Note: I was invited as a guest of the establishment and received a complimentary meal. This was not in exchange for a positive review and opinions expressed are my own.
Why Come Here? Hookah and Mediterranean bites in a garden-lounge setting
A pergola is one of those wooden things you see in a large garden that’s covered in vines or flowers. Which is to say if you live in NYC, it’s something you don’t see. Pergola sort of looks like someone decided to set one up in a New York loft. It’s a soaring two story space that’s full-on open to the street in warmer months and fulled with vines, plants and curtains contrasted with club-like, multi-colored lighting. This all happens in the Flower District, which further adds to the Springiness of the place. Then there are the hookahs because hey, you’re kind of pretending to be outside, right? They come in numerous flavors including fresh fruits and are some of the best I’ve had in the city.
The food is Mediterranean and is also quite good for a swanky hookah lounge. Pergola offers all the mezze staples you’d expect with a nice selection of entrees like lamb burgers and sea bass souvlaki. There’s a large selection of housemade cocktails which I found a bit hit-or-miss, but you won’t go wrong with the Jalisco Rose or Bangkok Banger. It works just as well for shisha and snacks as a full meal in a Mediterranean garden-lounge, making it a great after work option in a neighborhood that has few.
I was invited to sample their spring menu. My favorites are below:
Feta Tomato Crostini 
This place has real good feta. And it goes well mashed into a little salad on a piece of bread.
Mezze Platter 
The spicy fried pita makes an interesting dipper for the traditional assortment of hummus, babaghanoush and olive tapenade. You’ll want one for the table to snack on.
Pergola Lamb Sliders Lamb is underrated as a burger meat. And it’s especially good with feta, arugula and spicy aioli though personally I’d like to see it cooked medium rare.
Grilled Prawn This was the most popular dish of the night at my table. The prawns were perfectly cooked and topped with slightly spicy pomodoro but were almost overshadowed by the phenomenal asparagus risotto. A must order if you get an entree.
Baklava Cheesecake Two hunks of sweet, flakey baklava sandwich a creamy cheesecake filling. Enjoy.
Pergola
36 W 28th Street (B’way & 6th Ave)
New York, NY
