The Must Will Be Back, But First Comes Perch

For those who recall last year's shutdown scandal surrounding Downtown's wine bar The Must, this is the news you may have been waiting for: The Must will be back, soon, at a new location. However, first from business partners Coly Den Haan and Rachel Thomas will be Perch, a sleek rooftop lounge the duo is poised to open in the Pershing Square Building.

Den Haan describes the rooftop bar as "a French girl in an American dress," with a nod towards offering a chic experience without the pretentiousness that often accompanies such a venue. Says Thomas, Perch will simply offer "good food and cocktails with great service." Oh, and a killer view: The three-story location will have indoor and outdoor seating, two floors of overflow and event space, and an uninterrupted view of the city thanks to the all-glass perimeter.

On the menu at Perch for imbibing will be a selection of French-inspired wines, beer, and champagne, as well as lists of cognac and Armagnac, and for eating, a menu of French-inspired dishes by Chef Benjamin Udave (The Jonathan Club). Plus, Perch will have a variety of live entertainment on different nights.

And what of The Must? The Must will return in the fall on the ground floor of the same building, and they'll have lunch, dinner, late night drinks, and weekend brunch. Patrons will find things much in the same spirit of the original Must, including theme game and activity nights, a whimsical menu, and a trove of wines from their private cellar.