE,” in the heart of New York City. Located at 185 Bleecker Street, the very corner where she first launched By CHLOE nearly a decade ago, this all-day café is more than just a culinary venture. It’s a heartfelt return to her roots, blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist.
CHLOE’s menu features vegan comfort food made with sourced ingredients. Expect plant-based burgers, crisp salads, creamy mac and cheese, decadent cakes, and cookies that promise to delight.
But beyond the enticing menu and chic décor lies a story of resilience and redemption.
Chloe’s comeback is not just about the food; it’s about reclaiming her dream and reconnecting with a community that once embraced her. So, does CHLOE live up to its deeply personal and emotional narrative? How do its offerings measure up to the hype? Let’s dive into the heartfelt journey of Chloe’s return to the New York dining scene.
Chloe’s Redemption: A Triumphant Return to Her New York Roots
Chloe Coscarelli’s story is one of resilience and triumph. In 2017, she was forced out of her own restaurant, By CHLOE, due to a deceitful partnership.
Reflecting on this period, she wrote on Facebook:
“As many of you know, my former restaurant By Chloe was co-opted by a deceitful partner in 2017. It was an abrupt halt to what had otherwise been a magical experience. I still remember leaving our flagship store for the last time and feeling an overwhelming sense of unease. It didn’t seem right to mourn the end when I knew, deep down, that I had only just begun. Standing on the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal, I promised myself that someday, somehow, I would return. And when I did, it would be on my own terms. Well… that day has come!!”
She continued:
“I’m beyond ecstatic to announce the official grand opening of my new restaurant, CHLOE—located at 185 Bleecker Street, the same corner where I opened By Chloe exactly nine years ago. CHLOE is an all-day café serving classic eats with thoughtfully sourced ingredients (all vegan, of course!). There are no words to express how grateful I am for this incredible opportunity and the amazing team who has helped turn this dream into a reality. We’ve been working around the clock to create a truly special place that I hope will become one of your favorite neighborhood spots.”
In an interview with Elle Magazine, Chloe poignantly described the pain of seeing her name associated with a restaurant she couldn’t fully embrace: “Imagine…seeing your own restaurant and name everywhere, but knowing that you can’t really go in because, even though the restaurant is your namesake, you are no longer welcome.”
Despite the challenges, Chloe and her former partners reached a settlement in 2022. “All I could do was keep putting one foot in front of the other, creating recipes, and hoping that someday I would get my name back,” she reflects. “And now, here we are…” With arms wide open, Chloe welcomed her guests into a space that embodies her journey and her passion.
The Vibe: A Nostalgic Embrace
Walking into CHLOE feels like a warm embrace from an old friend. The space beautifully combines the charm of the original By CHLOE with a fresh, modern update. Indoor and outdoor seating options create a welcoming atmosphere, and the vibe resonates with nostalgia and comfort.
Jenny, a longtime fan, describes the experience on Yelp: “Walking in felt very nostalgic and emotional. It looks like how it did way back when but better! The room feels just right at home.” Gunjan echoes this sentiment, adding, “This is my absolute favorite restaurant, and I couldn’t be happier that they are back and somehow even better than before. We visited the day after it reopened and were warmly greeted by Chef Chloe and her family, who made us feel incredibly welcome.”
The dining room exudes freshness and openness, with just a subtle nod to its branding. Michael shares, “The dining room is fresh, open, and crisp, with just a whisper of branding to remind us where we are. The staff seem completely delighted to be there and excited to talk about the menu. On a late Saturday afternoon, the place was hopping but it was still easy to find a spot to sit.”
The Food: A Perfect Mix of Approachable and Special
As for the food, the reviews are glowing. Michael notes, “The attention to detail was remarkable and everything was exquisitely fresh tasting. I had the classic burger, which was just as unique and delicious as I expected. The Summer Corn Mac was the big star for me. Saucy and delicious, topped with a slightly spicy pesto and creamy vegan ricotta. Damn it was so good! Are we in store for a rotating seasonal mac? Here. For. It.”
Jenny, who revisited some of Chloe’s iconic dishes, declares, “All of her iconic food items taste exactly how they did all those years ago. I got the nachos, kale salad, matcha soft serve, cinnamon espresso cookie, and chocolate sprinkle cake. It’ll forever and always be my go-to place to be.”
Others rave about the fresh and delicious offerings. Joseph enjoyed a generous Tex-Mex inspired salad bowl with quinoa, while Sarah appreciated the Farmers Market chopped salad and nachos, highlighting the “immaculate” fry sauce. Michael also praised the “pure beauty of plant-based meals,” adding that every dish is a “perfect mix of approachable yet special.”
And, of course, Chloe’s desserts are a highlight. Michael recounts, “My BF and I split a piece of vanilla cake which was so light and fluffy and yummo to the max. Next time I am going to get my own slice though; it was all I could do not to call him out for taking too many bites.”
A New Chapter: More Than Just a Restaurant
CHLOE is more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to Chloe Coscarelli’s unwavering spirit and dedication. It represents a new beginning, a return to a beloved corner of New York City, and a celebration of her journey from adversity to triumph. As Chloe herself puts it, “We’ve been working around the clock to create a truly special place that I hope will become one of your favorite neighborhood spots.”
In every bite, every detail, and every interaction, the essence of Chloe’s story shines through. For those who have followed her journey, CHLOE is not just a restaurant—it’s a beacon of hope, a reminder of resilience, and a place where old friends and fans can reconnect with a cherished part of their culinary history.
