First Look: Gus & Gabriel Gastropub Opens Tonight!

Update (7/12): Check out our dinner photos here.

We took a sneak peak last night at Michael Psilakis' Gus & Gabriel Gastropub. The casual restaurant takes the former place of Psilakis' Kefi restaurant (that had reopened in the former Loft space on Columbus). Gus & Gabriel Gastropub was supposed to open yesterday, but due to an air conditioning malfunction, the opening had been postponed to today at 5pm. The chef, Constantine, and drink specialist, Paul, were kind enough to show us around the new space.
The former enclosed private table has been opened up.

The dining room setup remains the same.

The blue and white decor has been changed to a richer red, white, and gold color scheme.

The atmosphere feels more intimate as the lighting is dimmer (lending to the pub-like feel) than the brightly-lit Kefi.

The menu is filled with affordable homemade pub food. Highlights include the house-made hot dogs (2 for $10.95, cheese and chili style 2 for $12.50) that took Chef Constantine countless incarnations before he developed the winning mix.

Instead of Kefi's limited drink list, Gus & Gabriel features a large (and nicely balanced) scotch, bourbon, and whiskey list in addition to a large list of beers.
Desserts and beverages are given a fun, adult twist on childhood favorites. All traditional milkshakes (4 flavors including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and coffee at $5.95) and floats (most are $8.50) can be spiked for an extra $3.

Though the kitchen was closed, the revamped bar was open to us. Paul gave us a couple of pints to try...

Belhaven Twisted Thistle IPA (5.3% APV): More smooth with mellow hops (similar to the British style) than typical IPA's.

Coney Island Sword Swallower (6.8% APV): This IPA is a hoppy beer.

O'hara's Irish Stout (4.3% APV): We've enjoyed this beer before with fish n' chips so we know this creamy and malty stout will pair well with the menu.

Gus and Gabriel Gastropub is located at 222 West 79th St (btwn Broadway and Amsterdam). Like the old Kefi, this restaurant does not take reservations and is currently only serving a dinner menu.